Association For Financial Professionals (AFP) Launches First Global Credential For Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Professionals

-- FP&A certification to establish corporate finance benchmarks, drive best practices, and acknowledge the critical role of FP&A practitioners

-- First class of Certified Corporate FP&A Professionals recognised

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association for Financial Professionals ("AFP"), a not-for-profit professional society that represents finance executives globally, today announced the official launch of its Certified Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis Professional ("FP&A") credential, the first-of-its-kind accreditation program specifically for FP&A executives.

No matter where they are located around the world, FP&A professionals play a central role in corporate growth, with responsibility for budgeting and forecasting, data analysis and optimising strategic business plans-all within today's rapidly changing business environment. 

"Independent research shows that more than three out of five C-level executives find the FP&A function to be the hardest finance position to fill. This certification creates a universal set of principles and standards of practice that companies can use to validate their critical FP&A hires," said Jim Kaitz, AFP's president and CEO. "We are delighted to welcome the first class of Certified Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis Professionals."

To earn the FP&A credential, candidates must pass a two-part examination, meet education and experience requirements and agree to abide by the AFP Standards of Ethical Conduct. The first part of the exam tests candidates' ability to gather, interpret and communicate financial information. The second part tests their ability to analyze financial information, build financial projections and use technology and software. Over 5,000 PearsonVUE testing centres across the globe offer the proctored computer-based FP&A certification exams.

The certification adheres to best practices for credentialing agencies and involved FP&A practitioner subject matter experts at every stage of the certification development. The beta version of the examination was administered in February and March of 2014, with the first group of beta candidates being certified in May 2014.

"We are seeing strong support for the FP&A certification around the world, especially in our meetings with CFOs, who are increasingly relying on FP&A professionals for their guidance and financial expertise. Our goals are to establish a core foundation of functional knowledge, prepare professionals for their critical roles and enhance recognition for this important profession," said Kaitz. 

The registration for the inaugural FP&A examination testing window for August 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014 is currently open for application and closes on June 27, 2014. Interested candidates can submit their application on http://FPAcert.AFPonline.org

About the Association for Financial Professionals:

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) is the professional society that represents finance executives globally. AFP established and administers the Certified Treasury Professional and Certified Corporate FP&A Professional credentials, which set standards of excellence in finance. The quarterly AFP Corporate Cash Indicators serve as a bellwether of economic growth. The AFP Annual Conference is the largest networking event for corporate finance professionals in the world.

AFP, Association for Financial Professionals, Certified Treasury Professional, and Certified Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis Professional are registered trademarks of the Association for Financial Professionals.