North Country SBDC Business Advisor Achieves Certified Management Accountant Designation Richard L. Gottschall, business advisor in the North Country Small Business Development Center (SBDC) PLATTSBURGH, NY -- Richard L. Gottschall, business advisor in the North Country Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh, has received designation as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). A native of Plattsburgh, Gottschall was appointed to the staff of the North Country SBDC in February 2004 and is one of several advisors responsible for assisting businesses throughout five northern New York counties. Delena Clark, SBDC director, said that this is a great accomplishment for Gottschall. “We are proud of Rich’s accomplishment, and it adds a perfect dimension to the services we can offer our clients.” The Institute of Certified Management Accountants recently announced that Gottschall earned the CMA designation and joins a rapidly growing number of professionals who have become CMAs. Accountants who earn the CMA have displayed proficiency in many facets of accounting and financial management. This is demonstrated by completion of a nationwide comprehensive examination on accounting and related subjects, meeting a two-year management accounting experience requirement and agreeing to comply with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Management Accountants. These abilities make the CMAs a valuable member of the accounting profession. According to Gottschall, “Small businesses are disadvantaged in information resources and analysis. Essentially, they make decisions in the dark, not knowing what is coming from the outside and not even really understanding their own business. How can they make good decisions? Small business people need good information to make sound management decisions, I wanted to improve and certify my skills in this area to help strengthen local businesses.” Gottschall earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Juniata College in 1989 and a master’s degree in international management from the American Graduate School of International Management in 2001. As an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business and Economics at Plattsburgh State, he has taught management and marketing courses. Gottschall has extensive experience in small business finance. His career has included director of economic revitalization in Montenegro, small enterprise assistance in Macedonia and owning and operating his own business venture from 1989-1996 in Plattsburgh. Established in 1972 by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), the Institute of Certified Management Accountants administers the CMA Examination. With approximately 70,000 members, IMA is the world’s largest organization for Management Accountants and Financial Management. Founded in 1919, IMA is based in Montvale, New Jersey. In a confidential setting, the SBDC works one-on-one with small business owners to help them expand their existing business by exploring avenues for funding, marketing and management. With emerging companies, the counselors work with new entrepreneurs to help them successfully start a business. The SBDC provides these services at no cost to clients. Serving Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren and northern Washington counties, the SBDC office is part of a statewide program, funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the State of New York. Businesses seeking assistance in developing cash flow projections, financial statement analysis and advice on strategic management decisions can contact Richard Gottschall at 518-564-2042. You can also find out more about SBDC by visiting the SBDC website at http://www.northcountrysbdc.org. Newer Story Return To List Older Story