Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy

Student Learning Centre

Certificate in Charity Finance and Accountancy

Not only has the course exceeded my expectations, it has given me a new and exciting career and empowered me to assist the charity in developing a greater understanding and focus for a sustainable future.
Graham Hall, The Lantern Community

The Certificate in Charity Finance and Accountancy has been designed by The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and London South Bank University (LSBU) to enhance professional development within the charity finance sector. It is the first joint professional and academic qualification for individuals working in charity finance who do not yet hold a recognised finance qualification specific to their vocation. 

Why choose to study for the qualification?

Over recent years a climate of regulatory change has shaped the charity finance landscape imposing significant new demands on individuals fulfilling charity finance roles. The Certificate in Charity Finance and Accountancy has been developed in accordance with these unique challenges and the specific vocational requirements of charity finance professionals.   

Critically, the course also facilitates a specific performance standard, equipping participants with the specialist knowledge needed to inspire new stakeholder confidence.

Uniquely, the course is of one year duration minimising time spent away from the office.  

A Uniquely Relevant Qualification

The course is unique in that all the content is directly relevant to charities and the not for profit sector. It provides a framework which is absolutely essential for all charity sector finance workers to efficiently and effectively carry out their duties. 
Sam Rogerson, Head of Finance, The No Way Trust

Delivered by a dedicated team of experts in this field, the Certificate gives individuals the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification that is specific to charity finance and accredited by a respected industry body.

The syllabus is uniquely tailored to the demands of charity finance functions ensuring that the themes covered are directly relevant to this specialist and increasingly complex area.

Find out more about specialist knowledge offered by the course

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Industry Support

Recent research into the drivers of public trust and confidence in charities suggests that people place increasing emphasis on sound financial management. It is vital that charities respond to this and ensure they have strong systems of financial governance in place. Courses such as the joint CIPFA and LSBU Certificate in Charity Finance and Accountancy serve to drive up standards of accounting throughout the charity sector and we welcome their development.
Sam Younger, Chief Executive, Charity Commission

The Certificate in Charity Finance and Accountancy has gained support from a number of respected professional bodies. These include  The Charity Finance Directors Group, an organisation committed to promoting best practice in charity finance.

Charity Finance Director’s Group