As a construction financial manager (CFM), you often wear many hats within your organization. One of the most challenging is serving as the head or management leader for your company’s information technology (IT) department. Most CFMs are not educated in technology or information systems, but they often get thrown into the fire when IT decisions need to be made or managed. Having resources, education, training, and a network on which to rely are keys to surviving.
The path to certification and the education required to get there provides additional building blocks for successful IT management. Being a Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) integrates you into a network of peers that you can tap into for the answers and solutions you need when technology questions arise in your organization.
The following list highlights some of the many challenges you might face with your IT department and management:
- Enterprise resource planning system selection
- Digital transformation
- Skills gaps and hiring qualified IT professionals
- Field-based technology
- Mobile devices and connectivity from field and remote offices
- Cybersecurity and insurance
- Data integrity and security
- Analytics and data management
- Technology training
- Systems and process documentation
- Continuous innovation and improvement
All of these require unique skills to implement and manage within an organization. While your IT team may lead on the front lines, as the CFM, you are charged with oversight, cost control, ongoing assessment, and staying on top of the rapidly changing technologies. These tasks are not easy for the well-trained and are even harder for those who wear multiple hats and have varied responsibilities.
CCIFPs, with their industry networks and training, are positioned to navigate the mine fields and find solutions to everyday challenges. Through the ongoing education that is required for CCIFPs, one can stay current on trends and new developments that positively impact the technology world.
Utilizing your CFMA network and relying on your CCIFP connections are integral to getting the answers you need. Many of the questions generated can be answered by other CCIFPs who have walked the same paths or have gained the expertise. Utilizing best practices from your connections will save you and your company time, frustration, and money.
After all, the best problems are those that are avoided, and the best advice comes from those with experience. Help yourself and your company; get certified!
Copyright © 2021 by the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). All rights reserved. This article first appeared in July/August 2021 CFMA Building Profits magazine.