CSMFO Interview with Chapter Chair Nitish Sharma

What do most people misunderstand about your work in CSMFO (or at your agency)?

Nitish Response: I believe people do not understand that CSMFO is a nearly all volunteer organization comprised by primarily finance officers throughout the State of California promoting excellence in government finance.

What are your 2019 goals for your (chapter, committee or board)?

My goal for the Sacramento Valley Chapter for 2019 is to reach out to members and non-members to educate them about the importance of collaboration between finance officers, innovation at a workplace, and customer service.

What 2019 CSMFO events are you really excited about?

I am very excited to participate again in the goal setting exercise for 2020 at this year’s upcoming CSMFO strategic planning session.

What were the early obstacles in your career… and how did you overcome them

The biggest obstacle in my career was the transition from a private firm to a local government. Government sector is more of a process driven environment rather than end result. I’m proud that I have managed to turn most challenges into opportunities and have looked for ways to add value to those processes that have been done the same way we always done them.

What experiences led to some of your biggest career influences? What makes you passionate about your job?

Strategic thinking and willingness to always do more have led me to some of my biggest career influences. I also took a chance at new opportunities when the time was right and trusted myself to succeed. My contribution to the community makes me passionate about my job.

Looking back at your career thus far, who would you like to thank for being there for you?

I would like to thank a number of people who believed in my ability to perform throughout my career.

What new challenges or opportunities have presented themselves to you most recently?

My new challenge is to implement a new Enterprise Resource System. I am excited about this project as it provides me with an opportunity to create a system that is dynamic, efficient and customer friendly.

What led you to your first government job?

I had government clients as an auditor. Due to travel in a private firm, I decided to settle for a job that is more stable and provide me with an opportunity to focus on quality of life.

What was your strategy to getting promoted?  Did you rely on mentors?  Did you push for new assignments at your agency?  Did you focus on expanding your technical knowledge either through a certification or going back to school?

My strategy to getting promoted is to be very well informed with the finance industry, the community and the region, and take advantage of training opportunities.

What one type of food or drink would you eliminate from existence if you could?

Soda

What soft skills and technical skills really impress you and are you looking for when you’re interviewing candidates?

I believe strong communication skills and self-confidence are really important to me when I am interviewing candidates.

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