The Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) International Board of Directors recently approved three landmark changes for the HFTP Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designations.

The changes include the creation of a code of ethics, formation of the Certification Advisory Council (CAC) and a reworking of the appeals procedure. The changes, developed in March, were recommended by the HFTP Certification Advisory Task Force, and were created to give greater weight to the HFTP CHAE and CHTP certification programs. The changes will be effective November 1, 2006.

'As HFTP grows internationally, so will recognition of the CHAE and CHTP,' said Anna McFarland, CPA, CFE, CHAE, CHTP, chair of the HFTP Certification Advisory Task Force and HFTP International treasurer. 'In anticipation of this, HFTP felt it was necessary to create a strong base for these programs that would support increased interest and would demonstrate the programs' quality to finance and technology professionals worldwide.'

• Certification Advisory Council (CAC): Oversight of the HFTP certification programs will be the responsibility of the Certification Advisory Council (CAC). Previously, the HFTP certification programs each had individual advisory councils. The unified council will monitor industry standards and incorporate criteria into the certification designation programs to assure their professional credibility. The Certification Advisory Council (CAC) will also constantly review the programs, policies/procedures, exam questions along with ruling on appeals from examination candidates. The Certification Advisory Council (CAC) will be composed of a certified CHAE and/or CHTP chair and 10 CHAE and/or CHTP certified representatives from the HFTP membership. The council will also be equally divided into two sub-councils, with members serving on each sub-council representing each HFTP designation.
  
  
• Code of Ethics: The new code of ethics is a benchmark for the high standards established relative to behavior and decision-making for a CHAE and/or CHTP designee. For designation holders, the code defines professional characteristics, lists principles, describes professional conduct and determines how the designation may be used. In addition, the code outlines discreditable acts and describes the actions that could be taken if a designee violates the code. All designees will be required to sign this agreement.
  
  
• Appeals Procedures: The appeals procedures have been reworked, with detailed steps on how to process an appeal with the Certification Advisory Council (CAC). The procedures clearly define the responsibilities of all parties, including the appealing party, the HFTP certification liaison and the Certification Advisory Council (CAC).