Finance Training & Certifications
Advance your finance career with professional qualifications and specialized training. From CFA to CA ANZ - discover the certifications that will accelerate your career in New Zealand's finance industry.
Choose Your Professional Development Path
What's your current career stage?
What's your primary career focus?
Major Professional Certifications
CFA® - Chartered Financial Analyst
CFA Institute (Global)
Gold standard for investment professionals worldwide
What is the CFA?
The CFA designation is globally recognized as the gold standard for investment professionals. It demonstrates mastery of investment analysis, portfolio management, and ethical standards.
Three-Level Program:
Level I - Investment Foundations
Focus: Investment tools, ethical standards, financial reporting
Format: 180 multiple choice questions
Pass rate: ~45% (Feb 2024)
Study time: 300+ hours recommended
Level II - Asset Valuation
Focus: Security analysis, valuation, portfolio concepts
Format: Case-based multiple choice
Pass rate: ~44% (May 2024)
Study time: 300+ hours recommended
Level III - Portfolio Management
Focus: Portfolio management, wealth planning
Format: Essay and multiple choice
Pass rate: ~53% (May 2024)
Study time: 300+ hours recommended
CFA in New Zealand
NZ CFA Statistics:
- CFA Charterholders in NZ: ~800+
- Annual exam candidates: 1,500+
- Test centers: Auckland, Wellington
- Exam dates: Feb, May, Aug, Nov (Level I), May & Aug (Level II & III)
CFA Society New Zealand:
- Members: 900+ investment professionals
- Events: Monthly technical sessions, annual conference
- Networking: Auckland, Wellington chapters
- Membership fee: $395/year for CFA charterholders
Career Impact & ROI
Salary Premiums by Role:
Career Opportunities Unlocked:
- Fund Management: Portfolio Manager roles at Fisher Funds, Harbour Asset Management
- Investment Banking: Research analyst, investment advisory positions
- Institutional Sales: Client-facing roles with institutional investors
- Corporate Development: M&A, valuation, strategic planning roles
- Consulting: Investment consulting, asset management advisory
CFA Preparation in New Zealand
CA ANZ - Chartered Accountant
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Premier accounting and business qualification in ANZ
What is CA ANZ?
The CA designation is the premier professional accounting qualification in Australia and New Zealand. It provides comprehensive business and financial expertise essential for senior finance roles.
CA ANZ Pathway:
1. Academic Foundation
Requirement: Bachelor degree with accounting major
Coverage: 14 prescribed knowledge areas
Duration: 3-4 years (undergraduate)
2. Graduate Diploma (if needed)
For: Non-accounting graduates
Duration: 1-2 years part-time
Cost: $15K-$25K
3. Practical Experience
Requirement: 3 years relevant experience
Can be: Public practice, commerce, government
Supervision: Must work under CA ANZ member
4. CA Program
Duration: 2.5 years part-time
Modules: 6 capstone modules
Assessment: Assignments, exams, case studies
CA ANZ in New Zealand
NZ Statistics:
- CA ANZ members in NZ: 18,000+
- New admissions annually: ~1,000
- Study locations: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
- Employer recognition: 95%+ of major employers
Specialization Options:
Assurance and Business Advisory
External audit, internal audit, risk management
Financial Accounting and Reporting
Financial reporting, IFRS, technical accounting
Management Accounting
Cost management, budgeting, performance measurement
Taxation
Corporate tax, GST, international taxation
Career Impact & Opportunities
Corporate Finance Track
Public Practice Track
Other Valuable Finance Certifications
📈 FRM® - Financial Risk Manager
Provider: Global Association of Risk Professionals
Focus: Risk management, credit risk, market risk
Duration: 1-2 years
Cost: $2,000-$3,500
Best for: Risk managers, credit analysts, regulatory roles
Salary impact: +$8K-$20K
💼 CFP® - Certified Financial Planner
Provider: Financial Planning Association of NZ
Focus: Financial planning, wealth management
Duration: 2-3 years
Cost: $10,000-$15,000
Best for: Financial advisors, wealth managers
Salary impact: +$10K-$25K
🎓 Level 5 Financial Services
Provider: Various RTOs (including Strategi)
Focus: Financial advice, compliance, regulations
Duration: 6-12 months
Cost: $3,000-$6,000
Best for: Financial advisors (mandatory)
Requirement: Legal requirement for financial advice
🏦 ADB® - Advanced Diploma of Banking
Provider: New Zealand Institute of Banking
Focus: Advanced banking, leadership
Duration: 18 months
Cost: $8,000-$12,000
Best for: Senior banking professionals
Salary impact: +$5K-$15K
💹 CAIA® - Alternative Investment Analyst
Provider: Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association
Focus: Alternative investments, hedge funds, private equity
Duration: 1-2 years
Cost: $3,000-$4,500
Best for: Investment professionals, fund managers
Salary impact: +$10K-$25K
📊 Financial Modeling Certifications
Providers: Financial Modeling Institute, Corporate Finance Institute
Focus: Excel modeling, valuation, DCF
Duration: 3-6 months
Cost: $1,000-$3,000
Best for: Corporate finance, investment banking
Salary impact: +$5K-$12K
New Zealand Training Providers
🎓 Professional Training Organizations
Strategi - Financial Services Training
New Zealand's leading financial services training provider
Specialization: Financial advisor training, compliance, professional development
Established: 2003 - 20+ years of industry experience
Recognition: Registered Training Organization (RTO)
Key Programs:
Level 5 Diploma in Financial Services
