Certificate in Financial Reporting for Academies - Cohort 72

About this event

The Certificate in Financial Reporting for Academies e-learning will help you to develop the knowledge and skills required to play a key role in the financial management of academies.

You will develop an understanding of the principles of accounting and help the academy trust maintain adequate accounting records and prepare an annual report and accounts in line with the Charity Commission's Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) and ESFA's Accounts Direction.

The course is designed for those who have or plan to have a key role in the management of school/academy finances. You may be currently working in a local authority, the Department for Education, an academy, or a school that is intending to convert to an academy within 12 months. It is also ideal for those looking to move into finance roles in the school/academy sector.

Completed via a blend of self-directed online learning, the course includes two live, tutor-lead workshops - an Introductory Workshop, and a Revision Workshop that recaps the materials and looks at exam technique and questions.

Workshop dates

Introductory online workshop

4 June 2026

Revision online workshop

2 September 2026

Assessment

You will have an exam at the end of the module, comprising of 30 questions. Following a review of the exam, from 7 August, you will have two hours to complete each of the mock exams and the final exam. You will get three attempts to complete each of them. To pass you must achieve 70%.

CPD hours

This course carries fifty CPD hours.

All CIPFA training counts towards your continuing professional development (CPD). If you are a CIPFA Chartered Member, you are required to undertake a minimum of 20 hours of relevant CPD activity each year as part of maintaining your professional competence and to develop skills and knowledge.