COMDTINST 5402.3 — Chief Financial Officer (cfo) Technical Authority

COMDTINST 5402.3 governs the Coast Guard Chief Financial Officer’s technical authority for financial management, policies, requirements, and processes.

Search COMDTINST 5402.3

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 5402.3
  • Title: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO) TECHNICAL AUTHORITY
  • Date: 11/10/2009
  • Proponent: CG-8

View COMDTINST 5402.3 on armypubs.army.mil


The publication establishes the CFO’s authority over financial policy, systems requirements, data quality, internal controls, audit oversight, and compliance. It defines technical authority processes and certifications intended to support effective, efficient, transparent, reliable, repeatable, and sustainable financial management practices.

Applies to: All CG Unit Commanders, Commanding Officers, Officers-in-charge, Deputy/Assistant Commandants, and Chiefs of Headquarters Staff Elements shall comply with the provisions of this Instruction.

Topics covered

  • CFO technical authority
  • Financial management systems
  • Data quality and assurance
  • Internal audit oversight
  • Management controls
  • Funds control violations
  • Technical authority certification

Questions and answers

Who must comply with COMDTINST 5402.3?

All CG Unit Commanders, Commanding Officers, Officers-in-charge, Deputy/Assistant Commandants, and Chiefs of Headquarters Staff Elements shall comply with the provisions of this Instruction. (paragraph 2)

What is the CFO responsible for in Coast Guard financial management?

The CFO shall serve as the Coast Guard’s single point of authority, accountability and management for Coast Guard financial policy, procedures, processes and requirements for systems. (paragraph 4)

What internal controls must the CFO oversee?

The CFO shall establish and maintain robust internal audit oversight over all three areas of internal control identified in Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-123: effectiveness and efficiency of operations, reliability of financial reporting, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. (paragraph 4)

What are the technical authority processes and certifications intended to provide?

Technical Authority processes and associated certifications are an essential aspect of independent technical authority, providing objective evidence of effective, efficient, transparent, reliable, repeatable and sustainable financial management business processes and practices. (paragraph 4)

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