Frequently Asked Questions

Classes are held on the seventh floor of the Andrew Young School building at 14 Marietta Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303.

Driving – We recommend using Google Maps to navigate to the parking deck you choose. The Andrew Young School (14 Marietta Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303) is located on the southwest corner of Marietta Street and Peachtree Street. You can find a full list of parking lots here. The closest parking decks are at 34 Broad Street NW, 15 Peachtree Street NE, 55 Marietta Street NW, and 33 Hurt Plaza.

MARTA – Taking the train can be the easiest way to get to the school. Take any train to the Five Points Station. Exit onto Peachtree Street, turn left on the sidewalk, and then turn left at the first intersection (Marietta Street). The school will be the first set of doors on your left.

You can find lodging options here. Additionally, if traveling from out of town, please contact Paul Benson ([email protected], 404.413.0235) for assistance.

Public-sector chief financial officers and those who aspire to be chief financial officers. Publicly-affiliated private-sector professionals also are encouraged to attend.

Classes are taught by nationally ranked Andrew Young School of Policy Studies faculty and public finance experts who have an average of more than 30 years’ experience in state and local finance.

There are no formal prerequisites, but you should have some background or experience in public finance. Additionally, some classes require a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Any prep work (reading articles or case studies) will be sent to you in advance of the class.

Class content is generally restricted to the class days. However, you may wish to spend some additional time preparing for in-class presentations.

We intentionally limit the size of our classes to enrich the interactions among the faculty and students. Classes usually range from 10-25 people.

Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. with an hour for lunch. During our three-day classes, the first day usually covers content knowledge. The second day includes case analysis and problem-solving exercises. The third day allows participants to analyze an issue from their own jurisdiction and then present the analysis to CFOs and faculty.

Wireless internet is provided in the classrooms.

Most participants wear business casual attire.

After successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion and other participants’ information to keep in touch.

The price for each course includes class instruction, a notebook containing all materials, various GFOA textbooks, a light breakfast and afternoon snack each day. It does not cover other meals, lodging or transportation.

Payment is due 10 business days before the first day of the course.

Refunds only will be granted for cancellation requests received by 5 p.m. on the day registration ends for the class. No refund will be granted for no-shows or for partial participation.

If you personally paid for your registration, then you may still attend the course. If your employer paid for the registration, then that entity may choose to send a different participant or allow you to come. It is then the responsibility of the entity to notify CSLF – regarding changes or permissions — prior to the registration deadline. Refunds can also be requested pursuant to our refund policy.

At this time, the only scholarship for the program is offered through the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association. Please contact Paul Benson ([email protected], 404.413.0235) for details.

Please contact Paul Benson ([email protected], 404.413.0235) immediately if you need to miss a class.

The Center for State and Local Finance may cancel a course nine (9) days before the first day of class. This determination is based upon the number of registrants. If a class is cancelled, you will be informed by email of the class cancellation and will receive full refunds within two to three weeks.

You may file a complaint regarding the program with Paul Benson, associate director. Contact him at [email protected].

CSLF would love to discuss creating a custom program for your agency or organization. Please contact Paul Benson ([email protected], 404.413.0235) for more information.

Beginning in July 2015, you must complete the six CPFM courses within four years. If you began the program prior to July 2015, please contact Paul Benson ([email protected], 404.413.0235) to determine which classes must be taken.

The CPFM is issued by the Center for State and Local Finance within the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University.