What is the Certified Financial Technology Specialist?

The Certified Financial Technology Specialist is a globally recognised professional certification by the Global Leadership Institute (GLI), designed to equip professionals with advanced competencies in Finance & Accounting.

How long does this certification take?

The programme is 11 Week and can be completed at your own pace through our self-paced online option, or alongside live virtual sessions.

Is this certification globally recognised?

Yes. GLI certifications are internationally recognised and carry CPD credits, making them valuable for career advancement worldwide.

What level is this certification?

This is a Advanced Level certification, suitable for professionals with relevant experience or background in the field.

You can enrol by emailing info@leadership.co.ke, contacting us via WhatsApp at +254 722 223 084, or filling the enrolment form below.

Certified Financial Technology Specialist (CFTS) | Online Certification

Executive Summary

Certified Financial Technology Specialist

Designed for today’s high-impact professionals, the Certified Financial Technology Specialist (CFTS) delivers a rigorous Advanced-level curriculum that equips participants with the knowledge, tools and frameworks needed to excel in financial management, accounting, budgeting and financial analysis.

This 11 Week programme is structured around IFRS, GAAP and recognised financial management and reporting standards, ensuring every graduate applies internationally validated methods to real-world challenges.

GLI’s CFTS holders are recognised by leading organisations across Africa, the Gulf, Europe and the Americas as qualified, results-driven professionals. Whether you are advancing your current career or transitioning into new responsibilities, this certification provides the competitive edge you need in 2026 and beyond.

Programme Overview

Certification at a Glance

Certification

Certified Financial Technology Specialist

Acronym

CFTS

Who Should Enrol?

Reading Financial Statements — applied to your own work
Budgeting and Variance — applied to your own work
Internal Control and Fraud — applied to your own work
Investment and Cost of Capital — applied to your own work
Regulation and Compliance — applied to your own work
Profit, Cash and the Gap Between — applied to your own work

Programme Inclusions

Everything Included in Your Enrolment

All study materials and study guide
Access to GLI online learning portal
Online examination and assessment
Digital certificate and digital badge
Physical certificate (shipped to you)
CPD credits for professional bodies
GLI alumni network membership
Facilitator and tutor support
Resource downloads and reference library
Automatic enrolment confirmation

Certification Benefits

Why This Certification Matters for Your Career

Career Advancement

Accelerate your career towards senior finance, controller and CFO roles

Professional Recognition

Credential aligned with IFRS, GAAP and recognised financial management and reporting standards

Leadership Capability

Develop the strategic and operational skills to lead complex financial management functions

Organisational Impact

Design and implement financial management systems that drive performance and measurable results

Compliance Readiness

Master the standards, compliance and ethical governance central to financial management

Global Employability

Qualify for financial management roles across corporates, banks, NGOs and public-sector organisations worldwide

Competency Framework

Core Competencies You Will Develop

✦Financial Accounting, Reporting and Analysis

✦Budgeting, Planning and Cost Control

✦Corporate Finance, Investment and Valuation

✦Treasury, Working Capital and Cash Management

✦Financial Controls, Audit and Governance

✦Professional Ethics and Governance

Course Curriculum

Programme Modules

Click any module to explore the detailed curriculum topics included in this certification.

Foundations and Strategic Context of Certified Financial Technology Specialist

Certified Financial Technology Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
The role of finance in organisations and value creation
Financial, management and cost accounting distinguished
The finance operating model and business partnering
Accounting concepts, principles and the regulatory landscape
Financial statements and the accounting equation
Stakeholders and users of financial information
Ethics and professional standards in finance
Corporate objectives and shareholder value
The finance function and digital transformation
Building a finance career and professional development

Reading Financial Statements

Reading financial statements as a manager
Accrual accounting and the profit-cash gap
Audit evidence, sampling and professional scepticism
Credit assessment and the five Cs
Collaborative and client-led planning
Analytical techniques and bias
Financial inclusion and serving underbanked markets
Financial reporting frameworks (IFRS/GAAP)
Interpreting financial statements
Integrated and sustainability reporting
Fees, pricing and interchange
Reporting quality and governance
Performance and SLAs
Payment risk types and management
Management accounts and dashboards

