# Master Certificate in Federal Financial Management Level III Certificate Program

120 CPE live online certificate program for experienced financial professionals

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/certificates/master-certificate-in-federal-financial-management-level-iii-2024-june-requirements>

## Overview

Drive better decisions with data-backed insights.

Elevate your ability to analyze, justify, and manage federal resources effectively.  Level III is designed for experienced professionals—typically with seven or more years of verifiable experience—ready to refine their strategic thinking and financial analysis skills in complex agency environments.

## What you'll learn

- Complete required training in justification and analytics, including budget presentation and decision support.
- Choose electives covering advanced accounting, Excel budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, appropriations, or audit topics.
- Earn continuing professional education credits aligned with federal standards in resource stewardship.

## Curriculum
1. **Budget Justification and Presentation Course**
2. **Intermediate Decision Support Analytics Course**
3. **Understanding Federal Financial Statements Course**
4. **Federal Budget Analysis Using Microsoft Excel Course**
5. **Appropriations Law for Reimbursements, Revolving Funds, and User Fees Course**
6. **Enterprise Risk Management: Executive Seminar for Resource Managers Course**
7. **AI for Federal Financial Reporting and Audit Readiness Course**

## Instructors

### Alan B. Robinson — Instructor

Mr. Robinson is a seasoned legal and federal employment expert with over two decades of experience. He recently retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, where he spent 11 years as Deputy Director/Director for the Office of Outreach, Diversity, and Equal Opportunity (ODEO) and 8 years as Chief of Employee and Labor Relations. In these roles, he provided extensive guidance on federal employment matters, showcasing his deep expertise in labor relations and diversity initiatives.

A graduate of the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Government, Mr. Robinson earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Before his federal service, he built a robust legal career, starting as a law clerk for the Baltimore City Orphans’ Court, followed by 10 years as a civil defense litigator with a D.C. law firm, and later operating his own solo practice for 5 years. His private practice focused on representing federal agencies, employees, municipalities, and private entities in employment-related cases before the EEOC, Merit Systems Protection Board, and various courts.

Currently, Mr. Robinson shares his wealth of knowledge as an adjunct instructor with the Graduate School USA and serves as a registered arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). His extensive background in law, federal employment, and diversity makes him a valuable resource in his field.

### Alan McCain — Curriculum Program Manager

Alan McCain is a retired combat veteran who served as both an Air Force enlisted member and a Navy officer. He brings over 30 years of experience spanning federal and commercial budgeting, auditing, programming, operations, global logistics support, supply chain and inventory management, as well as major IT acquisition.

 

He possesses extensive, hands-on budget and audit experience across Federal, State, and Local government operations, including work within the Executive Office of the President and the Departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education, as well as the Office of the Mayor of Washington, D.C., among others.

 

Alan’s consulting background includes strategic planning and business development with the District of Columbia government, multiple federal agencies, Lockheed Martin, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a Certified Government/Defense Financial Manager (CGFM/CDFM), holds a Teaching Certification from Harvard University’s Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, and earned an Executive MBA in International Business from The George Washington University.

### Tammara Horton — Instructor

Tammara Horton brings extensive experience in federal financial management, budgeting, accounting, audit readiness, and process improvement to her role as an instructor.

She began her career with the Department of the Army, advancing from budget analyst to a financial analyst supporting global Security Assistance programs. She later transitioned into consulting, where she supported Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies in strengthening internal controls, preparing for major audits, and optimizing financial workflows.

Throughout her career, Tammara has specialized in policy implementation, process improvement, and training development. Today, she leverages her deep government and consulting background to design impactful training programs, sharing her real-world expertise to build and strengthen the skills of the modern federal workforce.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $5799
