1. What It Is

A Chartered Financial Manager leads the finance function, shaping strategy, ensuring compliance, and managing resources effectively.

Financial Managers:

• Develop budgets and financial forecasts

• Lead teams of accountants and administrators

• Ensure tax, governance, and statutory compliance

• Analyse performance and guide executive decision-making

• Manage risk, investments, and capital structures

In short: CFMs don’t just manage money, they manage the financial future of organisations.

2. Why It Matters to You

• Leadership role: CFMs occupy critical management positions across sectors.

• Strategic influence: As a CFM, you advise executives, boards, and investors.

• High earning potential: CFMs are among the most sought-after finance professionals.

• Recognition: The CFM (SA) designation sets you apart as a trusted and ethical financial leader.

3. The Designation Advantage

Anyone can be called a “finance manager.” But with the Chartered Financial Manager (CFM) designation, you demonstrate that you are:

• Accountable to a professional body

• Equipped with advanced financial management and leadership skills

• Committed to ethics and professional development

• Recognised nationally and internationally as a senior finance leader.

The designation proves you are more than a manager - you are a Chartered leader in finance.

4. Where Do CFMs Work?

Everywhere leadership in finance is needed:

• Corporates and multinationals

• SMEs scaling for growth

• Public sector and state-owned entities

• NGOs and international organisations

• Advisory, consulting, and investment firms.

5. How Much Do CFMs Earn?

• Finance Manager: R60,000 – R90,000/month

• Group Finance Manager / Head of Finance: R90,000 – R130,000+/month

• CFO / Executive roles: R120,000 – R200,000+/month

• Consulting / Advisory: R1,000 – R2,500/hour

Holding the CFM (SA) designation positions you for the highest finance leadership rewards.

6. Skills You Need

• Strategic financial management

• Leadership and people management

• Governance, compliance, and risk management

• Corporate finance, mergers & acquisitions

• Performance analysis and decision support

• Advanced tax and regulatory knowledge

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement

7. Career Path

Start → Chartered Bookkeeper (CBK)

Next → Chartered Financial Administrator (CFA)

Then → Chartered Business Accountant (CBA)

Eventually → Chartered Financial Manager (CFM)

Future → CFO, COO, or CEO.

This is the pinnacle of the finance career ladder.

8. Key Rules, Standards, or Requirements

• Companies Act & IFRS: statutory financial reporting.

• King IV Governance Principles: corporate governance.

• Tax & Labour Laws: PAYE, VAT, UIF, and corporate tax.

• CIBA Code of Ethics: integrity and accountability.

• International Best Practices: corporate finance, risk, and treasury.

9. How to Apply / Use This Role

• Join CIBA as a recognised professional member.

• Apply for the Chartered Financial Manager (CFM) designation.

• Complete CPD on leadership, corporate governance, and strategic finance.

• Use the designation to advance to CFO or executive board-level roles.

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Thinking financial management is just “numbers,” it’s about strategy and leadership.

• Ignoring compliance, CFMs must always uphold governance.

• Not developing leadership skills, technical ability alone won’t take you to the top.

• Failing to update knowledge, laws, markets, and standards evolve quickly.

11. Related Resources

PDF: Guide to Becoming a Chartered Financial Manager (CFM)

cpd@myciba.org

12. Need Help?

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