As capital markets and organizational strategies have evolved, so has the role of the chief financial officer (CFO). Today's CFOs are not just gatekeepers of a company's financial information; they serve as key strategic partners who must fulfill a broad set of responsibilities. In this program, you will learn what it takes to meet the demands of the CFO role. You will begin to build a robust set of skills in strategy, communication, and leadership that will enable you to drive innovation and lead organizational change.

Summary: As capital markets and organizational strategies have evolved, so has the role of the chief financial officer (CFO). Today's CFOs are not just gatekeepers of a company's financial information; they serve as key strategic partners who must fulfill a broad set of responsibilities. In this program, you will learn what it takes to meet the demands of the CFO role. You will begin to build a robust set of skills in strategy, communication, and leadership that will enable you to drive innovation and lead organizational change.

Key Benefits

This program helps individuals develop the knowledge and capabilities they need to succeed as a modern CFO. In the company of other senior financial leaders, you will discover how to build your skills in key areas, identify blind spots or competency gaps, and gain tools and insights relevant to the CFO role.

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Enhance your financial decision-making skills Enhance your financial decision-making skills

Review and practice applying frameworks and tools of value-based management
Learn about financial policies and practices used by other organizations and determine which ones best suit your organization
Formulate processes and understand the key considerations of financial policy decisions

Become a strategic partner to the CEO Become a strategic partner to the CEO

Discover how to formulate, evaluate, and implement strategic choices that are grounded in financial metrics, but not limited to them
Learn how to determine which metrics are most appropriate for your organization
Make crucial choices about investment, divestitures, and the optimization of distinct product and geographic segments
Identify new opportunities to use finance to advance the strategic goals of your organization

Develop your leadership capabilities Develop your leadership capabilities

Lead, motivate, and engage people with expertise different from your own
Oversee processes, such as capital budgeting and managing risk, in an effective manner
Gain confidence in situations outside of your areas of expertise

Strengthen your communication skills Strengthen your communication skills

Improve how you describe your plans and performance results to stakeholders
Become a more effective advocate for actions that create value
Effectively communicate and collaborate with leaders and teams across different functional areas and levels

Expand your personal and professional network Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries around the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Key Benefits

Details

Enhance your financial decision-making skills

Review and practice applying frameworks and tools of value-based management
Learn about financial policies and practices used by other organizations and determine which ones best suit your organization
Formulate processes and understand the key considerations of financial policy decisions

Become a strategic partner to the CEO

Discover how to formulate, evaluate, and implement strategic choices that are grounded in financial metrics, but not limited to them
Learn how to determine which metrics are most appropriate for your organization
Make crucial choices about investment, divestitures, and the optimization of distinct product and geographic segments
Identify new opportunities to use finance to advance the strategic goals of your organization

Develop your leadership capabilities

Lead, motivate, and engage people with expertise different from your own
Oversee processes, such as capital budgeting and managing risk, in an effective manner
Gain confidence in situations outside of your areas of expertise

Strengthen your communication skills

Improve how you describe your plans and performance results to stakeholders
Become a more effective advocate for actions that create value
Effectively communicate and collaborate with leaders and teams across different functional areas and levels

Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries around the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Who Should Attend

New CFOs who want to enhance their skills
CFOs of smaller or divisional entities who are transitioning to larger entities or 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 technical backgrounds (e.g., digital startups), as well as government and nonprofit financial leaders seeking to be more effective in their roles

Program for Leadership Development participants earn 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

See how exchange with faculty and peers yields new insights into critical business trends.

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Read the case, discuss with your peers, and decide how you would address the challenges.

Who Should Attend

New CFOs who want to enhance their skills
CFOs of smaller or divisional entities who are transitioning to larger entities or 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 technical backgrounds (e.g., digital startups), as well as government and nonprofit financial leaders seeking to be more effective in their roles

Program for Leadership Development participants earn 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

See how exchange with faculty and peers yields new insights into critical business trends.

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Read the case, discuss with your peers, and decide how you would address the challenges.

