Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO)

GFOA's Certified Public Finance Officers (CPFO) program is designed to prepare individuals for leadership positions in state and local governments by enhancing fundamental skills and increasing knowledge of best practices and standards in public finance. Individuals will be equipped to participate in decision-making efforts related to their government and community and lead projects and professionals in a substantive and significant manner.

The CPFO program supports the core beliefs of GFOA, including ethics, leadership and competencies in various finance matters and recognize members who have made the commitment to both obtain necessary knowledge and skills and remain current with industry best practices. The program encourages ongoing participation in and knowledge of GFOA’s resources including best practices, publications, training, conferences, member networking groups, and partnerships with other organizations to prepare members to better serve their governments and communities.

Looking for support to enroll in the Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) Program? We’ve created a justification letter template to help you clearly communicate the value of CPFO certification to your supervisor. The template outlines how the program strengthens public finance expertise, supports leadership development, and delivers tangible benefits to your organization.

Download the template, customize it to reflect your role and responsibilities, and use it to support your request to enroll in the CPFO Program.