The NWAFP aids its members in several ways. It hosts monthly meetings with either formal presentations or lively group discussions on important topics facing the treasury profession. There are ample opportunities to network with colleagues outside of work. The NWAFP sponsors preparation for the Certified Treasury Professional® (CTP) exam at a discount for its members as well as discounts at the Northwest Summit Regional Conference.
Monthly Meetings
Monthly meetings offer members and guests the opportunity to network with other treasury professionals and discuss relevant treasury management issues while hearing formal presentations and participating in group discussions. Topics focus on domestic and international treasury management issues, banking relations, investments, capital markets, economics, legislation and technology.
The meetings are generally scheduled on the third Thursday of each month and run from September through May.
Those who have attended NWAFP meeting have gained insight from local professionals on "best practices" and other relevant topics from companies such as Starbucks, Microsoft, REI, Costco, T-Mobile, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Industry professionals from financial institutions and other treasury related industries keep members current on trends in new products and legislation relating to treasury management.
Members can obtain CTP and CPE renewal credits by attending NWAFP meetings with an educational program.
Each monthly meeting is located at McCormick & Schmick's Harborside at 1200 Westlake Ave N, in Seattle. If riding the bus, use King County Metro bus routes 40 or 62; the restaurant is also within walking distance of a stop on the Seattle Streetcar. The NWAFP encourages ride sharing to its meetings.
Education
The Certified Treasury Professional® (CTP) is an examination-based certification and is widely regarded by treasury managers as one of the leading credentials in the field, reflecting a high standard of professionalism. The CTP designation is the only professional credential in cash management. Earning your CTP credential is a way to achieve recognition and advance your career.
The increasing emphasis on maximizing the earning power of liquid assets, and the need to improve efficiency in treasury operations, has placed new importance on the cash/treasury management function. The result is a more demanding job market, where certification as a CTP is a valuable asset for your professional growth.
More and more employers, faced with critical staffing decisions, are looking at the CTP credential as an added value in prospective employees and are actively seeking people with this credential.
To your peers, the CTP credential demonstrates your commitment to professional development and meeting new challenges.
The NWAFP recognizes that earning the designation of CTP is a valuable professional achievement. Members are encouraged to take the certification exam. Study sessions are available for members preparing for the exam. The NWAFP monthly meetings and workshops are designed for members to receive valuable information as well as necessary certification renewal credits.
For more information regarding the CTP please visit click here. The NWAFP does not automatically submit renewal credits for those members with the CTP designation. To submit your renewal credits click here.
CTP Renewal Credits
CTP renewal credits may be obtained at the NWAFP meetings that have an educational program. Each educational program meeting (minimum 50 minutes) is valid for one credit.
CTP members are responsible for evaluating their own continuing education activities and maintaining records documenting CTP renewal credit activity. Please make sure to note the program event in the CTP renewal reporting form. For documenting the NWAFP meetings, the title and program of the event are typically adequate documentation. The NWAFP will assist in verifying individual attendance at meetings should the CTP be audited.
The NWAFP archives presentations of speakers (if provided), and program schedules of the past several years to help in CTP renewal reporting. Click here for the CTP renewal credit reporting form.
Networking
The NWAFP monthly luncheons, social opportunities outside of work, and annual conferences provide an excellent environment to meet and converse with other treasury management professionals from both business and government sectors.