Spotlight on an ETA CPP: Tom Koski, Beyond Bancard

Tom Koski, CAMS, ETA CPP, Director of Underwriting, Beyond Bancard

The ETA Certified Payments Professional (ETA CPP) has been raising the bar for payments industry professionals since 2011. The designation signifies to your clients that you have the knowledge and skills required to perform competently in today’s complex payments environment.

We ran into Tom Koski at this year’s TRANSACT and asked him to share why he is such a strong advocate and supporter of the ETA CPP program with the Transaction Trends audience.

The next test application window to become an ETA CPP closes on May 1. Don’t miss your chance to add the designation next to your name provides you with added credibility and your customers confidence when doing business with you.

Who should become an ETA Certified Payments Professional (ETA CPP)?
Anyone looking to take their career to the next level should become certified.

Why should you become certified, and why does it matter?
The certification authenticates your knowledge of the payment industry and regards you as a trusted source of information. Our responsibility is to ensure the quality of the process is seamless from the initial submission to underwriting and going live without mistakes—every merchant and transaction matters. The more you know, the better the customer experience is.

Can you describe an instance when being a CPP gave you the competitive edge over another individual/organization?
When a POS retail partner was looking for an ISO to help facilitate merchant accounts, the ETA CPP and being an ETA member presented us as a trusted and knowable company, which ultimately helped gain the partnership.

In what ways has the CPP challenged your knowledge of the payments ecosystem?
The industry is so vast and constantly evolving that your knowledge is always tested. The best way to keep up with the ever-changing ecosystem is by attending webinars and gaining CE credits.

What advice would you give someone beginning their career in the payments industry?
Attention to detail is critical, and staying up to date on the latest changes is essential. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

In what ways have you been able to market yourself as an ETA CPP?
The ETA CPP has helped me excel in my career rapidly. When a head hunter was scouting for a Director of Underwriting, I stood out the most and landed the job.

Are there any career highlights you have had since being a CPP?
I was hired as the Director of Underwriting for Beyond Bancard. I was honored to participate in the ETA Young Payments Processional Scholarship program (ETA YPP) in 2020. I also acquired my CAMS certification.