the municipal secretary desktop reference manual - Southwestern ...

SECTION IV
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
Foreword
Municipal secretaries who began their careers in the private sector will recognize major
differences in the two roles. Once appointed, a municipal secretary finds basic skills such as typing,
filing, and bookkeeping to be essential. However, these skills alone hardly prepare one for the
unique duties of the municipal secretary.
Not all appointing governing bodies recognize the importance of an adequately trained
secretary. However, various agencies who provide training can list numerous reasons why the
annual budget should contain funding for training at all staff levels, and why provisions should be
made to enable staff members to attend classes at whatever time or location they are scheduled.
A secretary with a specialized education in local government acquires the knowledge to:
- Improve productivity by providing efficient office management.
- Generate revenue through knowledge regarding investments and tax revenue collection.
- Increase revenue from state refund programs by improving reporting techniques.
- Increasing odds of successfully applying for grant money.
- Effectively lower insurance rates through knowledge of liability issues and risk
management principles.
- Improve the relationship between the government body and the media.
- Cultivate volunteer participation in community projects.
- Foster better relationship between the governing body and the various appointed boards
and citizen groups.
Training can ultimately lead to various certifications through programs that are outlined in
this section. While not currently required as a condition of employment in Pennsylvania local
governments, certification designations do serve to add to the professionalization of the municipal
secretary. The education obtained through the required courses improves the municipality=s ability to
offer an efficient administration.
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