Rewriting the Playbook: Melissa Hall's Journey to CFO

After more than two decades in the restaurant industry, Melissa Hall had mastered the demands of a fast-paced operational environment. Her work sharpened her people skills and fostered a strong work ethic and appreciation for service. But she felt a growing desire to make a broader impact—one that combined her analytical strengths with a mission-driven purpose. 

Today, with the help of the foundational accounting skills she gained at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, Melissa serves as chief financial officer of a nonprofit organization, demonstrating that the right educational opportunity can spark a transformative career change. 

Discovering a New Path 

Melissa enjoyed a successful career in the restaurant industry—developing strong skills in operations, budgeting and leadership—but she found herself increasingly drawn to the financial side of the business. 

"I enjoyed analyzing costs, forecasting sales and finding ways to improve profitability," she said. "Eventually, I realized that my interest in finance wasn’t just a part of the job—it was the part I was truly passionate about, and I was good at it!" 

This insight marked the beginning of a significant transition. 

“What really motivated me to make the switch was the desire to grow in a field where I could apply those analytical skills on a larger scale.” 

Melissa set her sights on a career that aligned with her passion. That decision led her to the nonprofit sector, where she found an ideal blend of mission and finance. 

Her role as a controller gave her a new perspective on organizational impact. With encouragement from her CEO, who recognized her potential, Melissa explored further education. 

“I knew that to make a successful transition into finance, I needed a strong foundation in financial theory, tools and strategy,” she said. 

The Accounting Principles Certificate Program at UC Davis CPE stood out for its formal training in finance and flexible format—an online accounting program that fit her schedule and aspirations. 

"Changing careers in your late 30s isn’t easy," she said. "Enrolling in this program was a way to prove to myself that I could grow beyond my comfort zone and build the confidence and competence to pivot. It was about taking ownership of my future.” 

Taking the Leap with UC Davis CPE 

The online accounting program delivered a balance of theory and application. Melissa gained technical knowledge and enhanced her problem-solving skills. 

“I have always been reactive—focused on daily problem-solving and immediate results,” she said. “I’ve learned to take a more strategic, long-term approach to challenges by looking at the broader financial impact, using data to guide decisions and considering risk and return in a much more structured way.” 

The certificate program helped bridge her real-world experience with cost control and financial decision-making with a formal understanding of finance. 

“I knew that an education in financial modeling, investment analysis and strategic planning was essential to moving forward,” she added. 

Most importantly, Melissa built her confidence and joined a network of peers on similar journeys who she could depend on throughout the program. 

“The most unexpected aspect of the program was having others to lean on,” she said. “Having a group of individuals to reach out to was a breath of fresh air!” 

After completing the Accounting Principles Certificate, Melissa was promoted to chief financial officer. She is now preparing to sit for the CPA exam—a milestone that will further enhance her professional trajectory. 

“I went from being curious about finance to being capable of contributing in a meaningful way,” she said. 

Grit and Growth

 Despite Melissa’s determination, juggling work, school and her home life was not easy. One class stood out as a turning point in her journey. 

“We were dissecting financial auditing, and I was having a terrible time,” she said. "I was ready to quit. But my husband encouraged me and reminded me of who I am—smart and driven." 

Her persistence paid off. She mastered the material and passed with a perfect score. 

"This experience was a big eye-opener," she said. "Many times, I doubted myself and my decision to change careers. This program gave me the confidence I was craving.” 

Melissa is already applying her skills to make a difference. She now uses financial modeling to guide decision-making and assesses financial statements to identify cost savings and investment opportunities with greater confidence. 

“My background gives me an operational edge, and the program gave me the financial fluency to communicate effectively with stakeholders, analyze performance and support smarter decision-making for my organization,” she said. “I see this as just the beginning. I am committed to continuous learning and plan to keep growing as I take on new challenges in the finance field.” 

Advice to Future Students 

Melissa encourages prospective students to approach the program with both intention and flexibility. 

"Have a goal, but stay open to new possibilities," she said. "If you are considering this program as part of a career change, it can absolutely give you the foundation and confidence to pivot." 

She urges students to engage beyond the coursework and recognize the value of their own experience. 

“Build relationships, ask questions and apply what you’re learning in real time—doing side projects, case studies or even helping friends with financial planning really helped cement what I was learning,” she said. “And don't underestimate the value of your past experiences. This program helped me see how my operational skills from restaurant management could complement finance in powerful ways.” 

Finally, she stresses the importance of having a solid support system and balancing your time, which she said is crucial to success. 

“You will have moments of weakness. You will have moments of strength,” she said. “Do not give up, you got this. It is all worth it in the end!” 

This article was kickstarted by AI and handcrafted to completion by the marketing staff at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, who are responsible for the final product. By combining technology and human expertise, the article is accurate, engaging (at least we hope you think so!) and written efficiently.