Chartered Institute Of Professional Financial Consultants (CIPFC) – Nigeria

Certified Financial Consultants

The Certified Financial Consultant (CFC) is a prestigious credential that requires an advanced understanding of finance and consulting principles.

This essay presents an in-depth analysis of the course content for the CFC certification program, providing an overview of the topics covered in ten distinct paragraphs. Aimed at a graduate-level audience, the content delves into various financial expertise areas, regulatory frameworks, and practical consulting skills required becoming a successful Certified Financial Consultant.

MODULES

 Introduction to Financial consulting

The course begins with an overview of financial consulting, emphasizing its significance in today’s complex business environment. Students explore the responsibilities of a financial consultant, including financial analysis, risk assessment, investment advisory, and strategic financial planning. This section also highlights the ethical considerations and professional standards that underpin the profession.

 Financial Analysis and Reporting
In this section, students learn the techniques and tools employed in financial analysis. Topics covered include ratio analysis, cash flow analysis, financial statement analysis, and forecasting. Emphasis is placed on interpreting financial data, identifying key performance indicators, and communicating findings effectively through comprehensive financial reports.

Investment and Portfolio Management
Students delve into the intricacies of investment and portfolio management, examining various investment instruments and strategies. This section covers asset allocation, risk management, diversification, and performance evaluation. Additionally, students learn how to construct and manage investment portfolios tailored to meet clients’ unique financial goals.

Retirement Planning and Wealth Management
Retirement planning and wealth management are crucial aspects of financial consulting. This segment provides students with an in-depth understanding of retirement planning strategies, social security benefits, pension plans, and estate planning. Students also explore wealth management techniques, including tax optimization, asset protection, and intergenerational wealth transfer.

Corporate Finance and Capital Structure
This section focuses on corporate finance principles, including capital budgeting, cost of capital, capital structure decisions, and working capital management. Participants develop an understanding of financial decision-making in the corporate setting, exploring techniques to analyze and evaluate the financial health of organizations.

Risk Management and Insurance Planning
Risk management is a key competency for financial consultants. This segment delves into risk identification, risk assessment, and risk mitigation strategies. Students also learn about various insurance products and their applications, enabling them to provide clients with tailored insurance planning solutions.

Tax Planning and Management
Tax planning is an essential aspect of financial consulting, and this portion of the course familiarizes students with tax systems, tax codes, and regulations to optimize clients’ tax liabilities effectively. Topics covered include individual and corporate taxation, tax deductions, tax credits, and tax-efficient investment strategies.

Business Valuation and Mergers & Acquisitions
This section explores the art of valuing businesses and understanding the factors that drive mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Students uncover various valuation methods, such as discounted cash flow analysis and relative valuation. The course content examines essential concepts relevant to M&A transactions, including due diligence, deal structuring, and post-transaction integration.

Regulatory Compliance and Professional Ethics
To maintain credibility and protect client interests, financial consultants must adhere to regulatory frameworks and ethical standards. This section explores laws and regulations governing financial services, including anti-money laundering, data privacy, and financial industry licensing. Students also examine ethical dilemmas in financial consulting and develop strategies to ensure integrity in practice.

Consulting Skills and Client Relationship Management
In addition to finance-specific knowledge, effective consulting skills are imperative for a successful career. This segment equips students with essential consulting tools, such as communication skills, problem-solving techniques, and project management principles. Additionally, students learn how to build and manage fruitful client relationships, develop effective consulting proposals, and present recommendations convincingly.

 

Entry Requirements

The course is designed for those professionals seeking a certification and career in financial consulting or advisory services.

The course content for the Certified Financial Consultant is designed to provide graduate-level students with a comprehensive understanding of financial consulting, covering an array of topics from financial analysis and investment management to risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. By successfully completing this program, students will possess the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards necessary to excel in the constantly evolving field of financial consulting.

Mode of study:

  • Students can write our exams in the months of April, August, November all over our centres across Nigeria.
  • Distance learning mode: Our courses are also available on a distance learning giving opportunity for students to enrole & complete the course via distance learning.

Academic progression and opportunities for further studies is avaialable for CFC Nigeria holders

Chartered Financial Consultant CFC
Certification

Level 1: Foundation (4 courses)

1. Financial Markets and Instruments (FMI)

  • Overview of financial markets
  • Financial instruments (stocks, bonds, derivatives)
  • Market structures and regulations
  1. Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
  • Financial statement analysis
  • Accounting standards and frameworks
  • Financial reporting requirements
  1. Economics and Financial Environment (EFE)
  • Microeconomics and macroeconomics
  • International trade and finance
  • Economic indicators and policy
  1. Ethics and Professional Practice (EPP)
  • Professional ethics and conduct
  • Financial planning and advisory services
  • Regulatory framework and compliance.

Level 2: Intermediate (4 courses)

  1. Financial Management and Analysis (FMA)
  • Financial statement analysis
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Financial modeling and valuation
  1. Investment and Portfolio Management (IPM)
  • Investment principles and strategies
  • Portfolio management and performance evaluation
  • Risk management and asset allocation
  1. Taxation and Estate Planning (TEP)
  • Personal and corporate taxation
  • Estate planning and wealth transfer
  • Tax planning strategies
  1. Retirement and Pension Planning (RPP)
  • Retirement planning and strategies
  • Pension plans and administration
  • Employee benefits and compensation.

Level 3: Advanced (4 courses)

  1. Advanced Financial Planning and Advisory Services (AFP)
  • Comprehensive financial planning
  • Advisory services and client relationships
  • Practice management and marketing
  1. Risk Management and Insurance (RMI)
  • Risk management principles and strategies
  • Insurance products and services
  • Employee benefits and group insurance
  1. International Finance and Investments (IFI)
  • International financial markets and instruments
  • Global investment strategies and risk management
  • Cross-border financial planning
  1. Case Studies and Research (CSR)
  • Applied financial planning and advisory services
  • Case studies and research projects
  • Professional presentation and communication.

Exemptions

Candidates may be exempted from certain courses based on their prior qualifications, experience, or professional certifications. Here are some exemptions:

  1. Academic qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or related fields (exempt from Level 1 courses)
  • Master’s degree in finance, accounting, or related fields (exempt from Level 1 and 2 courses)
  1. Professional certifications:
  • CNA, ACA, ACCA, ACCSA, ACTI, or other recognized accounting or finance certifications (exempt from Level 1 and 2 courses)
  1. Relevant work experience:
  • 5+ years of experience in finance, accounting, or related fields (exempt from Level 1 courses)
  • 10+ years of experience in finance, accounting, or related fields (exempt from Level 1 and 2 courses).
  1. Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
  • Candidates who have completed relevant CPD courses or programs may be exempted from specific courses.

Assessment

Each course will have a combination of assessments, including:

  1. Multiple-choice questions
  2. Essay questions
  3. Case studies
  4. Research projects

Certification Requirements

To become a Chartered Financial Consultant (CFC), candidates must:

  1. Complete all courses and assessments
  2. Meet the exemption requirements (if applicable)
  3. Pass a final certification exam
  4. Maintain ongoing professional development requirements.

ACCREDITATION

The Chartered Financial Consultant programmed has curriculum has been evaluated for quality control and fully accredited by the Chartered institute of Professional Financial Managers in the United States. A mark of accreditation is on certificates issued.