AICPA & CIMA Announce Inaugural Graduates of the Registered Apprenticeship for Business Partner Program

The AICPA & CIMA, which together form the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, have announced the inaugural graduates of the Registered Apprenticeship for Finance Business Partner (RAP) program. The two apprenticeship graduates – Daniel Grufferman, Global eCommerce controller & Warranty controller with Stanley Black & Decker and Jeffrey Culp, SVP & CFO, Business Transformation Office, Liberty Bank – are each established professionals that entered the program to enhance their skillsets to meet the ongoing talent demands of the finance and accounting profession.

Established in November 2022 and registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and in some states, the Registered Apprenticeship for Finance Business Partner program, is the nation’s first-of-its-type program for accounting and finance. It is focused on meeting the gap of skilled talent in the profession by establishing a pipeline of highly engaged candidates that allows employers to monitor and develop more skilled, diverse, and long-term employees. The program is built on the globally rigorous CGMA Finance Leadership Program leading to the award of the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.

“The battle for talent is increasing, making the need for more skilled accounting and finance talent even more pressing,” said Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, Executive Vice President of Business Engagement & Growth at the AICPA. “How we address the needs of our finance teams today will better position us for tomorrow. Our apprenticeship combines a world-class learning program with mentorship and on-the-job training, which helps employers recruit and grow their own, providing the kind of workplace the 21st century workforce expects – diverse, inclusive, collaborative, and innovative.”

“I wanted to broaden and deepen my knowledge of strategic management concepts – beyond a traditional ‘Finance’ view – and explore related topics like strategic risk management and corporate governance. I was attracted to this program for the depth and breadth of learnings,” noted Jeffrey Culp. “Today’s Finance leaders are value-added business partners, proactively providing guidance on a myriad of corporate challenges including business strategy, risk management and internal controls. This program has provided me the background and tools to actively engage in those discussions as a ‘trusted advisor’.”

“My goals were to utilize the RAP to improve the skillsets of existing finance and accounting teammates and to attract diverse new talent to the organization through non-traditional pathways,” said Paul Young, CFO, Liberty Bank. “The apprenticeship program has helped propel us to become an employer of choice in the banking industry within the markets and communities we serve.”

The graduates were honored during a National Apprenticeship Week ceremony that featured distinguished dignitaries from both the U.S. Department of Labor and the Maryland Department of Labor. Jason Perkins-Cohen, Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, delivered an inspiring keynote address about the opportunities that apprenticeships provide, while Jeffrey Smith of the U.S. Department of Labor presented the Certification of Completion to the inaugural apprenticeship graduates underlining the importance of apprenticeship programs and the dedication of all those involved in fostering their success.

“This event celebrates not only the growth and success of the Registered Apprenticeship for Finance Business Partner , but also the successful launch of our high school apprenticeship in Maryland,” said Joanne Fiore, VP – Pipeline and Apprenticeships, AICPA & CIMA. “By showcasing the benefits of apprenticeship programs, we aim to inspire more professionals and organizations to embrace this valuable career pathway.”

During the event, individual program supporters and participants — from apprentices, mentors, and employers to those supporting youth apprenticeship — were recognized for excellence in their participation in the registered apprenticeship program.

“We reached out to our colleagues and partners to invite nominations for individuals who have truly gone above and beyond in the world of registered apprenticeship,” said Faith Balshan, AICPA & CIMA Senior Apprenticeship Specialist “The registered apprenticeship program is multi-faceted and requires the dedication and collaboration of many key players to ensure its success. From mentors and employers to the apprentices themselves, it is the collective effort of all involved that drives the impact and effectiveness of the program. And we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”

The awards presented and winners are:

Apprentice(s) of the Year:

• Abby Wild, Financial Analyst II FP&A, AON
• Pat McMahon, FLP Financial Analyst, AON
• Xiao Stevens, Finance Business Partner Sr. Apprentice, Liberty Bank

Mentor of the Year:

• Nicholas Lacovara, SVP & Head of FP&A, Liberty Bank

Employer of the Year:

Youth Employer of the Year:

Apprenticeship Ambassador of the Year:

• Monika Turek, Learning & Development Manager, HoganTaylor LLP

Special Ambassador of the Year:

• Paul Young, CFO, Liberty Bank