GfOABC 2022 Boot camp

It was just like family feud, when a contestant pushes the button before the question is even finished. It was for points, so I pushed the button. Now I’m sitting here writing an article about the GFOABC 2022 Boot Camp. This is actually my second article, the first one being rejected on grounds of incoherent blather. This one won’t be much better, I promise.

I was somewhat reluctant to go. I heard myself saying things like “I like to learn by reading and trying things out on my own,” or “what could I offer to a group of people who’ve been doing this work for years, while I’ve only just begun?” and “what could they offer me and my organization that isn’t already in the CC?” Well…

The Boot Camp is an introduction to the role and responsibilities of the finance officer. It offered us a wealth of reference material that is literally a playbook for the finance team. And we had the honour of learning that information from our peers that have been developing their expertise in the subject over many years and through various positions. Finance officers from Regional Districts and municipalities of all sizes, auditors, representatives from our supporting organizations and provincial ministries; all volunteered to be a part of our development as municipal finance professionals.

The Boot Camp is themed, with the participants organized into teams. The teams were given a colour, which was more fun than I would have guessed. This year’s theme was baseball. Because I’m writing this, I’ll take the liberty of giving a plug to “Good Vibes Only” or Team Yellow; although the points don’t matter, we were up there on the leaderboard (top 6 I believe.)

Things started out with a description of the participants; it turned out I wasn’t alone. Many of us identified as being quite new to municipal finance. Many from smaller local governments too. Simply an amazing mix of people.

They told us that Boot Camp participants used to do push ups if they showed up late. We were more fortunate. Some of the hottest days of the summer, in a conference room that I’m certain was designed to double the outdoor temperature. Long days, and work into the evenings, but always time to mingle and learn about each other.

We were exposed to people and ideas that will frame our work and guide our decisions.

It’s no coincidence that we were grouped in teams and that the exercises and activities required everyone’s participation. Listening and learning about the experiences of other finance officers, hearing their thoughts and ideas and thinking about how they might be applied

in our own local government. Being courageous enough to ask tough questions (the scary ones that show how much we still have to learn) and empathic enough to appreciate the experiences others are willing to share.

We might be able to do it alone, but what the Boot Camp showed me is that I don’t have to. Indeed, that if I were to rely on myself and not collaborate with all my peers who so willingly offer their experience, I would be doing a disservice to my local government, the people I work with, and the people I serve.

Not sure how to end this, especially with so much gratitude for the people who organized the Boot Camp, for the speakers, and for my 2022 cohort. Oh yes, I’ve got it. Thank you.

TREVOR RYHORCHUK

joined the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality in March 2022 as Director of Finance. Trevor began his accounting career in public practice on Vancouver Island (preferring auditing over taxation) and has since worked for two territorial governments and a forestry company.

Introducing…

Hello GFOABC Members! I am the new Manager of Professional Development and Education at GFOABC. It is my responsibility to support you, the members, to create and implement professional development and educational opportunities all while encouraging excellence in local government finance. I am both excited and honoured to aid in the creation of programs that empowers BC local governments in financial excellence.

I completed my undergraduate degree in Sport Management at Brock University and decided that I was still hungry for more. I then went on to complete a master’s degree, during which I really honed my critical thinking skills. After the completion of my master’s, I realized I was missing school and went back to complete a post-graduate diploma in Project Management at Humber College. You can say I have a unique background that combines business, education, and project management.

My career has also taken me on quite the journey; I’ve been a research assistant for a Pickleball Ontario Coaching program with Brock’s Centre for Sport Capacity. I provided administrative support for a Financial Advisor. I was Program Coordinator for the University of Victoria’s Gustavson’s Weekend MBA.

I am looking forward to working with and meeting you all. I have high hopes and expectations for this role and as the great Michael Scott once said “The only time I set the bar low is for limbo. Always keep the bar raised no matter what.”

Stephanie Kast, Manager, Professional Development & Education