FRESNO, Calif., May 17, 2016 -- MuniServices, LLC, a business of PRA Group (Nasdaq:PRAA), in partnership with the California City Management Foundation (CCMF) and Saddleback College, will offer aspiring municipal leaders an opportunity to learn about strategic financial administration through the newly formed Municipal Financial Management Certification Program.
"Working intimately with municipal entities, MuniServices is keenly aware of the unprecedented pressure our public agency partners face on a daily basis to manage finances effectively," said Julia Erdkamp, program chair and client services manager for MuniServices. "The Municipal Financial Management Certification Program is about empowering agencies to meet these growing challenges by providing current and future leaders with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complex terrain of local government finance."
Designed for staff, analysts and managers currently working within local government, the five-course program will be offered through a series of web-based and in-person classes. Course offerings will include tax policy and revenue streams, accounting and budgeting, strategic financing, and leadership.
Through the program, students aspiring to leadership positions in local government will learn the ins and outs of municipal finance, giving them the tools and skills municipal leaders use each day to maintain fiscal accountability and control over department and program spending.
While these tools are essential for municipal leaders, a primary goal of the program is to teach government finance and leadership best practices that students can observe, understand and apply in their jobs.
Creation of the program is made possible by the partnership of the CCMF and Saddleback College, and the critical support of the Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC). The CCMF provides access to key senior talent within the California city manager ranks. Saddleback College provides the academic rigor, course delivery platforms and educational expertise to ensure the program delivers on its promise of education.
"The California City Management Foundation is dedicated to supporting retired, current and future city managers throughout the state," said CCMF Executive Director Ken Pulskamp. "Managing the finances of a city is no easy task and will likely become even more complicated over time. This partnership with Saddleback College is a perfect opportunity to assure that the next generation of leaders has the skill set needed to meet financial challenges head-on."
"Saddleback College is proud to partner with MuniServices and CCMF to provide such a crucial program to local government agencies," said Israel Dominguez, director of economic development and workforce development at Saddleback College. "Expanding the knowledge of decision makers in local government is truly a win-win that benefits the students and the communities they will go on to serve. It is exactly the kind of role that a community college can fill."
To learn more about the program, express an interest in participating, or to indicate an interest in teaching, visit www.muniservices.com/education or email Julia Erdkamp at education@muniservices.com.
MuniServices is one of the few firms in the United States offering the full suite of revenue enhancement services including revenue discovery, audit, collections and information services, encompassing every municipal tax source.
About MuniServices, LLC
Founded more than 35 years ago, MuniServices, a business of PRA Group (Nasdaq:PRAA), provides revenue discovery, recovery and compliance services to states and more than 1,000 municipalities nationwide with our PRA Government Services, Revenue Discovery Systems (RDS) and Broussard Partners & Associates (BPA) brands. Our efforts have resulted in reduced administrative costs and the identification of more than $2.4 billion in unreported local taxes and fees. For more information, please visit www.muniservices.com.
About PRA Group
As a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, PRA Group (Nasdaq:PRAA) returns capital to banks and other creditors to help expand financial services for consumers in the Americas and Europe. PRA Group companies collaborate with customers to help them resolve their debt and provide a broad range of additional revenue and recovery services to business and government clients.
PRA has been recognized as one of Fortune's 100 Fastest-Growing Companies for three years, one of Forbes' Best Small Companies in America for eight consecutive years, and one of Forbes' Best Midsize Employers in America in 2016. For more information, please visit www.pragroup.com.
News Media Contact: Nancy Porter Vice President, Corporate Communications (757) 431-7950 NAPorter@PRAGroup.com