From staff reports DUNCAN – Duncan’s finance director, Billie Strutton, recently achieved the distinction of certified public finance officer from the Government Finance Officers Association, city off icials said in a news release.
The CPFO program is designed to prepare people for leadership positions in state and local governments by enhancing their fundamental skills and their knowledge of best practices and standards in public finance, officials said. The program also prepares members to better serve their governments and communities.
The program consists of seven exams to verify knowledge in the major disciplines of government finance: accounting and financial reporting; compensation and benefits; debt management; planning and budgeting; treasury and investment management; procurement; and risk assessment.
More than 800 people have earned the CPFO designation since the program was launched in 1997, officials said. The program is designed to be completed within two years.
Strutton began the cer tification process in December 2023 and completed it well before the 24-month mark.
“We’re fortunate to have Billie as o ur finance director and congratulate her on this extr aordinary achievement,” said City Manager Chris Deal. “Only a small per centage of finance directors hold this certification, and Billie’s dedication to p ursuing municipal finance excellence and continued education indicate her level of leadership and commitment to our community.”
Strutton, who holds an accounting degree from Cameron University, was promoted to the f inance director’s position in M ay.