Budgeting and Variance

Budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis
Accrual accounting and the profit-cash gap
Investment appraisal and the cost of capital
Stress testing credit portfolios
Collections strategy
Credit bureaus and data
Regulatory capital for credit
Recovery and legal remedies
Credit risk governance
Budget vs actual and variance
Cash and liquidity management
Working capital optimisation
Short-term funding and money markets
Cost and profitability analysis
Forecasting and planning

Internal Control and Fraud

Internal control and the fraud triangle
Audit evidence, sampling and professional scepticism
AML, KYC and financial crime prevention
Finance maturity assessment
Driving measurable financial improvement
Capstone scoping: a real financial problem or decision
Data gathering and financial analysis
Building a model, budget or business case
Risk assessment and sensitivity analysis
Recommendations and decision support
Data visualisation for finance
Decision support and insight
Psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches
Professional roles, boundaries and settings
Peer support and consultation

Investment and Cost of Capital

Investment appraisal and the cost of capital
Treasury, liquidity and currency exposure
Budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis
Interpreting financial performance
Pricing, contribution and product decisions
Make-or-buy and outsourcing decisions
Investment and disinvestment decisions
Data visualisation and financial storytelling
Forecasting and planning (FP&A)
Evidence-based financial recommendations
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and finance systems
Financial data, master data and the chart of accounts
Automation, RPA and the digital close
Business intelligence and finance dashboards
Data analytics and predictive finance

Regulation and Compliance

Financial regulation and prudential supervision
AML, KYC and financial crime prevention
Expected credit loss and portfolio quality
Payment regulation and oversight
Payment innovation and fintech
Card and data security (PCI DSS)
Sustaining ethical, effective practice
Ethical frameworks and codes of practice
Digital currencies and CBDCs
Regulatory and compliance requirements
Duty of care and risk management
Emerging payment technologies
Record-keeping and data protection
Complaints, accountability and fitness to practise
Legal responsibilities and professional bodies

Profit, Cash and the Gap Between

Accrual accounting and the profit-cash gap
Reading financial statements as a manager
Treasury, liquidity and currency exposure
Evidence-based improvement
Managing risk and difficult cases
Driving effective, ethical outcomes
Designing and facilitating groups
Psychoeducation and workshops
Working with organisations on wellbeing
Designing an intervention or programme
Ethical, risk and feasibility considerations
Evidence-based practice
Risk assessment and safety planning
Goal setting and contracting
Treatment planning and review

Projects and Delivery

Audit programmes and fieldwork
Planning and understanding the entity
Project finance structures
Appraisal of development projects
Crisis, resilience and contingency planning
Leading finance projects and change
Tax planning, avoidance and evasion distinguished
Tax planning vs avoidance vs evasion
Operational planning and workflow management
Leading procurement projects and change
Value and savings programmes
Curriculum and programme design
Voice, communication and delivery
Continuous improvement of programmes
Individual development planning

Performance Measurement

Finance KPIs and the finance scorecard
Process efficiency and cycle-time metrics
Managing complexity and comorbidity
Workplace and organisational contexts
KPIs and performance reporting
Performance measurement and attribution
Performance management in service
Coaching for performance
Banking KPIs and branch scorecards
Service quality and turnaround metrics
Sales performance and pipeline management
Policy, planning and objectives
Strategy execution and the balanced scorecard
Managing team performance and dynamics
High-performance team rituals and cadence

Procurement and Suppliers

Value-chain and supply-chain finance
Payables, procurement controls and supplier fraud
Goal setting and action planning
Procurement and supply chain: scope and value
The procurement cycle and operating models
Procurement’s contribution to organisational strategy
Public versus private procurement
Supply markets and the enabling environment
Digital procurement and the future of the profession
Team leadership in procurement
Procurement transformation and operating models
Sustainable procurement principles and standards
Fair trade and responsible supply
Procurement and asset management under donor rules
Vendor, venue and supplier contracting for events

