CAFM National Competency Standards
AFOA's Competency Standards form the basis for the development of the curriculum used in granting credits towards the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager Program (CAFM) certificate, diploma, and the professional designation. They are also used in assessment of practical experience and in the development of the professional CAFM Examination.
The CAFM competencies were originally developed in 1999 as basis of the CAFM curriculum. Seven years later, the role of the Indigenous financial manager had expanded, the working environment had changed and new skills and knowledge were required of Indigenous financial managers. Accordingly, in 2006 the CAFM competencies underwent a comprehensive review in conjunction with the CAFM curriculum to ensure that these issues and challenges were addressed.
A Curriculum Review Committee was formed which comprised of key stakeholders and professionals in Indigenous financial management. The Committee's recommendation was the adoption of revised CAFM Competency Standards that respond to the demands of the current Indigenous financial management environment and meet professional standards like that of the Certified General Accountants Association (CGA) of Canada.
These competencies are essential for a professional in Indigenous financial management. They have general application and apply to all types of Indigenous organizations and are used:
- As a basis for the further development of curriculum for the CAFM program
- To prepare candidates for the CAFM Professional Examination
- To identify and measure practical work experience requirements
- To develop continuing professional development services
- To identify areas requiring professional development
Competencies have been grouped into the following core domains and sub-domains of knowledge and skills.
[Click on each sub-domain for a full list of competencies under that competency area and for information on which of the CAFM courses meet the requirements of that competency]