Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) PROGRAM

Expertise in accounting and finance is essential for self-management of Indigenous communities and organizations. The Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation is designed to help our communities meet the growing need for financial leadership tailored to the Indigenous culture. CAFMs are key decision makers and leaders in their organizations and often form the backbone of Indigenous government administration. 

Junior and intermediate level financial professionals are also in demand. The CAFM program provides students with the opportunity to learn skills for those positions, with certificate and diploma qualifications, as they progress on the path to the CAFM.

Steps to the CAFM

The CAFM program includes three progressive qualification milestones that build on each other and culminate in the CAFM designation. They are:

  1. Indigenous Financial Management Certificate: 7 courses 
  2. Indigenous Financial Management Diploma: 8 courses (in addition to the 7 certificate program courses)
  3. Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation: exam and two-years practical experience, following successful completion of the Indigenous Financial Manager Diploma.

The CAFM Program combines education in accounting and finance delivered through accredited post-secondary institutions together with related Indigenous study delivered by AFOA-Canada and participating PSIs.

For experienced financial managers

If you are a financial manager with five years of experience in an Indigenous setting, you have the potential to fast track to the CAFM. You can do this by challenging the CAFM exam after successfully completing two AFOA-Canada courses of Indigenous study.

Getting Started

AFOA can help you understand your options and get you started on the path to the CAFM.  To learn more, please call 1-866-722-2362 or email Education@afoa.ca 

Brochure

 
As a First Nations professional, I am proud to have the CAFM designation.  In my job, it is important to demonstrate that I have a good understanding of First Nations financial management.  Having the CAFM designation helps me to establish credibility with both my clients and business contacts. 


- Travis Seymour, CAFM, First Nations Financial Management Board