Learning and Living at HBS

When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

Review Our Campus Health & Safety Protocols

Learning and Living at HBS

Review Our Campus Health & Safety Protocols

Admissions Criteria and Process

We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

Application Deadline

APR 2023 session application due: 27 MAR 2023

Applications submitted after the due date will be considered on an individual basis and may not be processed in time to grant admission.

Answering Your Questions

Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

Application Submission

We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

Application Review

To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee’s decision.

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.

Admissions Criteria and Process

Application Deadline

APR 2023 session application due: 27 MAR 2023

Applications submitted after the due date will be considered on an individual basis and may not be processed in time to grant admission.

Answering Your Questions

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

Emphasizing the case study method, this program uses a variety of interactive teaching methods to prepare you for the demands of the CFO role. The program also features sessions with current or retired practitioners who will offer insight on their career paths and share practices that have helped them and their organizations succeed.

Participants should expect to spend at least 9-12 hours on self-paced case preparation prior to attending the program. Case materials will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

What You Will Learn

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Finance Finance

Applying frameworks and tools employed in value-based management
Evaluating the financial policies and practices that firms often use
Analyzing tradeoffs that arise when making and implementing choices with a financial component
Considering potential pitfalls of some approaches to financial management

Strategy Strategy

Using financial tools to illustrate the value implications of alternative strategic choices
Making strategic decisions in pursuit of margins and growth
Linking strategic choices to appropriate financial metrics
Balancing the disciplining aspects of finance with its ability to support innovation
Serving as a trusted strategic partner

Leadership Leadership

Engaging in an introspective analysis of your leadership style and capabilities
Managing and motivating teams of people with deep technical knowledge
Developing a plan for enhancing your leadership skills

Communication Communication

Observing the habits and traits of strong communicators and learning how to incorporate best practices into your own communication style
Developing storytelling skills to better communicate results and plans to employees, investors, and the board of directors
Communicating effectively with different functions and business units

Key Topics

Finance

Applying frameworks and tools employed in value-based management
Evaluating the financial policies and practices that firms often use
Analyzing tradeoffs that arise when making and implementing choices with a financial component
Considering potential pitfalls of some approaches to financial management

Strategy

Using financial tools to illustrate the value implications of alternative strategic choices
Making strategic decisions in pursuit of margins and growth
Linking strategic choices to appropriate financial metrics
Balancing the disciplining aspects of finance with its ability to support innovation
Serving as a trusted strategic partner

Leadership

Engaging in an introspective analysis of your leadership style and capabilities
Managing and motivating teams of people with deep technical knowledge
Developing a plan for enhancing your leadership skills

Communication

Observing the habits and traits of strong communicators and learning how to incorporate best practices into your own communication style
Developing storytelling skills to better communicate results and plans to employees, investors, and the board of directors
Communicating effectively with different functions and business units

The HBS Advantage

Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as 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

C. Fritz Foley

André R. Jakurski Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Finance

Read Full Bio

Faculty

Benjamin C. Esty

Roy and Elizabeth Simmons Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Finance

Read Full Bio

Francesca Gino

Tandon Family Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Felix Oberholzer-Gee

Andreas Andresen Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Strategy

Read Full Bio

The HBS Advantage: Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as 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

C. Fritz Foley

André R. Jakurski Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Finance

Read Full Bio

Faculty

Benjamin C. Esty

Roy and Elizabeth Simmons Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Finance

Read Full Bio

Francesca Gino

Tandon Family Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Felix Oberholzer-Gee

Andreas Andresen Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Strategy

Read Full Bio

Your Peers Expand Your Learning

Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom.

Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom.

Africa

Asia Pacific

22%

Europe

Latin America

Middle East

52%

North America

5%Africa

7%Asia Pacific

22%Europe

6%Latin America

8%Middle East

52%North America

Top Industries Represented

Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.

18%

Financial

10%

High Technology

Professional Services

Consumer Products

Health Care

Real Estate / Construction

Chem / Pharma / Bio

Raw Materials / Energy

Manufacturing

Retail Services

Top Industries Represented

Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.