Ethics and Conduct

Ethics and transparency in tax
Ethics in tax practice
Ethics, transparency and reputation
Roles, conduct and professional standards in banking
Ethics and suitability
Professional ethics and codes (IFAC, ACCA, CIMA)
Data ethics and privacy in finance
Real estate regulation, licensing and professional conduct
Ethics and treating customers fairly in insurance
Regulation, ethics and misinformation in media and telecoms
Ethical principles and codes of practice
Data ethics, privacy and responsible analytics
Ethics and duty of care
Professional ethics and duty of care
Ethical decision-making under pressure

People Administration

Payroll, statutory deductions and employment cost
Workforce management and scheduling
Workforce planning and scheduling
Employee experience and engagement
Customer and employee satisfaction
Employee engagement models and drivers
The employee lifecycle and HR value chain
Communicating risk to the workforce
Workforce and shift management in retail
Tax compliance and the tax risk agenda
Insurance, risk transfer and retained risk

International and Currency

Transfer pricing and international tax
International and cross-border tax
Foreign exchange and currency risk
The agricultural sector: systems, actors and global food value chains
Valuation and security analysis
Investment strategy and allocation
Financial risk types and management
Hedging strategies and instruments
Market risk and VaR
Accountability and follow-through
Financial strategy and capital allocation

Change

Change management in finance
Measuring transformation impact
Finance transformation and target operating models
Digital transformation and IT strategy
Variations, claims and delay: managing change on site
Change talk and readiness
Habit change and behaviour design
Change control and configuration
Organisational change management
Change and adoption in projects
Agile and digital transformation projects
Measuring coaching outcomes
Strengths, flow and engagement
Measuring change and project impact
Baseline setting and change control

Sustainability and ESG

Sustainability of microfinance
Sustainability and responsible finance
Environmental management systems (ISO 14001)
Environmental legal compliance
Sustainability and climate responsibility
Environmental monitoring and reporting
Continuous environmental improvement
Integration with quality and environment
Sustainability and responsible sourcing
Environmental, social and governance (ESG)
Sustainability reporting and disclosure
Sustainability and responsible marketing
Carbon markets and climate finance
Monitoring sustainability outcomes
Monitoring, evaluation and sustainability plan

Learning and Research

Learning cultures and the learning organisation
Blended and hybrid learning design
Peer learning and communities of practice
Motivation and self-directed learning
Training needs analysis and learning strategy
Knowledge management and capability building
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Monitoring, evaluation and learning for accountability
Evidence-based practice and research literacy
Lessons learned and knowledge management
Market research design and methods
The learning and development profession
Learning strategy and business alignment
Qualitative and quantitative research
Facilitation, training and public presentation skills

Financial Practice

Types of banks and financial institutions
Financial inclusion and the evolving customer
Trade finance and letters of credit
Audit committee reporting
Audit opinions and reporting
Concessional and blended finance
Infrastructure and PPP finance
Advisory and non-financial services
Sector-focused SME finance
Microfinance models and methodologies
Digital financial services
Cloud finance and system integration
Cybersecurity and financial data protection
Reconciliations and the financial close
Audit evidence, sampling and testing

Banking and Financial Services

Investment of surplus funds
Digital finance, mobile money and payment operations
Meaning, purpose and values
Digital and internet banking
Loan structuring and pricing
Consumer, SME and corporate credit
Credit risk measurement
Treasury technology and systems
Credit and counterparty risk
Development banking principles
Digital and alternative-data credit
Financial risk: credit, market, liquidity, operational
Negotiation with banks, investors and suppliers
Corporate governance in banks
Continuous improvement and lean banking

Risk and Control

Governance of operations
Outcome and process measures
Corporate governance and the finance role
Regulatory compliance and professional duty
Interest-rate risk and hedging
Financial risk management and derivatives
Fraud risk, prevention and detection
Governance of controls and reporting
Statutory compliance and filings
Tax administration and compliance
Tax compliance and returns
Regulatory compliance in operations
Tax risk management
Data, records and confidentiality tech
Practice management systems

