Authorized by Ministry of Higher Education

Chartered Institute of
Finance & Management

Transforming lives through professional qualifications, training, and certification in Finance and Management across Cameroon and beyond.

Professional Excellence

Since 2013, leading Cameroon's professional development

15+
Qualifications
5000+
Students
95%
Pass Rate
10+
Years Experience

Officially Accredited & Internationally Recognized

Ministry of Higher Education

Cameroon

Ministry of Employment

& Vocational Training

Accountants Institute

UK (AI)

CITA UK

Certified International Tax Accountants

Quick Access

Everything you need for your professional development journey

Book Exam

Schedule your professional examination

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Check Results

View your examination results

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Membership Pathway

Explore professional progression routes

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Join CIFMA

Become a professional member

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Dual Qualification Advantage

Earn both professional membership qualifications and academic credentials

Professional Membership Qualifications

Foundation Award

Diploma of Assistant (Ass) in your field

Intermediate Award

Diploma of Technician (Tec) in your field

Professional Award

Diploma of Professional (Pro) in your field

Strategic Award

Diploma of Certified (Cert) in your field

HIPDET Academic Qualifications

Year 1 Completion

Ordinary Diploma (OD) in your field

Year 2 Completion

Higher National Diploma (HND)

Year 3 Completion

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Year 4 Completion

Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)

CIFMA Training Programs

Comprehensive professional training across key business disciplines

Accountancy

Professional accounting principles, financial reporting, and auditing

Duration: 3-4 years
Dual qualifications available

Microfinance

Microfinance operations, risk management, and financial inclusion

Duration: 3-4 years
Dual qualifications available

Banking & Insurance

Banking operations, insurance principles, and financial services

Duration: 3-4 years
Dual qualifications available

Taxation

Tax planning, compliance, and international taxation

Duration: 3-4 years
Dual qualifications available

Project Management

Project planning, execution, monitoring, and control

Duration: 3-4 years
Dual qualifications available

Project Accounting

Specialized accounting for project-based organizations

Duration: 3-4 years
Dual qualifications available

Why Choose CIFMA?

Leading professional development in Cameroon since 2013

Government Authorized

Officially authorized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Employment & Vocational Training

International Recognition

Recognized by Accountants Institute (AI) UK and CITA UK as an Approved Business School

Dual Qualifications

Earn both professional membership qualifications and academic credentials simultaneously

Industry Experts

Learn from experienced professionals and industry leaders across various sectors

Latest News & Updates

Stay informed about CIFMA developments and opportunities

December 15, 2024

New Professional Membership Pathway

We're excited to announce our enhanced professional membership pathway with four distinct award levels.

Learn More →
December 10, 2024

International Recognition Expanded

CIFMA now recognized by additional international professional bodies, enhancing global career prospects.

View Accreditations →
December 5, 2024

2025 Training Programs Open

Registration now open for all six CIFMA training programs starting January 2025.

Register Now →

Professional Qualifications

Comprehensive professional qualifications designed to advance your career in finance and management

The Certified Project Accountant (CPA)

A fully qualified professional accountant specializing in all aspects of project and program accounting and management, operating at the strategic level.

About the Program

As countries emerge and develop, infrastructure projects become increasingly prevalent. These projects require specialist professionals to track, report, and analyze their financial elements. The Certified Project Accountant (CPA) program addresses this critical need by training professionals who can manage the unique financial challenges of project-based organizations.

Key Responsibilities

Monitoring progress of projects
Investigating variances of project costs
Approving expenses
Ensuring billing is up-to-date and payments collected
Producing project accounts and reports
Reviewing account totals for project assets and expenses

Career Opportunities

With projects becoming increasingly prevalent across various sectors in Cameroon, Certified Project Accountants will find opportunities in:

Corporates

Large corporations with extensive project portfolios

Public Sector

Government agencies and public institutions

Financial Services

Banks, investment firms, and financial institutions

Shared Services

Organizations providing centralized services

Consulting

Self-employed as independent consultant

Project Accounting vs. Financial Accounting

While financial accountants can perform some project-related duties, CIFMA recognizes the need for specialist Project Accountants who can handle these tasks with precision and expertise. Here are the key differences:

Specialized Training

Project Accountants receive comprehensive training in project management, project finance, and project accounting. They function as both project accountants and project managers.

Different Time Frames

Project accounting has defined start and end dates tied to project lifecycles, unlike financial accounting which follows standard financial year periods.

Deliverable-Based Reporting

Project reports track spending against milestones and deliverables, directly linking costs to project outputs and work products.

Task-Based Hierarchies

Cost structures are organized around projects, programs, and portfolios rather than traditional departmental cost centers.

Specialized Analysis

Comparative analysis focuses on similar projects and portfolio-level insights rather than period-over-period financial comparisons.

Stakeholder Education

Project Accountants bridge the gap between complex project financial requirements and stakeholder understanding.

Qualification Requirements

Strategic Level Professional

CPA holders are regarded as fully qualified professional accountants operating at the strategic level, competently qualified to manage financial, management, and strategic aspects of organizations of any size.

Minimum Requirements
15,600
Spectrum Hours

Minimum combination of Learning & Experience required before CPA qualification can be awarded.

