Certified Financial Accountant (Crt. FA)

The Certified Financial Accountant (CFA) is a foundation-level professional certification designed to develop the essential knowledge and practical competencies required in financial accounting, bookkeeping and financial reporting.

The certification provides participants with a structured understanding of accounting principles, financial transactions, accounting records, financial statement preparation and the fundamental application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

It also introduces financial statement analysis, internal accounting controls, professional ethics and digital accounting practices, enabling candidates to perform core financial accounting responsibilities with confidence and accuracy.

What you will learn

• Understand and apply fundamental financial accounting principles and concepts.
• Record, classify and reconcile financial transactions using double-entry accounting.
• Prepare journals, ledgers, trial balances and adjusting entries.
• Apply basic accounting treatments for assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses.
• Understand the fundamental requirements of IFRS relevant to financial accounting.
• Prepare basic financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Interpret key financial ratios and financial performance indicators.
• Apply essential accounting controls and professional ethical principles.
• Use spreadsheets and accounting software to support accounting activities.

Curriculum

1. 01
   Introduction to Financial Accounting

   • Purpose and scope of financial accounting.
   • Users of financial information.
   • Fundamental accounting concepts and principles.
   • The accounting equation.
   • Introduction to the IFRS Conceptual Framework.
   • Basic elements of financial statements.
2. 02
   Bookkeeping and Financial Transactions

   • Double-entry bookkeeping principles.
   • Recording financial transactions in journals and ledgers.
   • Preparation of trial balances.
   • Accounting for sales and purchases.
   • Accounts receivable and accounts payable.
   • Cash and bank transactions.
   • Bank reconciliations and control accounts.
3. 03
   Accounting Adjustments and Financial Closing

   • Accruals and prepayments.
   • Depreciation and amortisation.
   • Bad debts and allowances for doubtful debts.
   • Inventory adjustments.
   • Identification and correction of accounting errors.
   • Adjusting journal entries.
   • Period-end closing procedures.
4. 04
   Accounting for Assets, Liabilities and Equity

   • Recognition and classification of assets and liabilities.
   • Accounting for cash and cash equivalents.
   • Inventory valuation and accounting.
   • Property, plant and equipment.
   • Current and non-current liabilities.
   • Basic provisions and contingencies.
   • Owner's equity, share capital and reserves.
5. 05
   Financial Statements and Reporting

   • Introduction to financial reporting requirements and IFRS.
   • Preparation of the statement of financial position.
   • Preparation of the statement of profit or loss.
   • Introduction to the statement of cash flows.
   • Statement of changes in equity.
   • Basic financial statement disclosures.
   • Understanding financial reporting presentation requirements.
6. 06
   Financial Statement Analysis

   • Purpose and importance of financial statement analysis.
   • Horizontal and vertical analysis.
   • Profitability ratios.
   • Liquidity ratios.
   • Solvency and financial leverage ratios.
   • Working capital analysis.
   • Interpretation of financial performance and position.
7. 07
   Accounting Controls and Professional Ethics

   • Fundamentals of internal accounting controls.
   • Segregation of duties and authorisation procedures.
   • Accounting reconciliations and verification.
   • Financial reporting accuracy and reliability.
   • Identification of accounting errors and irregularities.
   • Professional ethics and integrity in accounting.
   • Confidentiality and professional responsibility.
8. 08
   Digital Accounting and Practical Applications

   • Introduction to computerised accounting systems.
   • Fundamentals of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
   • Spreadsheet applications in financial accounting.
   • Digital bookkeeping and transaction processing.
   • Accounting data accuracy and validation.
   • Introduction to accounting automation.
   • Practical financial accounting exercises and case studies.

Who it is for

• Recent graduates in Accounting, Finance and related disciplines
• Junior Accountants and Financial Accounting Assistants
• Finance Officers and Accounting Officers
• Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable Officers
• Bookkeepers and General Ledger Assistants
• Early-career accounting and finance professionals with 2–3 years of experience
• Individuals seeking to develop practical financial accounting and reporting skills

Examination & CPD

All candidates must sign the APAA Code of Ethics prior to certification. See the full certification requirements.