TARGET AUDIENCE: Department of the Air Force GS-9 through GS-12s with at least four years of financial management experience (target less than 10 years) and 60+ higher education credit hours. Department of the Air Force Financial Management Captains between 4-9 years of time in service (or officers accepted to the Financial Management Leadership Program). Department of the Air Force Master Sergeants with no more than 15 years of time in service who have an Associate’s Degree and are vectored by the FM Enlisted Development Team to attend PFMC.
Students will drive their own learning experience through pre-course preparation and active participation in all course activities. The course includes two assessments (exams). Successful students will earn credit toward the DoD Financial Management Certification Levels 1 or 2 or other continuing professional education (CPE) credits.
PREREQUISITES: Students should have basic computer, word-processing, and presentation software knowledge before attending the course. Approximately 8 hours of Web Based Training classes and other activities related to resident course material. Specifics provided upon student selection. The specific pre-course work list is provided approximately one month prior to class.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Department of the Air Force Professional Financial Management Course (PFMC) enhances mid-level financial managers’ skills through competency-based education focusing on leadership skills; critical thinking, analytical, and decision support capabilities; and expanding overall financial management abilities. The faculty uses lectures, interactive seminars, small group discussions, guest speakers and facilitated practical exercises to help students achieve the learning objectives. Most of the course content will focus on financial management within an operational environment rather than an acquisition organization.
GOAL OF THE PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COURSE (PFMC): Develop greater knowledge, analytical abilities, critical thinking skills, and leadership for mid-level Department of the Air Force Financial Management professionals who support readiness for the United States Air and Space Forces.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COURSE: Faculty instructors deliver foundational lessons; use select guest lecturers to expound on those and/or other topics; and employ guided discussions, practical exercises, realistic case studies, and other active learning events to help students apply their new knowledge and skills in a low-threat learning environment. The PFMC curriculum includes four education blocks: Leadership and Professional Development, Strategic Plans and Contingency Operations, Decision Support, and Financial Management Operations.
The faculty also assigns students to seminars (small groups) for the purpose of completing various small group discussions and hands-on exercises. Therefore, to successfully complete PFMC students must be comfortable working in both electronic and small group environments that greatly enrich the learning experience of all students.
PFMC provides students an opportunity to work on their communications skills by (1) having all students deliver one short presentation, (2) having select students introduce guest speakers, and (3) offering all students an optional "SpeakEasy" elective modeled after the Toastmasters Program.
While normal class hours are 0745-1630, students often spend additional time outside of those normal hours completing assignments/group projects.