How to approach the Advanced Tips for success Tackling

Financial Management (AFM) exam in the AFM exam the exam

This is an advanced level exam which builds upon the knowledge ✓ The key to exam success is question Most frequently used AFM exam verbs:
and skills examined in Financial Management. You will be required to practice. Visit this page for guidance
on how to approach question
demonstrate your ability to:
practice, including using the ACCA
n Read and digest quickly, comprehensive and detailed questions Practice Platform
DISCUSS ESTIMATE EVALUATE
n Apply relevant knowledge and skills ✓ Break down requirements into all
constituent parts to ensure every Read this article for more about exam verbs
n Exercise the professional judgement expected of a senior part is answered
financial person n Considering both financial and
non-financial factors How to earn professional skills marks:
n Make recommendations or financial management decisions that are
likely to affect the entire business organisation ✓ Understand what matters to businesses The AFM exam has 20 marks for
and the viewpoints of stakeholders demonstrating professional skills
Like a senior financial person at work, you will be expected to read a who are interested in the subsequent
business brief and decide on a relevant methodical approach to meeting n Communication
decisions based on the discussion and Section A questions require briefing notes
the brief’s objectives, making notes where necessary. Senior managers evaluation asked for Use appropriate headings and sub-headings,
work under tight deadlines, and hence prioritising and managing your and clear, concise language
✓ Use the information provided in the
time is crucial to performing well under examination conditions. Ensure you answer the question asked!
question scenario
n 
Analysis and evaluation
✓ Communicate findings and Analysis or evaluation must be relevant to the
recommendations clearly and concisely organisation and their situation
with easy to follow numerical workings
AFM – A Senior Advisory Role supported, where appropriate, by n 
Scepticism
Have a questioning mindset that challenges
This strategic option exam is designed for candidates who work in or brief notes information, evidence and assumptions
have ambitions to specialise in financial management. It builds on the
✓ Appreciate that professional skills n 
Commercial acumen
assumed knowledge and demands advanced skills and techniques.
underpin good performance Demonstrate your understanding of what is appropriate
throughout the exam in different types of organisation and different contexts
Role of the Draw appropriate conclusions and make properly
senior financial adviser informed decisions which are appropriate to the scenario
in the multinational organisation Advice from the
examining team
Advanced investment
appraisal
Acquisitions
and mergers
Reconstruction and
re-organisation
Treasury and advanced
risk management
Links to support
n Supplement your studies with wider
reading
resources
Advanced Financial Management (AFM) n Be aware that more than one topic n Stepping up from FM n Past exam questions
area of the syllabus may be examined to AFM and answers
Investment Business Business Risk in a question n Examining team n Practice exams in the
appraisal finance valuations management
n Relate any discussion or evaluation to guidance Practice Platform
Financial Management (FM) the scenario in the question – context n Examiner’s reports n Tutor video review of
is very important n Passing Strategic the March 2020 exam
n Use your exam time effectively – good
 Professional exams n Guide to discursive
time management skills are essential n Professional skills requirements
marks n Strategic Professional
n Structure your answers – presentation

CBE support
is critical n Ethics and Professional
Skills module n FAQs