Our Professional Designations

VMG is one of a handful of California firms to hold the Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) designation. This credential — bestowed upon us by the Community Associations Institute (CAI) every year since 2002 — certifies that VMG meets and exceeds the highest financial and reporting management standards. For a firm to achieve AAMC status, at least 75% of qualifying managers must hold a PCAM, AMS, or CMCA credential, and all employees must adhere to the CAI’s Professional Code of Conduct.

Another CAI-granted accolade, the Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) designation is the pinnacle of professional achievement for high-level community managers. To earn PCAM certification, a manager must attend the Professional Management Development Program, gain at least five years of professional managerial experience, and complete a challenging case study of a community association. They must also meet advanced continuing education and service requirements every three years. Approximately 250 managers in California have earned this top-level distinction — and several of them are on our staff.

The CAI also awards the Association Management Specialist (AMS) designation to qualified community managers. As the “second tier” of the Community Management ladder, the AMS credential requires seasoned managers to earn and maintain CMCA certification, complete 32 hours of CAI coursework, and obtain two years of professional experience. After meeting the initial requirements, the expectations continue; designated managers must attend 24 hours of advanced-level courses every three years. Every manager at VMG holds or is currently working toward their AMS designation.

The Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) designation is overseen by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB). CMCA is the only national certification that recognizes community association managers for their professional knowledge and mastery. To achieve the CMCA designation, a manager must take a 16-hour course and pass the National Certification Examination, all while complying with the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct. Additional continuing education credits are required every two years. All of our managers have earned the CMCA distinction.

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is the highest attainable achievement in accounting. Granted by the State of California, the CPA title is obtained through meeting rigorous academic, work, and licensing requirements and a commitment to ethical standards and ongoing education. All CPAs must adhere to the financial reporting and disclosure requirements mandated by The Statement on Standards for Accounting and Review Services — a guidebook issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Our co-founder, Leonard McKinley, has held his CPA license since 1984.