Succeeding as a Strategic CFO

Harvard executive education participants in Study Session

Become a CFO who drives innovation and leads organizational change in today's evolving capital markets.  

  • Status

    Application Deadline Passed

  • Format

    In-Person

  • Location

    HBS Campus

  • Fee

    $11,750

  • Application Due

    Sep 26, 2024

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

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Program Announcement

Thank you for your interest in this program. The application deadline for this program has passed and the program's availability is limited. The Admissions Committee may consider additional applications should space become available. You may wish to consider applying to the April 23 – 26, 2025 session.

No longer just gatekeepers of financial information, today's CFOs are key strategic partners who fulfill a broad set of responsibilities.  

In Succeeding as a Strategic CFO, emerging and evolving CFOs will develop in key areas of strategy, communication, and leadership. Alongside other senior financial leaders, you will gain the tools and insights needed to deliver greater results in your role.   

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Leverage the frameworks and tools of value-based management  

  • Evaluate common financial policies and analyze the tradeoffs that emerge with financial decision-making 

  • Become a trusted strategic partner to the CEO—take action grounded in financial metrics but not limited by them 

  • Strengthen your leadership capabilities and energize your team 

  • Gain confidence in leadership situations outside your areas of expertise 

  • Grow into a more effective communicator and advocate for actions that create value  

Program Format

  • 4
    days on the HBS campus
  • 12–15
    hours of pre-program work

Case materials and a detailed schedule will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

Who Should Attend

  • New CFOs who want to enhance their strategic oversight and leadership skills  

  • CFOs of smaller or divisional entities who are transitioning to larger entities  

  • Evolving CFOs taking on increased responsibilities 

  • Finance professionals—such as analysts, treasurers, controllers, and those in financial planning and analysis—seeking to enhance their strategic acumen 

  • Financial leaders from early-stage companies or tech backgrounds, as well as government and nonprofit financial leaders seeking to be more effective in their roles 

Global Perspective

Two female and two male executives sit and smile around a table filled with notes.
7%
Africa
9%
Asia Pacific
17%
Europe
8%
Latin America
7%
Middle East
52%
North America

Top Industries Represented

  • 14%

    Financial

  • 9%

    High Technology

  • 8%

    Consumer Products

  • 8%

    Raw Materials / Energy

  • 7%

    Chem/Pharma/Bio

  • 7%

    Health Care

  • 7%

    Professional Services

  • 7%

    Real Estate / Construction

  • 6%

    Manufacturing

  • 4%

    Nonprofit Services

Experience

Years Worked

  • 5%

    Less than 10 years

  • 18%

    10-14 years

  • 25%

    15-19 years

  • 28%

    20-24 years

  • 13%

    25-29 years

  • 8%

    30-34 years

  • 2%

    35-39 years

  • 1%

    40 or more

Companies That Have Participated

  • Eli Lilly and Company
  • Microsoft
  • ThyssenKrupp
  • GlaxoSmithKline Plc
  • Geodis
  • National Grid
  • Siemens
  • Nike, Inc
  • OXFAM America
  • Red Cross

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 Chair

Faculty

The HBS Experience

This in-person program takes place on our storied campus where you'll live and learn at the heart of Boston's vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs.

At HBS, every detail is carefully calibrated to drive your success. 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.