Pursuing a PM/PA Role

If you are thinking of seeking a Commercial Card/P-Card program manager or administrator (PM/PA) role, expand your preparation beyond researching the employer and anticipating interview questions. Consider what you will want to know about the job (besides the compensation package).

Following are possible questions to ask interviewers during the interview process to help you evaluate whether the job could be right for you.

Possible Questions

Before the interview, determine what is most important to you. What program drawbacks or challenges can you deal with? Every program has them. What will be too frustrating for you? Gather a mix of information—facts, opinions, and perceptions.

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Program Facts and Metrics

  • What card products/solutions are used today?

  • Who is the card provider?

  • What technology solutions are used for program management?

  • What is the current program size (spend, transactions, cardholders, geography)?

  • What percentage of B2B payments are captured via the card program?

Organization Vision

  • What are the organization’s program goals and objectives?

  • How does the organization want to grow the program (e.g., more cardholders, additional countries, new allowed spend categories)?

  • Where do cards rank in terms of the overall payment strategy?

Perspectives, Buy-in, and Support

  • What are the biggest program challenges?

  • What are the biggest opportunities?

  • What are the most notable program successes to date?

  • Tell me about program buy-in by cardholders, their managers, and executives. Does anyone resist or resent the program?

  • How do procurement and accounts payable provide program support?

Auditing and Accountability

  • What have recent audits revealed about the program?

  • Who performs transaction auditing? How does the auditing occur (manually or via technology)?

  • Is everyone, including executives, held accountable for their respective card program role?

About the Position

  • What qualities do you feel are most important in a card program manager?

  • What should be the priorities of the next program manager?

  • Is the role a decision maker for the program?

  • Are you looking for the next program manager to instigate change?

Final Thoughts

While everyone has different priorities, there are some universal red flags. Consider steering clear of a program that:

  • is not supported by management

  • is plagued with audit findings

  • fails to hold employees accountable  

Conversely, an organization eager to improve and/or expand the card program—with the program manager leading the way—would be a good sign. Still, it pays to dig deeper before accepting any position, especially if/when some of the questions posed to you by an interviewer seem strange.