Standards of Ethical Conduct for CFOM® Professionals
Upholding Integrity, Professionalism, and Trust in Finance Operations
The conduct of finance professionals plays a crucial role in shaping the reputation of the entire profession. The credibility of financial operations depends not only on technical ability, but also on a deep commitment to ethical behaviour. A strong reputation is not achieved through a single action—it is earned consistently, through ongoing demonstration of competence, integrity, fairness, and respect for confidentiality.
All Certified Finance Operations Manager (CFOM®) professionals carry important responsibilities on behalf of their employers, co-workers, customers, shareholders, and the wider community. By earning the CFOM® designation, professionals agree to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and to serve as ambassadors for responsible, transparent, and ethical financial management.
The CFOM Ethical Code establishes the principles that guide the behaviour of all certification holders and candidates. These principles apply to every aspect of finance operations—strategic, operational, analytical, technical, and interpersonal.
1. Competence
CFOM® professionals are expected to demonstrate and continually develop a high level of technical and professional competence.
Professionals must:
Pursue ongoing learning to maintain up-to-date knowledge of finance operations, technology, legislation, internal controls, and industry best practices.
Exercise sound judgment and perform professional duties in good faith, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and adherence to all legal, regulatory, and technical requirements.
Apply both the letter and the spirit of the law, recognising that ethical behaviour extends beyond simple compliance.
Accept responsibility for the quality of their work and the decisions made under their professional direction.
A commitment to competence reflects a commitment to the profession itself. CFOM professionals are expected to actively seek opportunities to improve processes, enhance efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and support the financial health of their organisation.
2. Confidentiality
Trust is central to financial operations, and confidentiality is a core pillar of that trust. CFOM® professionals frequently access sensitive financial and personal information, and must handle it with the utmost care.
Professionals must:
Safeguard all confidential information obtained through professional activities, whether related to employees, customers, suppliers, financial results, or business strategies.
Disclose confidential information only when legally required or when explicitly authorised by appropriate stakeholders.
Avoid using confidential information for personal gain or to benefit another individual or organisation.
Refrain from any action that could create even the appearance of misusing sensitive information.
Confidentiality protects organisations, preserves trust, and ensures the integrity and reliability of the finance function.
3. Integrity
Integrity forms the foundation of ethical behaviour in finance. CFOM® professionals must act with honesty, fairness, transparency, and respect in all professional interactions.
Professionals must:
Conduct themselves with honesty and professional care, ensuring decisions and actions are free from deception, bias, or improper influence.
Avoid conflicts of interest, recognising situations where personal interests may interfere with professional responsibilities—and disclose or address them immediately.
Refrain from any behaviour that could damage the integrity of financial systems, including fraud, manipulation, or misrepresentation of data.
Disclose all relevant information that could reasonably be expected to influence business decisions, ensuring transparency in all communications.
Uphold the principles of fairness and accountability, treating colleagues, stakeholders, and partners with respect and professionalism.
Integrity is not simply an expectation—it is an obligation. Every CFOM professional is responsible for maintaining the reputation of the profession and acting as a model of ethical behaviour.
A Commitment to Ethical Leadership
CFOM® professionals hold roles that influence financial accuracy, organisational stability, employee trust, and stakeholder confidence. Upholding the CFOM Ethical Code ensures that the profession remains respected and that organisations can rely on certified individuals to act responsibly in every situation.
Certified professionals are encouraged not only to follow these standards, but also to promote ethical behaviour among peers, challenge improper conduct when observed, and foster a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
By adhering to these principles, CFOM® certification holders demonstrate their commitment to excellence—not just in technical skills, but in professional character, leadership, and judgement.