Duration: 6-12 months part-time
Cost: $4,500-$6,500
Format: Online + face-to-face workshops
Outcome: Enables financial advice under FSLAA
Financial Advisor Continuing Professional Development
Duration: Ongoing - 20 hours annually
Cost: $500-$1,000 per year
Topics: Regulatory updates, technical skills, ethics
Risk and Insurance Qualifications
Duration: 3-6 months
Cost: $2,000-$4,000
Focus: Life insurance, health insurance, risk management
Why Choose Strategi:
- Industry-specific expertise in financial services
- Strong relationships with major employers
- Flexible delivery options for working professionals
- High employment outcomes for graduates
- Ongoing support and career guidance
New Zealand Institute of Banking
Traditional banking education and professional development
Banking Qualifications:
Certificate in Banking (Level 4)
Entry level: New banking professionals
Duration: 6-12 months
Cost: $3,000-$5,000
Diploma in Banking (Level 5)
Mid-level: Experienced banking staff
Duration: 12-18 months
Cost: $5,000-$8,000
Advanced Diploma in Banking (Level 6)
Senior level: Management and leadership
Duration: 18-24 months
Cost: $8,000-$12,000
🏫 Universities & Academic Institutions
University of Auckland Business School
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Finance: 1-2 years, $45K-$55K
- MBA (Finance specialization): 15-21 months, $95K
- Graduate Certificate in Finance: 4 months, $15K
- Professional Development: Executive education programs
Massey University Business School
Finance Programs:
- Master of Finance: 1.5-2 years, $35K-$45K
- Postgraduate Diploma in Finance: 1 year, $25K
- Distance Learning: Flexible study options
- Research Focus: Strong academic and practical balance
Victoria University of Wellington
Finance Qualifications:
- Master of Applied Finance: 1 year, $40K
- MCom in Finance: 1-2 years, research-focused
- Executive Programs: Short courses for professionals
- Government Focus: Strong links to Wellington finance sector
💻 Online Learning Platforms
Corporate Finance Institute (CFI)
Specialization: Financial modeling, valuation, investment banking
Format: Self-paced online courses
Cost: $497/year unlimited access
Certificates: Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)
Recognition: Industry-focused, practical skills
Coursera Finance Courses
Universities: Wharton, Yale, Stanford partnerships
Programs: Finance specializations, MasterTrack certificates
Cost: $39-$79/month subscriptions
Examples: Financial Markets (Yale), Corporate Finance (Wharton)
Benefits: University-quality education, flexible timing
LinkedIn Learning
Focus: Professional skills, software training
Finance topics: Excel, Power BI, financial analysis
Cost: $39.99/month
Benefits: LinkedIn integration, professional networking
Certificates: LinkedIn skill badges and certificates
Udemy Business
Content: Practical finance skills, software training
Popular courses: Financial modeling, Python for finance
Cost: Individual courses $10-$200, Business $360/year
Benefits: Lifetime access, practical focus
Recognition: Variable - check instructor credentials
Employer Support & Funding Options
💼 Employer-Sponsored Training
Support Statistics:
- 85% of major employers provide study support
- $5,000-$15,000 typical annual training budgets
- 60% provide study leave for major qualifications
- 40% offer salary increases upon qualification completion
Types of Employer Support:
🎯 How to Secure Employer Support
Step-by-Step Strategy:
1. Research Company Policies
- Check employee handbook for training policies
- Speak with HR about available programs
- Ask colleagues about their experiences
2. Build Business Case
- Demonstrate ROI to employer
- Show career progression benefits
- Link qualification to current role improvement
- Highlight retention and engagement benefits
3. Timing and Approach
- Align request with annual review cycles
- Present during budget planning periods
- Link to company strategic initiatives
- Show commitment to staying with company
4. Negotiation Points
- Flexible payment arrangements
- Performance-based reimbursement
- Study leave arrangements
- Career progression commitments
💰 Self-Funding & Government Support
Professional Development Timeline
Strategic timing for certifications based on career stage and objectives.
Foundation Building
Priority Qualifications:
- Level 5 Financial Services (if advisory track)
- CFA Level I (if investment track)
- CA ANZ Graduate Program (if corporate/accounting track)
- Banking Certificates (if banking track)
Focus: Essential qualifications for chosen career path
Specialization Development
Advanced Certifications:
- CFA Level II & III (investment professionals)
- CA ANZ Completion (corporate finance)
- FRM Certification (risk management)
- Financial Modeling Certifications (technical skills)
Focus: Deep specialization and technical expertise
Leadership & Strategy
Leadership Development:
- MBA or Executive MBA (general management)
- Advanced Diploma Banking (banking leadership)
- Director Qualifications (board readiness)
- Industry Leadership Programs (sector-specific)
Focus: Management skills and strategic thinking
Executive Excellence
Executive Development:
- Board Director Programs (governance)
- Executive Leadership (strategic leadership)
- Industry Conferences (thought leadership)
- Mentoring & Coaching (giving back)
Focus: Industry leadership and board readiness
Invest in Your Finance Career
Professional qualifications are investments in your future. Choose the right certifications for your career goals and secure employer support to accelerate your professional development.