International Public Financial Management

CIPFA’s International Public Financial Management (IPFM) qualification has always offered the best foundation for developing the next generation of public finance professionals and leaders.



In March 2022, we introduced a refreshed syllabus, the Professional Accountancy Qualification (PAQ). The IPFM will run alongside the new syllabus until all IPFM students have completed their studies. If you began studying the IPFM before 2022, you will find important information about this process on this page.


What does the new syllabus mean for you?

There will be minimal impact on you. You are not required to transition to the updated syllabus, nor will you be required to complete any additional units. Your progress will not be interrupted, and you will be able to continue your current programme through to completion.

Find out more about the CIPFA Futures syllabus

Key dates

As the IPFM syllabus is being retired, you will need to make sure that you register for all of the final IPFM module terms and exams – set out in the table below. If you do not register in time or are unsuccessful in a final module exam, you will be fully supported in transitioning to the updated PAQ syllabus. The IPFM modules you have completed will be taken into account.

We will be communicating with you every step of the way, to ensure that you are aware of the key dates and are able to register in time.


Module name

Final term

Final exam

Company Financial Reporting syllabus

September 2022 

March 2023

Company Financial Reporting examinable standards annex

September 2022 

March 2023

Financial Management syllabus

February 2023

September 2023 

Business and Change Management syllabus

February 2023

September 2023 

Governance Public Policy and Ethics syllabus

February 2023

September 2023 

Public Finance syllabus

February 2023

September 2023 

Public Sector Financial Reporting syllabus

September 2023 

March 2024

Public Sector Financial Reporting examinable standards

September 2023

March 2024

Strategic Public Finance syllabus

September 2023

March 2024

Strategic Case Study syllabus

February 2024

September 2024

 



Mapping the IPFM and PAQ modules

In many cases, the updated PAQ modules map directly onto the current IPFM syllabus. Where a new module has been mapped this indicates that the new module covers at least 80% of the legacy module's content. The below table also illustrates how you would transition across to the PAQ syllabus if you didn't register in time for a final module term or exam, or were unsuccessful in a final module exam.

Current IPFM module

New PAQ module

Management Accounting

Management Accounting

Financial Accounting

Financial Accounting

Audit and Assurance

Audit and Assurance

Financial Management

Business Planning and Financial Management

Company Financial Reporting

Business Reporting

 

Governance and Risk Management

Strategy and Policy Development

Developing Strategy and Data Analysis

Public Finance

Tax and Law

Governance, Public Policy and Ethics

Tax and Law

Strategic Public Finance

Strategic Public Financial Management

 

Advanced Audit

Business and Change Management

Implementing Business Change

Public Sector Financial Reporting

Public Sector Financial Reporting

Strategic Case Study

Strategic Case Study

 

Remember to submit your PEP

To make sure you get the recognition you deserve, you must submit your Practical Experience Portfolio (PEP) after your final exams. This is a log of the practical workplace experience and evidenced skills recorded over the duration of your studies. Once you have submitted your PEP, you will be awarded full membership to CIPFA and your Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA) designation.

Find out more

For more information refer to our CIPFA Futures FAQs or contact us: +44 (0)20 7543 5600