18%

Financial

10%

High Technology

Professional Services

Consumer Products

Health Care

Real Estate / Construction

Chem / Pharma / Bio

Raw Materials / Energy

Manufacturing

Retail Services

Experience

Years worked

Experience

Years worked

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 or more40 or more

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 or more40 or more

Participating Companies Have Included:

Eli Lilly and Company

Microsoft

ThyssenKrupp

GlaxoSmithKline Plc

Geodis

National Grid

Siemens

Nike, Inc

OXFAM America

Red Cross

Your Peers Expand Your Learning: Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom.

Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom.

5%

Africa

7%

Asia Pacific

22%

Europe

6%

Latin America

8%

Middle East

52%

North America

5%Africa

7%Asia Pacific

22%Europe

6%Latin America

8%Middle East

52%North America

Top Industries Represented

Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.

Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.

18%

Financial

10%

High Technology

9%

Professional Services

8%

Consumer Products

7%

Health Care

7%

Real Estate / Construction

7%

Chem / Pharma / Bio

6%

Raw Materials / Energy

5%

Manufacturing

4%

Retail Services

Top Industries Represented

Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.

18%

Financial

10%

High Technology

9%

Professional Services

8%

Consumer Products

7%

Health Care

7%

Real Estate / Construction

7%

Chem / Pharma / Bio

6%

Raw Materials / Energy

5%

Manufacturing

4%

Retail Services

Experience

Experience

Years worked

Years worked

Experience

Years worked

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 or more40 or more

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 or more40 or more

Participating Companies Have Included:

Eli Lilly and Company

Microsoft

ThyssenKrupp

GlaxoSmithKline Plc

Geodis

National Grid

Siemens

Nike, Inc

OXFAM America

Red Cross

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More Admissions Information

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Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Apply

Download Brochure

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

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Admissions Requirements

Admissions Process

International Applicants

Payment, Cancellation, and Deferral

Already Admitted

Succeeding as a Strategic CFO

"The goal of this program is to help "emerging CFOs" to start rounding out the skills they need to be successful."

"The goal of this program is to help "emerging CFOs" to start rounding out the skills they need to be successful."

Summary

Summary

DetailsExpand AllCollapse All

Enhance your financial decision-making skillsEnhance your financial decision-making skills Dropdown down

Become a strategic partner to the CEOBecome a strategic partner to the CEO Dropdown down

Develop your leadership capabilitiesDevelop your leadership capabilities Dropdown down

Strengthen your communication skillsStrengthen your communication skills Dropdown down

Expand your personal and professional networkExpand your personal and professional network Dropdown down

Enhance your financial decision-making skills

Become a strategic partner to the CEO

Develop your leadership capabilities

Strengthen your communication skills

Expand your personal and professional network

Who Should Attend

Learning and Living at HBS

Learning and Living at HBS

Admissions Criteria and Process

Answering Your Questions

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

Answering Your Questions

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

What You Will Learn

Key TopicsExpand AllCollapse All

FinanceFinance Dropdown down

StrategyStrategy Dropdown down

LeadershipLeadership Dropdown down

CommunicationCommunication Dropdown down

Finance

Strategy

Leadership

Communication

The HBS Advantage

The HBS Advantage

Your Peers Expand Your Learning

Your Peers Expand Your Learning

"The goal of this program is to help "emerging CFOs" to start rounding out the skills they need to be successful."

"The goal of this program is to help "emerging CFOs" to start rounding out the skills they need to be successful."

Accepting Applications

Accepting Applications

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Enhance your financial decision-making skills Enhance your financial decision-making skills

Become a strategic partner to the CEO Become a strategic partner to the CEO

Develop your leadership capabilities Develop your leadership capabilities

Strengthen your communication skills Strengthen your communication skills

Expand your personal and professional network Expand your personal and professional network

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Finance Finance

Strategy Strategy

Leadership Leadership

Communication Communication