Local Finance Officer Certification Program - Level II
Download the Financial Management Training Brochure [pdf] >>
Level II courses will be helpful to local government clerks, finance officers, and other nonelected personnel who have a good grasp of the basics of local government finance and wish to expand their knowledge. Level II courses provide an intermediate level of instruction that takes the student beyond the basics offered in Level I.
The Finance Officer Certification Program-Level II requires four core courses, two elective courses, and a financial management project completed outside the classroom. Participants must complete all courses and their project within a three-year timeframe. For participants' convenience, the core courses will be offered at central locations in the state. Upon successful completion of each core course, a participant will receive notification from the University of Georgia. If a participant does not score 70 percent or above on the course examination, the exam may be retaken once. If the exam score continues to be below 70 percent, the course must be retaken.
Certificates are mailed quarterly. In order to maintain Level II certification once it has been earned, a participant is required to complete 15 hours of approved continuing professional education every two years from the date of certification. Please refer to your certificate for your certification date.
Eligibility
Participants taking Level I courses are permitted to simultaneously take Level II courses. However, Level II certification is contingent upon completion of Level I certification. In addition, some Level II courses can only be taken upon successful completion of introductory Level I courses. Classes in Level II can be taken by local government clerks, finance officers, and other nonelected officials, even if certification is not desired.
Financial Management Project
Successful completion of a financial management project is required for completion of the Level II program. The project can pertain to any financial management issue that participants encounter in the course of their regular employment duties. The project's purpose is for participants to demonstrate application of the topics learned in the Levels I and II curricula. The project must be submitted in electronic format to facilitate sharing with other government employees requiring guidance in the particular area. Projects may not be submitted unless prior approval has been obtained by the Vinson Institute and an immediate supervisor.
- Developing financial policies and procedures
- Creating an electronic budget process
- Creating a budget process instruction manual
- Conducting first request for proposal banking services
Project Proposal Form [pdf] >>
Project Transmittal Form [pdf] >>
Level II Certification Requirements
- Successful completion of four core courses and two electives, for a total of six courses
- Attendance at all sessions; up to a half day can be missed for emergencies
- Successful completion of a final examination for each core course and a financial management project
A Certified Finance Officer (CFO) is required to complete 15 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) over a two-year period to maintain active certification. Read more about CPE requirements.
Local Finance Officer Certification Program >>