Legal and Regulatory

Managing audit and regulator relationships
Regulatory reporting and disclosure
Regulatory capital and ratios
Regulatory compliance and market requirements
Regulatory and fair-treatment obligations
The regulatory landscape and central banking
Regulatory duty and accountability
Regulatory compliance and central-bank rules
Regulatory reporting and audits
Regulatory liquidity ratios (LCR, NSFR)
Contract law and formation
Contract exit and renewal
Psychometric and screening tools
The regulatory and legal environment
Regulatory change management

Data and Reporting

Ethics of technology in practice
Emerging tools and innovation
Assets, liabilities and equity reporting
Reporting automation
Data security and confidentiality
Working papers and evidence
Findings, rating and reporting
Substantive and analytical procedures
Portfolio management and reporting
Board reporting and investor relations
Board and executive financial reporting
Working with referrers and multidisciplinary teams
Communicating with families and carers
Financial storytelling and data visualisation
Financial reporting standards (IFRS/GAAP)

Analysis and Decisions

Ratio and trend analysis
Cost-to-serve and value-for-money analysis
Trend, common-size and comparative analysis
Professional writing and reports
Psychoeducation and public communication
Customer segmentation and needs analysis
Interest-rate risk and gap analysis
Evidence, judgement and scepticism
Spend analysis and segmentation
Supply market analysis
Root-cause analysis and problem solving
Backlogs, user stories and prioritisation
Escalation and decision-making
Portfolio management and prioritisation
Decision-making and problem solving

Operations and Process

Portfolio quality and risk
Process re-engineering and shared services
Quality, accuracy and error reduction
Cheque clearing and processing
Process improvement and automation
Service levels and quality
Approval processes and delegation
Service culture and brand promise
Digital and self-service transformation
Innovation in service delivery
Journey and process redesign
Productivity and efficiency improvement
Data quality and master data management
Policy administration and customer service in insurance
The vehicle sales process from enquiry to delivery

Leadership and Management

Working capital management and the cash cycle
Cash flow forecasting and liquidity management
Receivables, payables and inventory management
Managing difficult conversations
Building trust and engagement
SME portfolio management
Team leadership within finance
Team leadership in customer service
Teller operations, cash handling and vault management
Operational efficiency and channel management
Team leadership in banking operations
Project management maturity assessment
Value and benefits management
Requirements gathering and management
Project management plan development

People and Development

Managing resistance and upskilling teams
Team formation and effectiveness models (Tuckman, Lencioni)
Cross-functional and matrix teams
Leading remote and hybrid teams
Team diversity and inclusion
Creating a coaching culture
Delegating for development
Building and leading a team
Managing resistance and capability building
Category management and strategy development
Supplier development and improvement
Attachment and developmental theory
Leading groups and workshops
Lessons learned and development
Wellbeing and resilience coaching

Communication

Investor relations and market communication
Presenting financial information clearly
Executive communication and presence
Cross-cultural communication
Running meetings that produce decisions
Presenting sourcing recommendations
Managing supplier communications
The media and telecommunications landscape
Collaboration and teamwork
Communicating financial results
Professional case study and presentation
Professional report and presentation
Safety communication and campaigns
Toolbox talks and safety communication
Communicating vision and telling stories

Stakeholders and Clients

Stakeholder mapping for the finance function
Business partnering and influencing
Negotiation tactics and behaviours
Strategic customer relationships
Property viewings, offers and negotiation to close
Relapse prevention planning
Managing boundaries and dual relationships
Client feedback and satisfaction
Recovery capital and community
The project environment and stakeholders
Stakeholder and sponsor management
Categories of spend and stakeholders
Influencing and negotiation with stakeholders
Negotiation strategy and planning
Stakeholder rights and fair treatment

Markets and Customers

Transfer pricing basics
Transfer pricing documentation
Ethics and fair customer treatment
Professional ethics in customer service
Customer service and CX strategy
Designing voice-of-customer programmes
Aligning service to brand and business
Sustaining strategic customer focus
Customer and journey analysis
Operational efficiency and productivity
Customer experience strategy
Customer lifetime value and profitability
Customer data platforms and segmentation
Customer experience and journey mapping
Competitive and market intelligence

