WASHINGTON –
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller senior enlisted advisor brought together 32 finance and comptroller sergeants major from across the Regular Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard to the 2025 Financial Management and Comptroller Senior Enlisted Symposium held in Washington, D.C., Feb. 11-12.
The sergeants major in attendance were given a mission to enhance collaboration, strengthen professional development, and shape the future of the Army’s FC profession during the symposium, which played a crucial role in aligning the FC enlisted initiatives with the Army’s broader strategic objectives, ensuring financial leaders are equipped to meet evolving challenges at all levels of command.
Strengthening the Army Finance Corps
The symposium also provided an exclusive forum for FC sergeants major to engage directly with Army senior leaders. Briefings covered critical updates and strategic insights, equipping enlisted leaders with the tools necessary to enhance operational effectiveness across all echelons.
These discussions not only provided updates on fiscal policies and finance operations but also underscored the importance of adaptability in the face of budgetary constraints and shifting Army priorities.
Key presentations included:
- Lt. Gen. Paul A. Chamberlain, Military Deputy to the ASA (FM&C), who provided information on Army budget execution and financial dynamics at the Department of the Army level. Chamberlain emphasized the necessity of fiscal discipline and strategic allocation of resources to maintain readiness and auditability. He also reinforced the importance of the enlisted force in everything accomplished in the FC profession.
- Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer discussed transforming-in-contact initiatives, the importance of senior enlisted leaders understanding how resources are utilized, the critical role FC enlisted leaders have in educating our formations, and professional growth within the noncommissioned officer profession.
- Kimberly Scott, OASA (FM&C) Workforce Development and Training director, emphasized talent management, the modernization of financial management skills, and professional growth within the financial management community. Scott’s session also highlighted ongoing initiatives to develop enlisted talent through education and structured career paths.
- Brig. Gen. Rebecca B. McElwain, OASA (FM&C) Congressional Budget Liaison chief, explained the Army Congressional Budget Liaison’s role in shaping and advocating for Army funding priorities. McElwain also provided insights into the importance of financial transparency and engagement with congressional stakeholders.
- Brig. Gen. Paige Jennings, Joint Chiefs of Staff Director for Manpower and Personnel, discussed her role, offering perspective on financial operations at the joint level and the integration of financial management within the broader defense landscape. Jennings’ insights underscored the necessity of cross-functional collaboration to streamline financial operations.
- Sgt. Maj. Jonathan A. Uribe-Huitron, Army G1 Director of Military Personnel Management senior enlisted advisor, discussed Army initiatives impacting senior enlisted management, trends, and benefits of the Sergeant Major Assessment Program, highlighting personal and professional growth resources provided, and touched on centralized promotion boards and how we identify our top talent.
Defining the future of financial leadership
The Financial Management and Comptroller Senior Enlisted Symposium also focused on strengthening professional development standards within the FC profession.
Senior enlisted leaders collaborated on the Financial Management and Comptroller Enlisted Guide, a critical document aimed at defining enlisted positions, key responsibilities, essential tasks, systems access requirements, recommended certifications and training, while also providing clear expectations of utilization.
The guide will serve as a living document, continuously updated to reflect emerging financial challenges and force design updates within the profession. Additionally, it will frame enlisted professional development across the force by providing a reference for enlisted utilization. The Financial Management and Comptroller Enlisted Guide is due to be released in the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2025.
By addressing training gaps and ensuring alignment with advancing financial strategies, the guide will empower NCOs to understand how to effectively support their leaders and optimize their utilization while serving in a particular position, ultimately achieving mission success.
Symposium attendees also discussed how the guide could serve as a tool for mentorship, bridging the gap between junior Soldiers and senior leaders by fostering professional development conversations and career planning strategies.
Building financial readiness for the future
The symposium reinforced the critical role of FC NCOs in Army readiness and sustainment operations. By preparing senior enlisted leaders with strategic insights and operational tools, the Army ensures that financial professionals remain adaptable, informed, and prepared to navigate the complexities of fiscal management in an evolving strategic environment. Discussions highlighted the importance of leveraging technology, streamlining financial processes, and improving financial literacy among Soldiers at all levels.
Additionally, participants explored how emerging trends such as data analytics, Enterprise Business Systems Convergence, and new digital ledger technology can be incorporated into financial operations to increase efficiency and reduce human error. These advancements, coupled with a well-trained FC enlisted professional, will ensure that the Finance Corps remains a critical enabler of Army operations.
Expanding the role of finance and comptroller leaders
The symposium also explored the expanding role of FC leaders in supporting Large Scale Combat Operations. As the Army continues to modernize, the Finance Corps must remain agile, capable of integrating financial management into evolving operational environments. FC leaders are expected to leverage data analytics, forecasting models, and automated financial systems to enhance mission support.
Symposium attendees discussed the importance of embedding financial expertise within operational units, providing commanders with timely, actionable financial insights to support operations.
Participants also examined how greater collaboration with sustainment branches could improve financial readiness across the force. Finance operations NCOs must work closely with logisticians, resource managers and contracting professionals to develop holistic sustainment strategies that optimize resources and maximize mission success.
Sustaining excellence in financial management and comptroller leadership
As the Army’s FC profession continues to evolve, initiatives like the Senior Enlisted Finance and Comptroller Symposium remain essential in fostering a total Army approach to address enlisted initiatives, which will continue to allow us to produce a well-trained, adaptable enlisted force that can support the mission and sustain financial excellence at every level of command.
The commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and strategic alignment ensures that financial managers remain ready to support and execute the Army’s mission, regardless of the operational environment. Moving forward, the FC profession will continue to develop innovative solutions, enhance professional development, and ensure that financial readiness remains a cornerstone of Army operations.