Introduction to the CGFM Program

1. Introduction to the CGFM Program

2. The CGFM Program • What is CGFM? • Initial certification requirements • Certification process • Preparing for examinations • Maintaining certification

3. What Is CGFM ? Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification awarded by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA)

4. AGA—The Thought Leader inGovernment Financial Management • AGA is the member organization for financial professionals in government. We lead and encourage change that benefits our field and all citizens. Our networking events, professional certification, publications and ongoing education help members build their skills and advance their careers.

5. What Makes the CGFM Unique? • Specialized focus on government financial management • Broad coverage of various aspects of financial management at all levels of government—federal, state and local

6. CGFM Benefits • Increased knowledge of government financial management • Greater confidence on the job • Better understanding of “big picture”of government • Portable and tangible indicator of experience and knowledge • Enhanced marketability throughout government levels • Encourages employer incentives and continuing education • Enhanced credibility, public confidence and employee value

7. CGFM: Initial Requirements • Ethics – read and agree to abide by AGA’s Code of Ethics • Education – have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university • Examinations – pass three comprehensive CGFM Examinations • Experience – have at least two years of professional-level experience in U.S. government financial management More information – www.agacgfm.org/cgfm

8. The Certification Process • Step 1—Read AGA's Code of Ethics • Step 2—Apply for the CGFM Program • Step 3—Submit Required Degree Documentation • Step 4—Receive an Eligibility Letter • Step 5—Submit a Work Verification Form • Step 6—Prepare for the CGFM Examinations • Step 7—Schedule the CGFM Examinations • Step 8—Take and Pass the CGFM Examinations • Step 9—Receive CGFM Award Letter • Step 10—Receive and Display Your CGFM Certificate More information – www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/process

9. CGFM: Costs • Earning the certification • Application fee – $85 • Examination fees – $109 per exam • Maintaining the certification • Annual renewal fee – $30 for AGA members or $65 for nonmembers • Questions? Email AGA’s Office of Professional Certification at agacgfm@agacgfm.org

10. CGFM Examinations • Exam 1: Governmental Environment • Exam 2: Governmental Accounting, Financial Reporting and Budgeting • Exam 3: Governmental Financial Management and Control

11. Examination 1: Governmental Environment • Organization, Structure and Authority of Government • Legally-Based Implications of the Government Financial Environment • Demonstrate an Understanding of the Government Management System (Cycle) • Governmental Financing Process • Identify the Concepts, Definitions and Notions of Public Accountability • Demonstrate an Understanding of Ethics as Applied to the Government Environment • Demonstrate an Understanding of Electronic Services in Government

12. Examination 2: Governmental Accounting, Financial Reporting and Budgeting • Governmental Financial Accounting, Reporting and Budgeting: General Knowledge • Demonstrate an Understanding of State and Local Financial Accounting and Reporting • Demonstrate an Understanding of Federal Financial Accounting and Reporting

13. Examination 3: Governmental Financial Management and Control • Financial Management Functions • Demonstrate an Understanding of Financial and Managerial Analysis Techniques • Internal Control • Demonstrate an Understanding of Performance Measurement/Metrics/Service Efforts and Accomplishments (SEA) • Auditing

14. Preparing for Examinations • Start with exam content outlines • www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/exams • Preparation options • AGA’s CGFM Training Program for groups • Open-enrollment courses through Management Concepts • Self-study through AGA’s CGFM study guides (printed and online) • Visit the AGA website for chapter-sponsored training, sample exam questions, study resources

15. CGFM: Requirements to Maintain • Ethics – continue to abide by AGA’s Code of Ethics • Renewal – renew the designation annually • Continuing education – complete 80 hours of applicable continuing professional education (CPE) every two years For More Information – www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/maintain

16. Enhance Your Marketability • CGFM is the mark of excellence in government financial management • CGFM is transferrable across agencies and government levels • Apply today at www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/apply

17. For More Information To obtain more information, contact • Kimberly Jones • CGFM Program Manager • kjones@agacgfm.org • or • Katya Silver • Director of Professional Certification • ksilver@agacgfm.org