Start at Sault College with the two-year Business - Accounting diploma program which will allow you to transfer credits on the path to your Certified Financial Manager (CAFM) Designation with the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA).
The Indigenous Financial Manager pathway with AFOA begins with completing your Indigenous Financial Management Certificate (IFMC) and then moving into the Indigenous Financial Management Diploma, qualifying you to take the CAFM exam to earn your designation.
Upon graduation from Business - Accounting, you will have met all but two course requirements to complete your IFMC. These additional courses can be completed through AFOA, helping you efficiently progress toward earning your designation.
Explore the Business - Accounting program >
About AFOA
After over 25 years in operation, AFOA Canada has become the centre for excellence and innovation in Indigenous management, finance, and governance. It is the only organization in Canada that focuses on the capacity development and day-to-day needs of those Indigenous professionals who are working in all areas of management, finance, band administration, leadership and program management — We are Building a Community of Professionals.
Learn more about AFOA Canada Education >
Steps To Your RPA Designation
Enroll in Sault College’s Business - Accounting Program.
Your first step is starting our two-year diploma program.
Complete Your Business - Accounting Diploma.
Upon graduation, obtain a minimum grade of 65% in the five required courses that will allow you to transfer credit into the Indigenous Financial Management Certificate. This includes the following five Sault College courses:
| Sault College Course | Code | AFOA Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory to Financial Accounting | BCA101 | CAFM 1 |
| Communications or Business Communications | CMM115 or CMM215 | CAFM 2 |
| Business Law | BCG204 | CAFM 3 |
| Managerial Accounting | BCA209 | CAFM 8 |
| Computer Applications for Business II | BCO119 | CAFM 12 |
Complete Remaining Two Courses for AFOA's Certificate.
Enroll in two additional courses through AFOA, to complete your Indigenous Financial Management Certificate.
- Indigenous Strategies and Decisions (CAFM 4)
- Indigenous History and Development (CAFM 6)
These courses are available online.
Complete Additional Courses for Indigenous Financial Management Diploma.
Once you complete the two additional courses with AFOA, you'll have earned your certificate, qualifying you to complete your Indigenous Financial Management Diploma. These seven courses will be the final course requirements for the CAFM designation.
Learn more about the diploma >
Pass the CAFM Professional Examination.
The exam is written online and will ensure all students have the necessary knowledge base required as a professional financial manager.
Learn more about the CAFM exam >
Gain Professional Work Experience.
Meet the requirement of two years' practical experience in an Indigenous environment during or after completion as the final step in qualifying your for CAFM designation.
Congratulations! You have now earned your Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation.