CIFA – Certificate in Finance and Accounting
A comprehensive training program designed to provide non-financial professionals with a functional knowledge of finance and accounting. Delivered through flexible learning paths, instructor-led or self-paced with dedicated support – CIFA equips you with the essential skills to understand financial statements, product costing, and capital budgeting, enabling you to contribute more effectively to your organization’s financial goals.
Available Enrollment Options
Choose the learning format that works for you – both options are included in your course fee.
Instructor-Led Online sessions are offered only on scheduled cohort dates. Please check the Course Calendar for availability.
Self-Paced Learning
3 months full access to the online curriculum – learn at your own pace.
- 3 months full curriculum access
- Video lessons & downloadable handbooks
- Module quizzes & final assessment
- Certificate downloadable upon passing
- 24x7 online portal access
$280.00
(Includes access to instructor-led sessions when scheduled)
Instructor-Led Online
Optional live cohort sessions – included in the course fee when available. Check Course Calendar for dates.
- Four consecutive Saturday sessions
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST/DST (New York time)
- Interactive Q&A & practical examples
- Attend even after completing the self-paced course
No Additional Cost
(Includes access to instructor-led sessions when scheduled)
Is the CIFA Program Right for You?
CIFA is one of the most practical finance and accounting programs available for non-financial professionals. Covering the key principles of corporate finance, the course ensures you gain a holistic understanding of how operational decisions impact financial outcomes from reading financial statements and managing budgets to calculating product costs and evaluating major investments.
Â
The program is structured into four modules, each combining downloadable handbooks, video lessons, practical examples, and interactive quizzes. This blend of theory and application prepares you not only for the final certification exam but also for success in any role that requires strong financial literacy, empowering you to contribute more effectively to strategic business decisions.
Who Should Enroll?
CIFA is ideal for any professional outside of a dedicated finance role who needs to build financial literacy, including:
- Department Managers and Team Leaders
- Supply Chain and Operations Professionals
- Project and Program Managers
- Sales and Marketing Leaders
- Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners
With a curriculum focused on practical financial literacy, CIFA adapts to both individual career goals and corporate training programs.
A Comprehensive Curriculum Designed to:
- Demystify financial statements, including the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement.
- Master essential costing methods like Product Costing, COGM, COGS, and Activity-Based Costing.
- Make smarter investment decisions using capital budgeting techniques such as NPV and IRR.
- Analyze business performance with key financial ratios and break-even analysis.
- Build a strong foundation in core accounting principles, from double-entry bookkeeping to depreciation.
CIFA Learning System
This program is designed to give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace while providing optional instructor-led coaching avaialble as per the course calendar schedule.
Course Materials
Access the complete online curriculum anytime through our LMS. Self-paced course access lasts 3 months and can be extended upon request.
- Video lessons for all modules
- Downloadable, print-ready handbooks
- Practical exercises, examples, and templates
- Module quizzes and the final assessment
- Reference materials designed for real-world application
Instructor-Led Online Sessions
Instructor-led sessions are included in your course fee and are available when a cohort is scheduled. Learners may join these sessions even after progressing through the self-paced content.
- Four-week cohort format (3 hours per weekly session)
- Delivered online by experienced instructors
- Interactive Q&A, case discussions, and practical examples
- Ideal for learners seeking structured guidance and peer interaction
Exam & Certificate
The final exam is included with your course enrollment. After you complete all course modules, whether you studied through the self-paced path or participated in an instructor-led cohort, you will be able to take the online exam to earn your CIFA certificate.
- Online final exam covering all modules
- Exam becomes available once all course requirements are completed
- Minimum passing score: 70%
- Certificate is added to your BRASI account immediately after you pass
- Certificate is valid for 4 years, with renewal available through a refresher course at a discounted rate
Program Objectives & Structure
The CIFA training program is designed to provide non-financial professionals with a comprehensive understanding of core finance and accounting principles.
This module introduces the foundational elements of accounting. You'll learn to read and interpret key financial statements, calculate and analyze essential financial ratios to assess a company's performance, and master the principles of the double-entry bookkeeping system.
