Murkerson advances in certification process

The Vinson Institutes’ Local Training Program offers the local finance officer certification program and the primary governmental accounting series. Murkerson has been involved in the local financial officer certification and recently completed level one.

Completion of level one is required within a three-year time frame, according to Murkerson. Once certification is achieved, 15 hours of approved continuing education is required every two years for finance officers to maintain their certification.

Murkerson has been involved in training classes since March 2019 and she completed the last of the level one classes in May.

Among the classes she has successfully completed are introductory budget; capital improvement program; debt administration; purchasing; introductory government accounting I; introductory government accounting II; and treasury management.

“These courses provided a variety of educational opportunities specific for local government. Not only did I acquire specific knowledge required for sound financial management practices to assist in operating efficiently and effectively, I also had the opportunity to network with various counties across Georgia. I have had other counties reach out to me for assistance and I have reached out to others, as well. Additionally, I have developed professional relations with the trainers within the program. Having this information on hand also allows me to share with the other finance department staff and county commissioners,” Murkerson said.

The Grady County finance director has also completed two of three required courses for the primary government accounting series, as well.

“At present, I’m heavily involved with day-to-day duties, annual financial audit, and gathering information for the development the 2021 budget but hope to start the Level II certification and complete the last class needed for the government accounting certification as soon as feasible. I am thankful to the county commissioners and to the county administrator for allowing me the opportunity to receive this training to the betterment of Grady County,” Murkerson said.

“I am very proud of Mrs. Murkerson’s accomplishments in getting the first of three important government finance certifications under her belt. There is no doubt she will continue this exclusive training and Grady County will benefit even more from her experience and education. Holly is a major asset that God sent to this county,” Grady County administrator J.C. (Buddy) Johnson III, said.

Murkerson joined the county staff in November 2018 after having previously served as the chief operations officer for The Vashti Center, Inc., in Thomasville.

At Vashti, she managed an annual budget of $3 million and supervised program directors, clinical directors, department heads and support staff.

She is the fourth person to serve as the county’s finance director since 2013.