"You've done the work. You've earned the title. Now get the designation."

There are a variety of job descriptions associated with the CCFO designation. This short summary explains more about what is expected of a CCFO within the finance department.

Click here for a list of the required supporting documentation

Click here for an overview of the application process

The application process and post-designation requirements

1. Application
   Application
   • Register as a CIBA member
   • Complete the CCFO application form and confirm you are a person in good standing.
2. Supporting Documentation & Qualification
   • Submit certified copies of your ID and latest CV
   • Submit certified copies of academic transcripts
   • Provide proof of relevant qualifications in either of the following: (Qualification must include 3 of the following subjects, altern atively you may have obtained these subjects separately for non-degree purposes: Accounting, Auditing, Tax, Management Accounting, Financial Management, Commercial law) :

     A SAQA evaluation and alignment certificate indicating the comparative South African qualification if the qualification was obtained from a Non South African institute of higher learning.

     Relevant prior learning obtained in the form of part qualifications, modules, short courses or similar courses completed and which CIBA as recognised for membership purposes.

     Membership of a professional body that ascribes to the membership criteria of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) or a professional bod y with whom CIBA has signed a membership agreement, and whom CIBA has recognised for membership purposes.

   • Verification of Experience - Map your experience to CIBA's Competence Framework. Provided at application.
   • Certified Marriage Certificate (if applicable). Required if the surname on your qualification differs from your ID.
   • Sworn Affidavit. Provided at application.
   • Two employer reference letters from your past/current employers or clients stating the employment period, job position, and key responsibilities on company letterheads. Example provided at application.
   • Professional Support Reference letter from a SAQA-recognised professional body designation holder. Example provided at application. If a reference from a designation holder is not available, the applicant must provide a second reference letter from either a current or former employer or a client.
   • Proof of successful completion of CIBA's Professional Readiness Programme and commitment to Lifelong Learning.
3. Experience
   • Complete the workplace experience assessment and confirmation by employer. You will be required to complete an Examination-By-Experience. This consists of se lf-assessment, and employer verification of obtaining 34 critical competencies at an awareness level. Download the competencies here
4. Payment
   • You will be redirected to a secure online payment portal to pay your CCFO designation fee. This can be paid annually or monthly via debit order.
   • R5500-00 registration fee and peer assessment.
   • R6500-00 annual membership fees.
5. Evaluation
   • We will evaluate your application and supporting documents to monitor compliance of 34 critical competencies employers require at the strategic level..
   • Once your application is approved we will email you confirmation of registration and certificate.

Continuous quality confirmation is a hallmark of the CCFO designation. This gives credibility and is valued by employers.

• Professional Readiness Programme The Chartered designation is a mark of excellence in the accounting and finance profession. It demonstrates to employers, clients, and peers that the holder is committed to best practices, ethical conduct, and lifelong learning and maintains high professional standards. As the profession evolves, accountants must go beyond technical expertise to demonstrate ethical leadership, industry awareness, and accountability. The Professional Readiness Programme reinforces and evaluates the skills to navigate a dynamic business environment while upholding public trust. It includes the following areas: Technical Application Skills, Ethical Awareness, Environmental Awareness, and Readiness for Responsibility.

• Ethics The CIBA ethics CPD and assessment be completed annually.

• Technology and business CCFO should stay updated on technology and business development by annually completing CPD events in technology and business

• CPD A CCFO needs to log 40 hours continuing professional development (CPD) per annum. CPD is required by law from all accountants in South African that has earned a designation. It shows your commitment to lifelong learning, and must be obtained from cpd.myciba.org

CCFO, because you deserve it

• Registration on the National Database of Accountants in terms of the NQF Act, 2008
• Proof that you are committed to ethical conduct and lifelong learning
• Officially recognised certification for finance executives in South Africa
• Use the official designatory letters: CCFO or Chartered Chief Financial Officer next to your name
• Employers obtain objective confirmation that you have obtained 34 critical competencies required at the strategic level of a finance department
• International accreditation with www.iafei.org.za - the global body for finance executives
• Articulation into the CBAP designation should you decide to start a part-time or full time accounting practice
• Aristocracy of the finance world
• Objective confirmation of your worth
• Advantage over non-designated peers
• Access to CFO Talks
• Access to the annual CFO World Congress
• Access to the CFO Talks network of CFOs
• Access to discounted executive education.

Contact us

• Contact us on 012 643 1800 or send an email to membership@myciba.org should you require more information about the process.

Statutory criteria

CCFO is an official designation registered in terms of the National Qualifications Framework Act, 67 of 2008. The entry criteria for the designation as published in Government Gazette is:

• Qualifications requirement:
  • MBA (Masters degree in Financial Management, Business Administration or Accounting)
  • NQF Level 9 Degree or higher in Financial Management, Business Administration or Accounting
  • For foreign qualifications, evaluation by SAQA is required.
• Experience requirement:
  • 8-10 years relevant experience in managerial or senior position,
  • Including 4 years relevant experience in finance department at a strategic level
• Assessment:
  • Confirmation by employers that you achieved 34 critical competencies at a mastery level
  • Completion of Professional Readiness Programme.
• Private practice:
  • CCFO holder may not act in private practice e.g. only CBAP holders are allowed to act as accountants in private practice or as accounting officers. You can add this designation to your CCFO.