Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)- Certified Public Finance Officers Scholarship

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) provides the Certified Public Finance Officers (CPFO) program to verify knowledge in the disciplines of government finance. The program began in 1997 with a format that included five exams covering different disciplines of public finance. Changes to the program were introduced in 2020 with the goal of making it more accessible.
To support Finance Professionals in the field, GFOA has provided KSGFOA with two scholarships to attend training. Scholarships are valid for one year after award (they are not bound by a calendar year).

GFOA is offering scholarships ($600/year value) to KSGFOA members to participate in GFOA’s Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) program. The CPFO Program is designed to prepare individuals for leadership positions by enhancing fundamental skills and increasing knowledge of best practices and standards in public finance.

KSGFOA will award two (2) scholarships for qualifying members. KSGFOA Board Members will review and make final awards on scholarships.

The deadline for applications has been extended to June 16, 2023.

Specifics include:

• Scholarship recipients will receive a 12-month enrollment opportunity which begins once notified of award.

• Only one (1) scholarship is available per year/per member.

• Members can apply over multiple years.

• GFOA anticipates the timeline to pass the exams is two years. Candidates have five years to complete the entire program.

To apply, qualify and receive the scholarship as well as to maintain CPFO designation, you must maintain an active membership in GFOA and KSGFOA with dues paid to date. Memberships will be verified prior to awarding scholarships:

• GFOA membership link.

• KSGFOA membership link.

To earn the designation of Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), candidates must pass a series of seven examinations covering the major public finance disciplines.

This is a self-study program that requires the following examinations:

• Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Treasury and Investment Management

• Debt Management

• Planning and Budgeting

• Compensation and Benefits

• Procurement

• Risk Assessment

For more information about the scholarship, please contact Paula Downs.

For more information about the CPFO program, please contact Eric Roach.