Technology and Systems

Case management and referral
Digital finance and automation roadmaps
Innovation and fintech partnerships
Digital tax administration
Digital permits and inspections
Automation and safety technology
Writing advisory reports that drive decisions
Digital procurement roadmaps
Security governance and management systems
Bancassurance and digital insurance models
Projects, programmes and portfolios
Traceability, recall and quality assurance systems
Quality management systems and audits
Closed-loop feedback systems
Self-service and digital support

Strategic Context

Project management standards (PMI, PRINCE2)
Mergers, funding and growth strategy
Brand and reputation as strategic assets
Growth strategy and demand generation
Capstone scoping: a real growth or brand challenge
Designing a marketing or sales strategy
Marketing strategy and the mix
Brand strategy, identity and equity
Pricing strategy
Digital marketing strategy
Data-driven growth
Scaling technologies and business models
Project roles and the project manager
Managing growth, risk and resilience
Business case and strategic alignment

Learning Outcomes

What You Will Achieve

Reading Financial Statements — applied to your own work
Budgeting and Variance — applied to your own work
Internal Control and Fraud — applied to your own work
Investment and Cost of Capital — applied to your own work
Regulation and Compliance — applied to your own work
Profit, Cash and the Gap Between — applied to your own work

Enrolment Process

How to Get Certified

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Work through 30 structured modules and 150 lessons at your own pace, with downloadable resources and expert-designed content — all inside the LMS.

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Sit your final examination online, earn your certificate instantly, and receive a globally verifiable Certificate ID — plus GLI Alumni Network access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

What is the CFTS certification?

Yes. GLI certifications are recognised across 100+ countries and are aligned with IFRS, GAAP and recognised financial management and reporting standards. Graduates receive a digital certificate, a physical certificate and CPD credits recognised by employers worldwide.

Who should enrol in the CFTS?

This certification is ideal for Finance Officers and Accountants, Budget and Cost Analysts, Finance Managers and Controllers and Auditors and Financial Analysts, and other professionals seeking to formalise their expertise in financial management, accounting, budgeting and financial analysis with a globally recognised credential.

How long does the CFTS certification take to complete?

The programme is structured over 11 Week and offers flexible learning modes. Self-paced learners can progress at their own schedule, while live virtual participants follow a structured cohort schedule with facilitator-led sessions.

Is the CFTS internationally recognised?

What is the cost of the CFTS certification?

The Certified Financial Technology Specialist is offered in two formats: Self-Paced at USD 449 and Live Virtual at USD 649. Corporate group rates are available for organisations enrolling 5 or more participants. Contact GLI for a bespoke corporate training quotation.

What does the CFTS certification include?

Enrolment includes all study materials and study guides, access to GLI's online learning portal, online examination, digital certificate and badge, physical certificate (posted), CPD credits, GLI alumni network membership, and ongoing facilitator support.

What is the assessment format for the CFTS?

The Certified Financial Technology Specialist is assessed through an online examination consisting of multiple-choice questions, case study analysis, and practical application assignments. The assessment is designed to evaluate real-world competency, not just theoretical recall.

What CPD credits do I earn from the CFTS?

The Certified Financial Technology Specialist carries Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, which can be applied towards professional body requirements including recognised international professional associations.

Can I study the CFTS while working full-time?

Absolutely. The self-paced option is designed for busy working professionals and allows you to study when and where it suits you. Live virtual sessions are typically scheduled in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate professional commitments.

What career outcomes can I expect from the CFTS?

Graduates progress towards senior finance, controller and CFO roles. The CFTS strengthens your expertise in financial management, accounting, budgeting and financial analysis and positions you for advancement across corporates, banks, NGOs and public-sector organisations.

Certified Financial Technology Specialist

Certified Financial Technology Specialist

Certification at a Glance

Who Should Enrol?

Everything Included in Your Enrolment

Why This Certification Matters for Your Career

Core Competencies You Will Develop

Programme Modules

What You Will Achieve

How to Get Certified

Common Questions

What Our Alumni Say

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