CPAFMA's Public Accounting Firm Manager (PAFM)™
program* provides the opportunity to demonstrate you have the knowledge, leadership,
skills, and abilities to operate at a high level of expertise in the
field of accounting firm management.
Think. Experience. Elevate.
The process of attaining the PAFM designation includes meeting the experience-and education-based eligibility
requirements, agreeing to adhere to CPAFMA’s Core Values of a Firm Manager, and fulfilling the continuing
education/recertification requirements.
The PAFM designation will identify you as a dedicated and experienced accounting firm manager who understands the unique and challenging issues of managing your firm. Accreditation recognizes that you have achieved a level of expertise within the profession of firm management, exemplifying your professional capabilities and experience. Your firm can also take pride in your accreditation as it affirms their success in employing a recognized leader. If transitioning between employers, the credential will demonstrate mastery of the skill sets necessary to qualify you as an individual who has attained an unparalleled level of competence in firm management.
Regardless of your career stage, a PAFM designation adds relevant depth to your personal and professional development.
• PAFM Brochure
• PAFM Competency Matrix
• PAFM Application / Login
• Directory of PAFMs
• FAQ
The Association encourages you to consider pursuing the PAFM designation this year. Many of our PAFMs have told us it is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your firm!
*Becoming a Public Accounting Firm Manager is strictly voluntary, and is open to all qualified accounting firm managers, members and non-members alike.
Upcoming Events
2026 Firm Management Series
Join CPAFMA for a 3-part webinar series that follows your firm's talent through every stage of the career cycle – from the early career professionals you need to keep, to the future rainmakers you need to develop, to the leaders preparing to hand off their life's work. Each session gives CPA firm leaders and administrators practical strategies to bridge generational differences, build business development skills earlier, and plan ...
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CPAFMA Connections 2027
Save the Date! CONNECTIONS 2027 will take place in Louisville, Kentucky, June 15-18! 2027 Connections Conference—our national stand-alone conference bringing together firm management professionals from across the country for education, inspiration, and connection. The conference includes sessions that range from high-level practice management sessions to the smaller breakout sessions led by firm managers and geared to specific ...
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What Early Career Professionals Actually Want: A Data-Backed Guide to Generational
53% of professionals report experiencing friction at work due to generational differences. This workshop will explore the needs of today's early career professionals based on over 20,000 collected data points. We'll address the different expectations professionals have around candid communication, which ties into giving difficult feedback and talking about work-life balance. Participants will leave with actionable recommendations to build ...
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