Financial Management Community: Professional development

The Financial Officer Recruitment and Development (FORD) program is a professional development initiative for entry-level finance professionals in the CT-FIN-01 group. It provides participants with the practical experience and structured training needed to obtain their Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.

Through this program, participants complete up to 3 rotations in different areas of finance, gaining valuable hands-on experience. The program also features:

• professional development sessions
• government finance training
• networking opportunities
• mentorship
• support sessions to obtain the CPA designation

Explore eligibility criteria, application steps and program duration details.

Eligibility

To qualify for the program, candidates must:

• be eligible for the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP)
• have prior federal government work experience in financial management through student employment or be currently employed in the public service

Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

How to apply

Candidates can apply to the program in one of three ways:

1. Apply through a staffing process when it is posted on the Government of Canada Jobs website.
2. Current or former student (such as co-op or Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) students) can ask their manager to nominate them for the program.
3. Government of Canada employees who want to pursue their CPA designation can ask their manager to nominate them for the program.

Duration

30 months

The Advanced Financial Officer Development (AFOD) program helps CT-FIN-02 and CT-FIN-03 employees enhance their competencies, knowledge and experience to prepare for leadership responsibilities. This is currently a pilot program and will be reviewed and redesigned as needed.

The program features a series of activities and interactive sessions, including:

• professional development sessions
• government finance training
• networking opportunities
• mentorship

Eligibility

To be eligible, candidates must:

• have at least 12 months of experience at the CT-FIN-02 or CT-FIN-03 level
• meet the language requirements for their current position
• receive support from their deputy chief financial officer to participate in the program

Duration

32 months

The Comptrollership Leadership Development Program (CLDP) prepares CT-FIN-04 (or equivalent) employees for dynamic and complex work environments. Participants who complete the 8-month program earn a Certificate of Professional Development from the University of Ottawa’s Professional Development Institute.

Program activities include:

• practical work assignments
• self-assessments and 360º feedback
• interactive workshops
• action learning circles
• individual coaching

Eligibility

Open to CT-FIN-04 (or equivalent) employees identified through the talent management process.

Duration

8 months

Visit the Comptrollership Leadership Development program page (external link) to learn more.

The Canadian Public Finance Accreditation Program pilot program is tailored for experienced professionals in financial management who do not possess an accounting designation. This intensive, 2-year program is delivered by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). Upon successful completion, participants will attain the CPFA designation, a globally recognized professional accounting credential.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Hold an indeterminate position as an executive in the financial management function, or be classified as CT-FIN-03 or CT-FIN-04 (these levels may also be considered in some cases to support future executive aspirations).
• Have a minimum of 5 years of experience in financial management.
• Obtain approval to participate from their chief financial officer or deputy chief financial officer.

Duration

2 years

Learn more about the Canadian Public Finance Accreditation program and requirements (external link) online.

The Next Generation Deputy Chief Officer program is designed to help promising executives improve their skills and understanding of business so they can take responsibility for financial management and support their teams effectively.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to financial management executives. To qualify, candidates need a recommendation from their chief financial officer or to go through the talent management process.

Duration

9 months to 1 year

The Next Generation Chief Financial Officer program is designed to enhance promising executives’ skills and business knowledge. It prepares participants for their next career step by offering flexible learning methods suitable for busy finance professionals. Participants will gain valuable insights to improve their leadership, influence and overall effectiveness in their daily work.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to financial management executives at the EX-03 level. To qualify, candidates need a recommendation from their chief financial officer or to go through the talent management process.

Duration

9 months to 1 year

The CSPS provides standardized training to public servants throughout their careers, ensuring that they have the tools to effectively serve Canadians.

Visit the School’s website

As the union for public sector finance professionals, the ACFO-ACAF offers a wide range of professional development opportunities.

Explore offerings from ACFO-ACAF (external link)

The FMI supports public sector professionals with learning events, online courses, and resources focused on key financial management topics.

Learn more about the FMI Institute (external link)

This organization works with regional regulators to provide education, advocacy and support for Chartered Professional Accountants.

Explore CPA Canada (external link)

The CIPFA offers the Canadian Public Finance Accreditation, a specialized 2-year program for senior financial management executives in the public service who do not hold an accounting designation.

Visit the CIPFA’s website to learn more (external link)