Episode Summary: "Becoming an Elite School Business Official: All About the SFO Certification"

Release Date: November 19, 2024
Podcast: School Business Insider
Host: John Brucato

Introduction to the Episode

In this insightful episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato delves into the realm of professional certifications within school business administration, focusing particularly on the Certified Administrator for School Finance and Operations (SFO) Certification. This prestigious credential is celebrated for upholding the highest standards of knowledge and professional competencies among school business officials nationwide.

Meet the Guests

John welcomes two distinguished guests who bring a wealth of experience and perspective on the SFO Certification:

• Matthew Lentz: The seasoned Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Esperanza in Pennsylvania. With nearly 25 years of experience in school business administration, Matt is a certified SFO and currently serves one of the largest special districts in Pennsylvania.

• Rebecca Brooks: The CFO at Elizabeth School District in Colorado, who is contemplating pursuing her SFO Certification. Rebecca has been part of the district for almost two years and is an active member of the Colorado chapter of ASBO International.

Timestamp: [02:08] - Rebecca Brooks introduces herself, emphasizing her passion for school finance and involvement with ASBO International.

Timestamp: [02:52] - Matthew Lentz shares his extensive background in school business administration and his commitment to fostering strong communities through education.

Understanding the SFO Certification

John initiates the conversation by asking Matt to explain what the SFO Certification entails.

Matthew Lentz describes the SFO as a nationally recognized credential that signifies a high standard of professional competency in school business operations. He emphasizes that it is more than just a certification; it serves as a "launchpad for career advancement and recognition in the field".

Timestamp: [03:58] - Matt elaborates on the certification process, highlighting the rigorous preparation, relevant experience, and ongoing professional development required to obtain and maintain the designation.

Motivations for Pursuing the SFO

The discussion transitions to Rebecca's interest in the SFO Certification.

Rebecca Brooks shares her journey from an accounting background to discovering her passion for school finance. She explains that while she initially pursued a CPA, she found her true niche in school business administration. Rebecca notes the growing demand for the SFO Certification in job postings, viewing it as a strategic move to "stay in the niche" of school finance for her ongoing career.

Timestamp: [05:04] - Rebecca discusses her intention to pursue the SFO Certification as a means to enhance her career prospects and solidify her expertise in school finance.

Conversely, Matthew Lentz recounts his decision to obtain the SFO Certification after 13 to 15 years in the field. He sought to validate his extensive practical experience with a formal credential, aiming to "demonstrate that I have the knowledge to be a chief school official" and to broaden his impact beyond traditional finance roles.

Timestamp: [06:17] - Matt explains his motivation to advance into more diverse and leadership-oriented roles through the SFO Certification.

Career Advantages of the SFO Certification

The conversation delves into the tangible benefits of obtaining the SFO Certification.

Matthew Lentz highlights the recognition and credibility that come with the certification. He shares how it not only provided personal acknowledgment but also elevated his standing within his district, leading to advanced roles such as acting superintendent.

Timestamp: [07:19] - Matt discusses how the SFO Certification facilitated his promotion to CFO and opened doors to additional leadership opportunities.

Rebecca Brooks envisions the certification enhancing her ability to manage various aspects of her role, including food service, transportation, and human resources. She believes that the SFO will equip her with the necessary skills to handle the multifaceted responsibilities of a CFO in a smaller district.

Timestamp: [11:09] - Rebecca articulates her goals for the SFO Certification, aiming to expand her knowledge beyond traditional finance to encompass broader operational areas.

Challenges in the Certification Process

John explores the hurdles candidates may face when pursuing the SFO Certification.

Matthew Lentz reflects on his preparation journey, noting the scarcity of certified SFOs in Pennsylvania during his time and the reliance on ASBO's online resources. He found the online test format challenging yet manageable, appreciating the ability to navigate questions flexibly.

Timestamp: [12:50] - Matt discusses the initial challenges of studying for the SFO exam without local peer support and his positive experience with the online testing format.

Rebecca Brooks anticipates similar preparation challenges, particularly in areas like human resources and transportation, where she has less experience. She plans to attend a prep class and utilize ASBO's resources to strengthen her knowledge in these domains.

Timestamp: [15:04] - Rebecca shares her strategy for overcoming preparation challenges by engaging in structured prep classes and utilizing digital flashcards.

Maintaining the SFO Certification

The discussion shifts to the ongoing commitment required to maintain the SFO Certification.

Matthew Lentz outlines the recertification process, which mandates 45 contact hours of professional development every three years. He emphasizes that these requirements are seamlessly integrated into daily professional activities, such as attending ASBO webinars and participating in unstructured learning opportunities.

