Municipal Accounting and Finance Program (MAFP)
MAFP provides the fundamentals of finance as well as an overview of the legislation that impacts accounting and financial management within the municipal environment. MAFP is a stand-a-lone certificate program consisting of two units. Although it is recommended that you register to take one unit at a time, we do leave the decision up to the individual. You are the best person to determine if you can commit to the curriculum and schedule for more than one unit during the same term. Successful completion of the two units within a two-year timeline is one of the four elements of AMCTO's Diploma in Municipal Administration (DMA).
Each year, AMCTO presents an award for excellence to the student who attains the highest cumulative mark upon completion of the two units of this program.
Correspondence Offering - Registration closed January 10th for the Winter 2020 Term and we are no longer accepting late registrations. Please mark you calendar for July 2nd, as this is when registration will open for the Fall 2020 Term.
Classroom Offering - As the current situation in Canada regarding the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve on a daily basis, AMCTO is continually evaluating all available information and recommendations from public health authorities to determine an appropriate course of action that takes into account the health and well-being of the Association, AMCTO Staff and our many students. For this reason and at this time, we will not be scheduling the MAFP classes at the AMCTO Office. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will post any updates, when the classroom environment resumes. To be placed on a waiting list, please send an email to Rosita Bourke.
If your municipality is interested in offering this certificate program in a classroom environment, consider bringing the MAFP Units in-house. Contact Jeanne Moon, Coordinator of Programs & Services.
MAFP Unit 1 - Introduction to Municipal Accounting and Financial Reporting
MAFP Unit 1 is designed to introduce the students to the basics of accounting and financial reporting requirements of Ontario municipalities as of the 2019 fiscal year. This will include an exploration of legislative requirements as well as public sector accounting standards and guidelines. It is important to note that each province have different legislation governing municipal finance. However, all municipalities are required to follow Public Sector Accounting Board Standards. Further, municipalities in Ontario vary in its services depending upon their type: upper-tier, lower-tier and single tier. When reading and comparing financial information and statements, this knowledge is important as no two municipalities are the same. Much of Unit 1 focuses on basic, mandatory financial accounting and reporting and are generally considered “minimum” requirements.
MAFP Unit 2 - Financial Planning and Asset Management
MAFP Unit 2 of the program will build on Unit 1 by exploring budgeting, financial planning and asset management. Most of this unit explores emerging best practice and will provide a basis for improvements in municipal financial management. Municipalities will each have their unique approach to financial planning and the unit will only provide a brief overview. Students are encouraged to research the approaches by several municipalities to gain an understanding of changing financial management practices.
Correspondence Tuition Fees
All course materials are provided through online access
Fee for each unit is $412.45 (365.00 + 47.45 HST #R106732936)
If you would like a hardcopy of the textbook, an additional fee applies - $452.00 (365.00 + 35.00 + 52.00 HST #R106732936)
Note: Hardcopy textbook will be shipped after registration closes.
If you will not be registering online, forms can be found on the Assignment Schedule page.
Challenging a MAFP Unit
Applicants must have a minimum of five-years related municipal experience in a senior supervisory role and/or courses to receive approval to challenge any unit of MAFP. Challenging any unit of MAFP is an opportunity to receive credit for a specific MAFP Unit without submitting assignments. Approved applicants will be required to submit a paper and write an exam for each unit. An overall minimum passing grade of 70% must be attained to gain credit for the specific MAFP Unit you are challenging.
Challenge Fee with PDF version of textbook: $265.55 per unit (235.00 + 30.55 HST #R106732936)
Challenge Fee with PDF and Hardcopy of textbook: $305.10 per unit (235.00 + 35.00 + 35.10 HST #R106732936)
Those who meet the minimum requirements mentioned above and are interested in applying to challenge any MAFP Unit, submit the MAFP Challenge Application to Rosita Bourke.
Refund Policy: A student who cancels from any Unit before the first scheduled assignment due date is entitled to a partial refund of fees less a refund levy of $113.00 (includes HST). In order to receive the partial refund, you must submit written notice of your cancellation to Claudia Biasutto. No refunds will be granted for cancellations received after the first scheduled assignment due date. A student cannot transfer their registration or payment to a later date. No returns accepted or no refunds for the hard copy textbook.