The aim of the syllabus is to apply relevant knowledge, skills and exercise professional judgement as expected of a senior financial executive or advisor, in taking or recommending decisions relating to the financial management of an organisation in private and public sectors.

This syllabus develops upon the core financial management knowledge and skills covered in the Financial Management syllabus and prepares candidates to advise management and/or clients on complex strategic financial management issues facing an organisation.

The syllabus starts by exploring the role and responsibility of a senior executive or advisor in meeting competing needs of stakeholders within the business environment of multinationals. 

The syllabus then re-examines investment and financing decisions, with the emphasis moving towards the strategic consequences of making such decisions in a domestic, as well as international, context. Candidates are then expected to develop further advisory skills in planning strategic acquisitions and mergers and corporate re-organisations.

The next part of the syllabus re-examines, in the broadest sense, the existence of risks in business and the sophisticated strategies which are employed in order to manage such risks. It builds on what candidates would have covered in the Financial Management syllabus.

The professional skills section of the syllabus links to all others and provides a range of professional skills which the candidate must demonstrate in the exam. These professional skills will make candidates more employable, or if already in work, will enhance their opportunities for advancement.

Section G of the syllabus contains outcomes relating to the demonstration of appropriate digital and employability skills in preparing for and taking the AFM examination. 

This includes being able to access and open exhibits, requirements and response options from different sources and being able to use the relevant functionality and technology to prepare and present response options in a professional manner. 

These skills are specifically developed by practicing and preparing for the AFM exam, using the learning support content for computer-based exams available via the practice platform and the ACCA website and will need to be demonstrated during the live exam.

On successful completion of this exam, candidates should be able to:

A. Explain and evaluate the role and responsibility of the senior financial executive or advisor in meeting conflicting needs of stakeholders and recognise the role of international financial institutions in the financial management of multinationals

B. Evaluate potential investment decisions and assessing their financial and strategic consequences, both domestically and internationally

C. Assess and plan acquisitions and mergers as an alternative growth strategy

D. Evaluate and advise on alternative corporate re-organisation strategies

E. Apply and evaluate alternative advanced treasury and risk management techniques

F. Apply a range of professional skills in addressing requirements within the Advanced Financial Management exam, and in preparation for, or to support, current work experience

G. Apply employability and technology skills