This section focuses on the financial evaluation of investments and projects. It covers capital budgeting techniques (NPV, IRR, etc.), project accounting, budget tracking, and various inventory valuation methods (FIFO, LIFO, WAC) to manage and cost inventory effectively.
This module delves into the specifics of how product costs are determined and managed. You will explore the calculation of Cost of Goods Manufactured (COGM) and Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), learn to conduct break-even analysis, and apply Activity Based Costing (ABC) for more accurate overhead allocation.
The final module covers advanced financial concepts critical for long-term decision-making. Topics include throughput accounting, methods for calculating depreciation and amortization of assets, and discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis to determine the present value of future earnings.
CIFA Curriculum
Explore the comprehensive modules of the CIFA training program. Each section is crafted to build your financial literacy from the ground up, combining essential theories with practical, real-world applications you can implement immediately.
Course Content
Imran Khaliq
CISCOM, CPCM, CSCF, CSTL, CLSS Graduate
Beenish Akhter
CISCOM Graduate
Hira Syed
CSCF Graduate
Danish Akhtar
CPCM Graduate
Nabeel Adil
CPCM Graduate
Ummar Aftab
CPCM Graduate
Zabihullah Noori
CPCM Graduate
Asadullah Malik
CPCM, CSTL Graduate
Irfan Gulzar
CISCOM, CPCM Graduate
Farrukh Shaikh
CSTL Graduate
Flexible Learning Options
This program is designed to fit your schedule, preferences, and learning needs. Choose the style that works best for you or your team.
Self-Paced Study
Ideal for self-starters and learners with busy schedules, this option gives you full control. Study independently at your own pace, access the online platform 24/7, and progress through the modules on a timeline that works for you.
Instructor Coaching
For learners who prefer guided instruction in a structured cohort setting. These live sessions are delivered online by experienced instructors on a fixed schedule. Check our course calendar for upcoming dates and join a group of peers to deepen your understanding.
Corporate & Team Training
Designed for organizations and teams, this option provides structured learning delivered online or onsite. It combines expert instruction with flexible scheduling to help your team build a shared, consistent understanding of advanced procurement and contracting principles.
Meet Your Instructors
Learn from experienced supply chain and operations professionals who bring real-world expertise and insights to this training program.
Aftab A. Khan
Executive Director, Adjunct Instructor
Aftab holds an MBA and multiple professional credentials, including CPIM, CIRM, and CSCP from ASCM, CSCM from ISCEA, and CISCOM™ – Certificate in Supply Chain & Operations Management from BRASI.
He has extensive experience in supply chain management across industries such as footwear, engineering, food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and global logistics. His key interests include Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, computer-based simulations, and the application of technology in supply chain management.
Atif Ahmed
Affiliate & Adjunct Instructor
Atif holds an MBA and brings over 24 years of professional experience in supply chain management. He is also the founder and CEO of Supply Chain Rising Pakistan, a BRASI Affiliate and Authorized Training Provider.
His expertise spans international trade and logistics, with senior leadership roles in industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. In addition to his corporate career, he serves as visiting faculty at several higher education institutions and has traveled extensively for business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the CIFA course, enrollment options, and the certification process.
What is CIFA?
CIFA (Certificate in Finance & Accounting) is a foundational certification program for non-financial professionals. It is designed to provide essential knowledge and skills in costing and financial processes, enabling you to better understand the business impact of your role.
Who should enroll in this course?
The CIFA program is ideal for any professional who wishes to gain a functional knowledge of finance and accounting to better support their organization's financial objectives. This includes professionals in supply chain, manufacturing, project management, and other non-financial roles.
How long do I have access to the course?
You will receive three months of access to all online learning materials for the CIFA program. If you require additional time to complete your studies, extensions are available upon request.
Are live classes included?
The CIFA program is offered in both a self-paced and an instructor-led format to suit your learning preferences. However, instructor-led online sessions are available at scheduled times. You can check the course calendar for the next available cohort.
How is the CIFA exam conducted?
The final exam is conducted online and is the last section of the course. It is designed to be more comprehensive than the module quizzes. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass, and you are allowed two attempts.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, upon passing the final exam, you will be awarded the CIFA - Certificate in Finance & Accounting. The certificate includes a unique ID number for verification and is valid for life.
