CPFA case studies
CPFA · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certified Public Finance Administrator (CPFA) is a professional credential offered through the CPFA/ACPFA Institute Program of the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada (APT US&C). It is designed for public treasury and finance professionals - the people entrusted with safeguarding and managing public funds - who want formal recognition of their knowledge of public-sector finance administration. The CPFA case studies are 5 cases and about 2,940 words.
1The 300-Day Commercial Paper Offer
A mid-sized city's investment policy, adopted last year, permits commercial paper only if rated A-1 or better, with a maximum maturity of 270 days and a per-issuer cap of 8% of the portfolio. The portfolio is 42 million; current commercial paper exposure is 2.9 million with one issuer.
614 words, about 3 min2The One-Cashier Friday Shortage
The utility billing office of a suburban county processes about 240 counter payments on a typical day, averaging 18,500. Two cashiers normally work the counter: one receives cash and issues receipts; the other prepares the daily deposit and reconciles the cash drawer.
605 words, about 3 min3The Vendor Just Under the Approval Threshold
A community health nonprofit receives a tip on its ethics hotline: a long-tenured accounts payable clerk may be steering payments to a vendor owned by her brother-in-law. The vendor, "Northstar Office Solutions," was added 14 months ago and has received 23 payments totaling 86,000, mostly between 3,800 and 4,900, just under the 5,000 threshold that triggers a second approval.
552 words, about 3 min4The Six-Person Finance Office
A small town with six full-time finance employees has one accountant who prepares journal entries, reconciles the general ledger bank account, and has administrator rights in the financial system. The finance director approves the entries and signs checks but also uses a town credit card for travel and small purchases.
574 words, about 3 min5The 8:12 P.M. Payment Screenshot
A customer service representative at a city revenue office receives a call from a taxpayer whose online payment was posted two days late, triggering a 75 late fee and a 12 interest charge on a 1,850 property tax bill. The taxpayer says the portal showed "pending" and then "failed" on the due date; she has a screenshot showing an error message but no confirmation number.
595 words, about 3 min