Timestamp: [25:46] - Matt explains the recertification process, highlighting the manageable nature of accruing the necessary contact hours through existing professional development activities.

John adds that maintaining the certification aligns with the professionals' continuous learning and commitment to excellence in their roles.

Perception and Growth of the SFO Certification

The conversation addresses how the SFO Certification is perceived within different states and its adoption among peers.

Matthew Lentz notes that while Pennsylvania has its state-specific certifications focusing on areas like accounting and payroll, the SFO Certification offers a broader knowledge base that complements state credentials and is recognized nationally.

Timestamp: [21:19] - Matt discusses the integration and added value of the SFO Certification alongside state-specific credentials in Pennsylvania.

Rebecca Brooks observes that in Colorado, the SFO Certification is slowly gaining momentum, with approximately 30 to 40 certified individuals in the state. She expresses optimism about its increasing recognition and encourages her peers to pursue it.

Timestamp: [22:21] - Rebecca comments on the growing, albeit gradual, adoption of the SFO Certification within Colorado's school business community.

Matthew Lentz also addresses common misconceptions, such as the belief that extensive experience negates the need for certification. He argues that the SFO provides formal validation of expertise, enhancing credibility and professional standing.

Timestamp: [23:17] - Matt counters misconceptions by emphasizing the added credibility and comprehensive knowledge base provided by the SFO Certification.

Impact on Organizational and Personal Growth

The SFO Certification not only benefits individual professionals but also positively impacts their organizations.

Matthew Lentz shares how his certification fosters a culture of professional development within his team, inspiring staff members to pursue their own certifications and contribute to the district's success.

Timestamp: [18:48] - Matt explains how the SFO Certification has become a point of pride and a catalyst for professional growth among his staff, enhancing overall organizational capability.

Rebecca Brooks anticipates that earning her SFO Certification will strengthen her ability to handle diverse challenges and demonstrate her commitment to continuous improvement, thereby enhancing her contributions to her district.

Timestamp: [19:57] - Rebecca discusses how the SFO Certification will enable her to support her district more effectively and showcase her dedication to professional growth.

Future Professional Growth and Opportunities

Looking ahead, both Matt and Rebecca envision the SFO Certification playing a pivotal role in their career trajectories.

Matthew Lentz plans to leverage his certification to drive innovation within his organization, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and organizational restructuring. He aims to continue demonstrating leadership beyond traditional financial roles.

Timestamp: [29:09] - Matt shares his vision for utilizing the SFO Certification to spearhead new initiatives and expand his leadership capabilities.

Rebecca Brooks looks forward to the certification enabling her to seamlessly transition between various operational areas, enhancing her flexibility and readiness to tackle unforeseen challenges. She also sees the SFO as a gateway to new opportunities should she choose to explore them in the future.

Timestamp: [30:12] - Rebecca articulates her aspirations for the SFO Certification to broaden her operational expertise and prepare for potential future opportunities.

Conclusion and Encouragement

John wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to consider pursuing the SFO Certification, highlighting its benefits as demonstrated by his guests. He commends Matt and Rebecca for their dedication and contributions to the field of school business administration.

Timestamp: [30:52] - John summarizes the discussion, reinforcing the value of the SFO Certification for professional advancement and organizational excellence.

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to Matt and Rebecca, leaving listeners inspired to explore the possibilities that the SFO Certification offers for their careers and the communities they serve.

Key Takeaways:

• The SFO Certification is a nationally recognized credential that enhances professional credibility and career advancement in school business administration.
• Matthew Lentz and Rebecca Brooks share their personal motivations, challenges, and the positive impacts of pursuing or holding the SFO Certification.
• The certification fosters a culture of continuous professional development and can lead to broader leadership roles beyond traditional finance responsibilities.
• Maintaining the certification requires ongoing professional development, which aligns with the daily growth activities of school business officials.
• The SFO Certification is gradually gaining recognition in states like Pennsylvania and Colorado, with increasing adoption among school business professionals.

Notable Quotes:

• Matthew Lentz: "The certification wasn't just a credential; it was an opportunity for recognition within the district and a moment to reflect." [07:19]

• Rebecca Brooks: "It's always been a struggle. A lot of job postings, if you want to continue to move up, require either a CPA or an SFO certification." [06:10]

• John Brucato: "Anyone listening, I would encourage you to pursue your SFO if it's something that you have considered or have heard about and are really looking to take the next step in your career." [30:52]

This episode of School Business Insider serves as a comprehensive guide for school business professionals considering the SFO Certification, offering real-world insights and encouragement to elevate their careers and impact their educational communities positively.