MFMA Accounting: Where Municipal Money Breaks (and Who Gets Blamed)

MFMA accounting mistakes don’t stay hidden — they end up in audit findings and investigations. This session explains how accounting works under the MFMA and where finance professionals are most exposed to risk.

2 CPD units 18 August 2026 1 presenter

What will set you apart

By completing this course you will gain the following competencies

By attending this event, delegates will learn:
· What the MFMA actually requires from finance professionals
· How MFMA accounting differs from private-sector accounting
· Key financial management duties within municipalities
· How unauthorised, irregular, and fruitless expenditure arises
· Where accounting and control failures usually occur
· The role of finance officials in MFMA compliance
· How to reduce personal and professional risk

Event breakdown

· Purpose and scope of the MFMA
· Municipal versus private-sector accounting
· Budgeting and financial control processes
· Expenditure management and approvals
· Unauthorised, irregular, and fruitless expenditure
· Reporting and accountability requirements
· Common MFMA audit findings
· Role of finance professionals under the MFMA
· Managing MFMA compliance risk

Category: AccountingType: CPD CourseCPD category: Accounting

Description

Accounting under the Municipal Finance Management Act carries high public scrutiny and serious professional consequences. This session focuses on how MFMA accounting works in practice and why weaknesses in financial processes lead to audit findings, investigations, and reputational damage. Delegates will gain a clear understanding of municipal budgeting, expenditure control, and reporting requirements under the MFMA. The session highlights common problem areas such as weak controls, poor approvals, and incorrect reporting that result in unauthorised, irregular, and fruitless expenditure. Designed for professionals working in or with municipalities, this session explains where finance teams are most exposed and how to strengthen compliance. By the end of the session, delegates will better understand their role in protecting public funds and safeguarding their professional standing.

Presenters

Saleem Kharwa — Saleem Kharwa is an experienced accountant, consultant and academic with two Master’s degrees and extensive leadership experience in accounting, governance and higher education. He previously held senior roles at the Durban University of Technology and has served as Chairman of a professional accounting body, Deputy Chair of the International Accounting Education Standards Board, and a member of IRBA. Saleem is an accomplished international speaker on taxation, ethics, accounting and governance.

You will earn a certificate

On successful completion you will receive a certificate for 2 CPD units in Accounting.

Requirements

Laptop, desktop, or mobile device with internet access
Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browser