Library Financial Management Certification

Libraries are typically formed as special purpose governments focused on providing access to information for citizens. As such, the approach to the financial management requires a different perspective than most local governments. The Library Financial Management Certification Program is comprised of six courses: Budgeting for Libraries, Governmental Accounting for Libraries, Internal Control for Libraries, Purchasing, Payroll Administration, and Financial Policies.

To earn the Library Financial Management Certification, participants must successfully complete all six courses in the program within a three-year time frame.  Once certification is achieved, 12 hours of approved continuing education through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government are required every two years to maintain certification. The two-year reporting period begins January 1 of the odd year and ends on December 31 of the even year. No continuing education is required in the calendar year the certification is earned. For those certified one year but less than two during the reporting period, six hours will be required during the initial certification period.