Career Positions
Board-level positions in large organizations
Senior consultants in project accounting
Strategic roles in project-oriented organizations

Other Professional Qualifications

Accountancy

Professional accounting principles, financial reporting, and auditing

Microfinance

Microfinance operations, risk management, and financial inclusion

Banking & Insurance

Banking operations, insurance principles, and financial services

Taxation

Tax planning, compliance, and international taxation

Project Management

Project planning, execution, monitoring, and control

Accreditation & Recognition

CIFMA's official credentials and international partnerships ensure the highest quality education and global recognition

Official Statement

CIFMA is an affiliate of the HIPDET Business School of Higher Institute for Professional Development and Training (HIPDET). HIPDET is a private higher education institution in Cameroon, accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, and we are recognized by Accountants Institute (AI) UK and Certified International Tax Accountants (CITA) UK as an Approved Business School.

Government Accreditation

Ministry of Higher Education

Republic of Cameroon

Official accreditation for higher education programs, ensuring academic standards and degree recognition across Cameroon and internationally.

Ministry of Employment & Vocational Training

Republic of Cameroon

Authorization for vocational and professional training programs, ensuring industry-relevant skills development and employment readiness.

International Recognition

Accountants Institute (AI) UK

United Kingdom

Recognition as an Approved Business School, enabling delivery of internationally recognized accounting and finance qualifications.

Certified International Tax Accountants (CITA) UK

United Kingdom

Approved Business School status for delivering specialized taxation and international tax accounting programs.

Benefits of Our Accreditation

Global Recognition

Your qualifications are recognized internationally, opening doors to global career opportunities.

Quality Assurance

Rigorous quality standards ensure you receive world-class education and training.

Industry Trust

Employers trust our accredited programs, enhancing your employability and career prospects.

Our Commitment to Excellence

We understand the needs of our students and graduates, and the importance of offering them valuable and meaningful education that delivers high-class qualifications. That is why we have invested heavily into gaining recognition by the Ministry of Higher Education, and engaging with international Professional Membership Bodies.

Quality Education

Delivering meaningful and valuable education

High-Class Qualifications

Recognized credentials that advance careers

International Partnerships

Engaging with global professional bodies

Professional Membership Pathway

Progress through four distinct professional award levels while earning academic qualifications

Automatic Affiliate Membership

Upon enrollment at CIFMA, every student automatically becomes an "Affiliate Member" of CIFMA, beginning their professional journey immediately.

Professional Membership Qualifications

Foundation Award

Diploma of Assistant (Ass)

Entry-level professional recognition in your corresponding field of training

Qualification Requirements (Choose one):

Year 1 completion + 15 months full-time relevant work experience
Year 2 completion + 10 months full-time relevant work experience
Year 3 completion (no additional experience required)

Intermediate Award

Diploma of Technician (Tec)

Mid-level professional recognition demonstrating technical competency

Qualification Requirements (Choose one):

Year 1 completion + 25 months full-time relevant work experience
Year 2 completion + 20 months full-time relevant work experience
Year 3 completion + 10 months full-time relevant work experience
Year 4 completion + 5 months full-time relevant work experience

Professional Award

Diploma of Professional (Pro)

Advanced professional recognition for experienced practitioners

Qualification Requirements (Choose one):

Year 3 completion + 55 months full-time relevant work experience
Year 4 completion + 35 months full-time relevant work experience

Strategic Award

Diploma of Certified (Cert)

Highest level professional recognition for senior practitioners and leaders

Qualification Requirements:

Year 4 completion + 90 months full-time relevant work experience

Important Note on Work Experience

"Relevant work experience" includes a broad range of professional activities:

  • Internship work and practical learning hours in school
  • Work experience gained before, during, and after study periods
  • Part-time relevant work experience is acceptable
  • Volunteer work in relevant professional contexts

Parallel Academic Qualifications

While progressing through professional membership levels, students also earn HIPDET Academic Qualifications:

1

Year 1

Ordinary Diploma (OD)

2

Year 2

Higher National Diploma (HND)

3

Year 3

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

4

Year 4

Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)

Start Your Professional Journey Today

Join CIFMA and begin your path to professional excellence with automatic affiliate membership and dual qualification opportunities.

About CIFMA

The Chartered Institute of Finance and Management, established through HIPDET Business School, is Cameroon's leading professional qualification and membership institute.

Our Story

CIFMA is an affiliate of the HIPDET Business School of Higher Institute for Professional Development and Training (HIPDET). HIPDET was established in 2013 and authorized to run vocational qualifications by the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training. In 2015, HIPDET received authorization from the Ministry of Higher Education, extending its services to higher education.

HIPDET is privately owned and governed by a board of trustees, assisted by an academic board and other institutional offices. Through CIFMA, we are devoted to training specialists across Cameroon and beyond.

Our membership comprises professionals from a broad spectrum of industries, organizations, and academia. Despite our diverse cultures, we share one common goal: achieving excellence through knowledge and motivation.

Key Milestones

2013
HIPDET established and authorized for vocational training
2015
Authorization for higher education services
2016
CIFMA launched as professional institute
2024
5000+ professionals trained and certified

Governance Structure

Board of Trustees

Provides strategic oversight and governance for HIPDET and CIFMA operations

Academic Board

Ensures academic quality and standards across all programs and qualifications

Institutional Offices

Support various operational aspects including admissions, examinations, and student services

Our Impact

5000+
Students Trained
15+
Professional Qualifications
95%
Employment Rate
10+
Industry Sectors