Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

If you’ve just begun your career in government financial management, you may be wondering how you can set yourself apart.

 

The answer: certification.

 

Certification shows an employer many things. It shows commitment to your chosen career path, it shows dedication to continuous learning, and it shows you have a proven level of knowledge and skills. And certified professionals also tell us that their employers pay attention: A new certification is a big factor in determining raises and promotions.
 

Consider AGA’s Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation. It’s broad enough to cover all levels of government while providing specific, practical information that applies to your day-to-day work. CGFMs tell us that the experience of taking the three examinations gave them “big picture” view of government operations while giving them the tools to make a difference in their agencies. They also said taking the three computerized exams, which give immediate “pass” or “fail” results, provided a huge confidence boost.

 

CGFM Experiences

• Audrey Duchesne, CGFM, senior staff accountant at the U.S. Department of the Treasury: “I felt it did help me with my work and I think that the AGA is an excellent professional organization to be affiliated with. It seems like the AGA is changing and coming into its own, and as the years go on, the credential will be more highly valued. In our arena, the CGFM is the only credential that adequately prepares you for a career in government financial management.”
   

• Joseph Kouba, CGFM, Chief of the Systems and Coordination Branch, Overseas Buildings Operations, U.S. Department of State: “I regret I didn’t pursue this certification earlier—it has been really helpful and I believe the continuing education requirement will ensure I don’t fall behind again.”
   

• Russ Roberts, CGFM, an industry expert on federal financial systems with Computer Sciences Corporation: “The certification is critical for qualifications on working in federal financial systems because the federal government is continuing to value the CGFM certification, above even the CPA, because it focuses on governmental operations.”

Getting Started

To apply for the CGFM certification, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with 24 hours of courses in financial management topics. If you don’t have your degree yet, but are within a year of graduation, contact the AGA’s Office of Professional Certification at 1.800.AGA.7211 ext. 305 – you may be able to apply now. 
 

After applying and being accepted into the program, candidates have three years to pass three CGFM Examinations:

1. Governmental Environment;

2. Governmental Accounting, Financial Reporting and Budgeting; and

3. Governmental Financial Management and Control.
 

Before the CGFM can be awarded, candidates must also have at least two years of professional-level government financial management experience. This requirement can be satisfied after passing the three exams.
 

Learn more information on the CGFM Program