District’s CFO Earns Top GFOA Certification

Thomas Harper, the schools district's CFO, has been designated a Certified Public Finance Officer.

Thomas Harper, the schools district’s CFO, has been designated a Certified Public Finance Officer.

The Chief Financial Officer for Des Moines Public Schools has joined a select group of the nation’s public finance officials.

Thomas Harper has been awarded the designation of Certified Public Finance Officer by the Government Finance Officers Association. Only 601 individuals, working at all levels of government across the nation, have completed met the rigorous requirements of this program since its inception.

Harper joined DMPS as the school district’s CFO in 2011. Under his leadership, the school district’s business and finance office has earned several national honors for their work.

The following is the press release issued by GFOA announcing the latest individuals to earn the CPFO designation.

GFOA GRADUATES ANOTHER CLASS OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC FINANCE OFFICERS

Since the inception of the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certified Public Finance Officer program, 601 individuals have been awarded the designation of Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO). We are proud to bestow this honor upon our latest class of graduates. Among this class of graduates are:

Lisa K. Anderson, Doman R. Arthur, Pat S. Chamberlin, Terry A. Eubank, Thomas L. Harper, Karl R. Kramer, Donald P. Patterson, Linda E. Watts, Regina B. Williams.

GFOA Executive Director Jeffrey L. Esser said, “This is an outstanding achievement in the career of any public finance officer. The motivation, time, and discipline it took to complete the program are indicative of their dedication to the profession and to public service.”

To earn the CPFO designation, candidate must demonstrate their knowledge of public finance by passing five examinations representation the following core functions:

  • Governmental Accounting, Auditing and Financial Reporting
  • Cash Management and Investments
  • Debt Management
  • Operating and Capital Budgeting
  • Pension and Benefits, Risk Management and Procurement

To maintain the designation, these individuals must participate in 30 hours of continuing professional education each year.