CIPFA’s Accelerated Route is designed exclusively for public sector leaders with substantial strategic and public financial management responsibilities, who don’t yet hold a professional accounting qualification.

As governments across the country move towards the professionalization of their finance functions, this fast-track program provides an intensive, highly rewarding route through CIPFA’s Professional Accountancy Qualification, the only qualification to specialize in public financial management in Canada, and leading to the Canadian Public Finance Accreditation (CPFA).

The Accelerated Route is open to seasoned public finance professionals who do not currently hold a professional accounting qualification. In principle, this refers to employees in management or team lead roles who have been working in finance for several years but do not have a CPA.

The Accelerated Route is designed to focus on core technical competencies while taking into account students' pre-existing knowledge and experience. Modules have been adapted to reflect the Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standard (PSAS), however, there is still a high-level coverage of International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). As part of the Accelerated Route, students will be required to complete the following seven (7) of the 12 modules that comprise the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification:

• Refresher course, covering Financial Accounting

• Developing Strategy and Data Analysis

• Business Reporting

• Governance and Risk Management

• Business Planning and Financial Management

• Strategic Public Financial Management

• Public Sector Financial Reporting

• Strategic Case Study

Earn the CPFA, a globally recognized professional accounting designation that gives increased authority and standing in financial matters as well as portability nationally and internationally.

Earn access to more job progression opportunities as public sector organizations across the country move towards increased professionalization of senior financial positions and requirements for those positions to hold professional certifications, such as the CPFA.

Gain technical, strategic and leadership skills that are immediately applicable to your job role.

Complete the Accelerated Route in just over two years.

Increase your network of financial professionals in the public sector, with cohorts from across Canada, peer-to-peer support and interaction throughout the program with networking opportunities, experience sharing and experiential learning.

Receive coaching and guidance from qualified trainers experienced in taking executives through the journey to qualification.

Includes online access to all study materials including workbooks (French and English) and recorded lectures via CIPFA’s learning platform.

Access to a wealth of professional resources on becoming a CIPFA Chartered Member at the end of the program, which includes but is not limited to:

• Thought leadership on public sector financial management and accounting

• Access to exclusive public-sector focused Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

• Ethics support and resources for public finance professionals

• International public sector financial management conferences

• Access to CIPFA’s wide student network

• Discounted CIPFA training resources

• A monthly newsletter and online news outlets

Length of the Program

The Accelerated Route demands a significant degree of commitment and time. This is a rigorous program that results in an internationally recognized designation, equivalent to other master’s level programs.

Candidates may be asked to balance their work-related commitments slightly as certain course times may land during working hours, subject to the needs of the specific cohort, meaning that candidates may have to arrange for time during working hours to attend the courses, to ensure full participation. The total Guided Learning Hours (GLH) and exam time is approximately 52.25 days over two years.

It is expected that personal study time will also be required for each module. CIPFA estimates anywhere from the same amount of time as the GLH (50 days) up to a maximum of 100 more days of personal study time.

To maintain your CIPFA membership, you will be subject to the professional standards and conduct requirements of CIPFA, including CPD activities. For each CPD year (12-month period), members are required to maintain a learning and development plan and record in which they are required to undertake a minimum of 20 hours of relevant and verifiable activity.

Program Delivery

For each of the seven examined modules, you can choose to study via live web classes or online via pre-recorded classes, using CIPFA’s online learning platform. There is also the potential for in-person learning. The roll out of the program in Canada will include a combination of in-person classes, live web classes and online self-study materials, including self-assessment tests and mock exams. You will be assessed via online exams with virtual proctoring by webcam.

CIPFA will make accommodations for all students and will ensure that the program is fully accessible, including access to and accommodations and delivery in both official languages for both online and in-person content, as well as exams.

Program Cost

The total cost of the program is $18,999, which includes all course materials, first exam re-sit (if necessary), and ongoing program support.