We’re excited to share that Billi Chebli, Revenue Analyst, has earned her Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) certification from Association for Financial Professionals — a globally recognized credential in treasury and finance.
What makes this extra special is that the test is HARD to pass. In the 2024 testing window, approximately 600 candidates passed in the U.S., and pass rates typically range between 43–51%. This certification is rigorous, highly respected, and international in scope — and Billi took it on while balancing work, family, and professional commitments.
At Living Well we are working hard to build up the skills and professionalism of our finance team, as together they manage in excess of $10M in investments. Billi’s certification is a big nod to her skills and professional growth mindset. We are super proud of her achievement.
Why She Took the Leap
At the start of last year, Billi set a goal to keep her knowledge current and continue growing professionally. After speaking with a friend at 3M who was encouraged to pursue certifications, Billi began exploring options herself. When Billi discovered CTP credentials, it aligned perfectly with her role and long-term goals.
In support of Billi’s desire to take on this certification, she received a scholarship to cover study materials through the Kathy LeMay Foundation Scholarship Fund. Kathy, the CEO of Living Well for almost 30 years before she retired in 2006, remains deeply committed to supporting career achievements for staff and is a dedicated advocate for the work we do. The scholarship was a pivotal moment for Billi, as it made the opportunity accessible and affirmed that she should go for it. With strong encouragement from her supervisor and colleagues, she officially began the journey.
A Year of Preparation
Preparation was no small task. There was an 800+ page body of knowledge — every word testable. Online learning modules and practice exams took time and study. Flashcards and active recall study techniques were implemented. And study games and memory tools became essential.
With nearly a year of consistent preparation Billi spent her commute listening to lectures. She scheduled two hours every Sunday at the library and studied most evenings after her son went to bed. She replaced social media scrolling with review time and brought her laptop everywhere. Once she put her mind to it, she was committed to reaching her goal.
“It was hard,” she shared. “I’m not naturally a self-teacher. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, especially knowing many test-takers had MBAs and a decade of global banking experience. But I had an incredible support system at home and at work. I told myself, if I pass, I’ll be thrilled. If I don’t, I gave it everything.” For two weeks before the exam, the stress was so intense she jokes she briefly considered law school instead! But she persevered.
Applying Knowledge in Real Time
One of the most empowering parts of the process was immediate application. As Billi transitioned into taking over treasury functions last spring, she found herself learning concepts and applying them at work right away — from analyzing reports to managing fraudulent payment risks. By late summer, she felt significantly more confident and knowledgeable in her role.
She also gained a broader understanding of how finance, accounting, and treasury work together — strengthening collaboration across the whole team.
Looking Ahead
Billi isn’t done yet. She hopes to pursue a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in finance — essentially an MBA-style program for nonprofits and the public sector. Her undergraduate degree in Economics (with a Psychology minor) from St. Catherine University laid the foundation, and the CTP builds directly on that expertise.
Leadership Beyond Finance
Since April 2024, Billi has also served as a DEIB co-chair alongside Jackson. As one of the few women of color at Northland, she felt it was important to contribute her voice and leadership.
She has long believed that diversity is a natural and essential part of thriving communities — a perspective shaped during her time at St. Kate’s. Her continued involvement strengthens our mission and ensures both the people we support, and our employees feel valued and represented.
Congratulations, Billi!
This achievement reflects perseverance, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud of Billi — not only for earning her CTP certification, but for the growth, leadership, and insight she brings to our organization every day.
Pete Koehn, CFO, says, “This is an important achievement for Billi, and in a way our whole team, too. Certifications like this help strengthen teams by providing growth opportunities and bringing new skills to the table. We all learn when our teammates share their skills and professional passions.”
Still reading and want more understanding of treasury, finance & accounting role. Here is a quick breakdown:
Treasury: Treasury professionals function as the “banker” of the company. They manage relationships with banks, oversees cash flow, and ensure liquidity — both present and future. Treasury is forward-looking and focused on maintaining financial stability.
Accounting: Accounting records and reports financial activity. It captures historical data and communicates where the organization has stood financially. Accounting documents the past while supporting future needs.
Finance: Finance takes the broader view. It uses current financial data to guide future decisions — including budgeting, forecasting, investing, borrowing, and overall financial health.
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