The CPFO Program for GFOA members is a broad educational program designed to verify knowledge in government finance disciplines. To earn the CPFO designation, candidates must pass a series of seven examinations covering the major public finance disciplines. 

Examination Areas:

The scholarship will cover the $1,200 fee for two years of participation in the CPFO program, which includes ten exam attempts and access to a CPFO Exam Prep product with over twenty recorded seminars. A CPFO scholarship recipient who does not finish the program within two years will need to pay $600 per year at their own expense to continue the program until they pass all of the exams. CSMFO and GFOA are not responsible for continued costs to participate. Candidates are allowed a maximum of five years to complete the program. 

Once earned, the CPFO designation is maintained by paying an annual membership fee and participating in fifteen hours of continuing professional education and three GFOA Engagement Credits each year.  More information about the CPFO Program can be found at GFOA.org/CPFO.

“As an accountant looking forward to future promotional opportunities, I found the CPFO program helpful to me in building my knowledge in other local government finance disciplines, such as purchasing and risk management, in which I had previously had less exposure. I found the GFOA reading materials easy to read and the exams to align well with the recommended reading material. I recommend the CPFO program to CSMFO/GFOA members looking to broaden their knowledge base and earn a certification valued in our profession.”

- Dennis Kauffman, City of Roseville

“I wanted to become a CPFO so I could broaden my knowledge in Finance. It started as a pursuit to learn more and grow in the field but during the process I received a promotion to Finance Director and then it became about doing all I could to better serve my agency and community.  In addition, the CPFO program is more than just a certification, you are gaining invaluable skills such as specialized knowledge, problem solving, time management, adaptability, and networking. The resources provided within the program will help you in your personal life as well as your career.”

- Jennifer Ustation, City of Beaumont

“I am grateful to have been selected by CSMFO as a 2022 CPFO Scholarship recipient. I started the program as a relatively new Finance Director, and it has been a great way to expand my public finance knowledge, particularly in areas where I had less on the job experience. The depth and variety of training materials provided is excellent, and I also enjoy learning from and connecting with others in the program through the GFOA Candidates Forum. I am still currently enrolled and look forward to earning that CPFO designation in the very near future!”

- Jennifer Becker, City of Burbank

Scholarship Process

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must be an active member of both CSMFO and GFOA with two years local government experience and submit an application at the following link: CPFO Scholarship Application

The deadline to submit applications is September 6, 2024.

Award of scholarship is based on one’s ability to meet the requirements. All confirmed applicants will then be entered into a random drawing for final selection. For the four recipients of the scholarship, CSMFO would gain value from your experience if you would share your experience with the CPFO program through a co-written article for CSMFO News.

Should you have any questions on the program, please contact Dennis Kauffman at dkauffman@roseville.ca.us or Margaret Moggia at margaretmoggia@gmail.com.