This April, Kimberly Cook, Director of Accounting at KZ Miller, stepped into the Orange County CFMA presidency. Although relatively new to construction, her tenure in financial accounting brings a deep wellspring of expertise to the organization and its members.
We interviewed Kimberly to congratulate her on her new role as Orange County CFMA President and get to know the rapid path that brought her here.
Sometimes, you have to get your hands dirty
Kimberly joined CFMA in 2018 after a season of participation in other industry organizations. It was an ideal fit for construction finance professionals. One year after joining, she passed the CCIFP certification and stepped in as a director at large.
"I tried a couple of other organizations first, but when I came across CFMA, I knew immediately it suited me well. There's a dynamic mix of CPAs, bankers, and those who serve the construction industry specifically," she says. "I've always been in finance, but not always the construction side—with this, there's a natural learning curve, and I knew that CFMA would support me as I learned."
In proper trial by fire fashion, Kimberly simultaneously became familiar with life at a construction firm with Fortune 500 clients, studied for her CCIFP certification, and harnessed every opportunity to network and learn with her new CFMA community.
"The CCIFP certification process is a commitment. It requires a four-hour exam initially followed by 72 completed continuing education credits required every three years," she explained. "The educational aspect is expansive, with the focus primarily on Work-In-Process. I previously worked at an architecture firm where the focus was design; now, we are in the dirt. We build buildings, and I simultaneously build my skills and community with an incredible group of smart, fun people."
Some things never change
Although new responsibilities come with being an organization’s president, one aspect that Kimberly (and all directors) are familiar with is sights set on increasing membership. “The pandemic hasn’t been kind to us, especially because CFMA is a face-to-face, community-oriented group,” she says. “Local and national events alike are essential to take advantage of. Without CFMA, I’d miss out on informational resources and camaraderie. Fortunately, I don’t have to, and I’m excited about attending the national conference in Atlanta in May.”
Kimberly notes the shared goal of increasing Orange County’s CFMA membership base, regardless of position on the board, while acknowledging that stepping in as president elevates that calling to a new level. “Much of our recruitment is word-of-mouth, but we’re increasing visibility through the partnership with Red Mallard. Hopefully, attendance is growing, and we’re collectively excited about the year ahead.”
There’s a special place for construction finance, and it’s CFMA
CFMA is more than a choice, it is a career-boosting path that’s fun along the way. Some of Kimberly’s fond memories of past events include the annual boat cruise, typically held in July during non-pandemic years. “The national conference is great and at the top of my favorites list, but the boat cruise is right there with it. It’s casino-themed, and I recommend everyone to come.”
Whether you’re a seasoned construction finance professional or new to the industry as Kimberly once was, there’s a seat for you at the CFMA table. To learn more about joining your first event for free, email Kimberly Cook at kc@kzcompanies.com or visit CFMA’s Special Events page.
“It has been a wonderful experience leading the Orange County CFMA Chapter the last year. Time flies. I wanted to thank the board for their support during my term to allow me to carry out my role and duties as President. I am excited to be passing the baton to a highly wonderful woman that has been part of CFMA for several years, Kimberly Cook, for the upcoming 2022/2023 year. Kimberly is the Director of Accounting and Treasury at KZ Miller Construction in Irvine, CA. She has played an instrumental part in the programming committee for several years to bring quality speakers to our events and has earned the CCIFP designation. Congratulations, Kimberly!” - Immediate Past President, Jessica Moeller