Finance for Senior Executives

Female executive raises hand to participate in classroom lecture discussion

Build your foundation in corporate finance. Help your company optimize financial resources and strengthen its bottom line. 

The program fee covers tuition, program materials, accommodations, and most meals.

Download Brochure

Program Announcement

The information below is based on the prior program session and does not reflect potential changes to faculty and course content for future program offerings. For a list of upcoming programs, visit our program finder.

Speaking the language of corporate finance gives you the power to build stronger strategies, expand your influence, and make better business decisions.  

Finance for Senior Executives gives leaders across every function a stronger grasp of corporate finance. You will build the skills and confidence to immediately apply financial analysis techniques, set realistic performance goals and compensation strategies, and drive new levels of profitability.  

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Explore the interplay of financial resources, capital markets, and systems for financial management and control 

  • Apply financial insight to make informed and strategic decisions about capital structure  

  • Set executive performance goals and monitor compensation policies  

  • Identify benchmarks and analysis techniques for your bottom line—including capital budgeting, cash flow, valuation, and risk analysis 

  • Effectively manage the balance between profitability and growth  

  • Confidently forecast and monitor the financial outcomes of strategic decisions 

  • Become a more effective and collaborative leader through greater financial acumen 

Program Format

  • 2
    modules
  • 2
    half-days of live online learning
  • 4
    days on the HBS campus
  • 12–15
    hours of pre-program work

This program begins with a live online module that helps participants develop a shared foundational understanding of finance before arriving on campus.

Participants will receive a detailed schedule and case materials approximately two weeks before the program starts.

Module Details

Module 1Sep 13 – 20, 2024Part-TimeVirtual, Live Online and Self-Paced
Module 2Sep 25 – 28, 2024Full-TimeHBS Campus

During Module 1, participants will attend live online sessions on Friday, September 12 and Friday, September 20 from 10:00–2:30 p.m. ET.

Who Should Attend

  • Executives from a variety of functional areas, including operations, marketing, information technology, human resources, research and development, legal affairs, and financial administration 

  • Financial executives seeking to update their core skills in a broad strategic context 

Global Perspective

Two female and two male executives sit and smile around a table filled with notes.
6%
Africa
5%
Asia Pacific
11%
Europe
2%
Latin America
8%
Middle East
68%
North America

Top Industries Represented

  • 14%

    Raw Materials / Energy

  • 9%

    Chem/Pharma/Bio

  • 9%

    Real Estate / Construction

  • 8%

    Financial

  • 8%

    Professional Services

  • 7%

    High Technology

  • 7%

    Manufacturing

  • 6%

    Consumer Products

  • 6%

    Health Care

  • 4%

    Transportation

Experience

Years Worked

  • 2%

    Less than 10 years

  • 16%

    10-14 years

  • 23%

    15-19 years

  • 26%

    20-24 years

  • 20%

    25-29 years

  • 9%

    30-34 years

  • 3%

    35-39 years

  • 1%

    40 or more

Companies That Have Participated

  • Akamai
  • BAE Systems
  • BASF
  • BHP Billiton Limited
  • Christus Health
  • The Coca-Cola Company
  • Delta Air Lines
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Grupo Televisa, S.A.B.
  • L.L. Bean
  • Nucor
  • USAA

Teaching Team

All our executive education programs are developed and taught by a team of widely recognized HBS faculty. Many are skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Cochairs

  • C. Fritz Foley

    C. Fritz Foley

    André R. Jakurski Professor of Business Administration Senior Associate Dean for External Relations

  • Headshot of W. Carl Kester

    W. Carl Kester

    Baker Foundation Professor George Fisher Baker Jr. Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus

Faculty

The HBS Experience

This is a blended program that alternates in-person and virtual elements. Immersive modules take place on our storied campus where you'll live and learn at the heart of Boston's vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs. Virtual modules provide the opportunity to learn from anywhere in the world to provide flexibility for busy leaders.

At HBS, every detail is carefully calibrated to drive your success. Thoughtfully designed virtual learning experiences. Living arrangements and classrooms that spark connection. Unrivaled academic resources. And rejuvenating fitness, dining, and cultural amenities.

View of Executive Education area of HBS campus

The dedicated Executive Education area of campus features multiple classroom buildings and three residence halls around a quad

Residence hall bedroom and bathroom, with woman looking out a window

Our well-appointed residence halls feature private bedrooms, living group lounges, and courtyards to fuel vibrant discussions

Admissions

We admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The selective admissions process is based on professional achievement, organizational responsibility, and the admissions criteria for each program as described in Who Should Attend. There are no formal educational requirements for HBS Executive Education programs.

Learn more about the admissions process and requirements.

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.