Finley School District Business Manager Terri McGaughey has a new professional credential to add to her name - CSBS - after earning the Certified School Business Specialist Accounting Professional Certificate in early March.
With a 20-year history in the district, McGaughey stepped into the Business Manager role more than two years ago. From the start, she knew she wanted to continue her education, and the certification program offered through the Washington Association of School Business Officials (WASBO) felt like the perfect opportunity.
“I was looking for a new challenge and a new learning opportunity,” McGaughey said.
McGaughey holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Washington State University and previously served for 18 years as Finley’s fiscal assistant. She said the decision to pursue the CSBS certificate was also motivated by her desire to give back to the community she calls home, a place where she’s lived for 29 years and raised her children.
“I want to do my best by them,” she said. “The district is entrusted with our community’s finances, and we take that responsibility seriously. We want to provide the best service possible.”
Originally from Klickitat, McGaughey met her husband - a Finley native - while attending WSU. The couple returned to Finley after graduating, and she’s been part of the community ever since.
“This is a great community to work with, from the board members to our students and their families,” McGaughey said.