Emerging Chief Financial Officer

Programme Overview

The role of a chief financial officer (CFO) has expanded over the past few years, with responsibilities spanning financial management, strategy and human-centric digital leadership. This paradigm shift now requires that CFOs not only possess expertise in traditional responsibilities but also function as strategic partners to C-suite and innovation leaders. To position themselves as strong candidates for a CFO role, senior finance executives must demonstrate cross-functional skills to deliver impact within and beyond finance, lead strategically, communicate effectively with stakeholders and navigate organisational dynamics.

This six month online programme draws on expertise from Imperial College Business School faculty, industry experts and case studies. It features hands-on modules for practical learning and opportunities for interactive engagement, and strategic thinking. You will experience live online teaching sessions, video lectures, interactive activities and assignments whilst receiving personal support from a dedicated Learning Team.

You will finish the programme prepared to implement your learnings, and with a verified Digital Certificate from Imperial College Business School Executive Education. 

Who should attend?

The Emerging CFO programme is designed for mid- to senior-level finance leaders aspiring to fast-track their transition to a C-suite role. The programme helps develop a holistic skillset to navigate the evolving demands and growing scope of the CFO role from financial strategy to transformation imperatives. The programme is particularly relevant for:

• Assistant Vice Presidents and Directors of Finance looking to acquire the necessary strategic leadership skills, enhance their ability to drive transformation change within organisations, and accelerate their trajectory to be the next CFOs
• Associate Directors, Associate Vice Presidents, and Heads of Accounting aspiring to drive strategic initiatives, influence decision-making, and contribute to the overall success of the organisation

Participants should have a minimum of 8 years of work experience.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this programme, you will be able to:

• Create and execute holistic financial decisions and strategic visions that drive sustainable growth and digital transformation initiatives
• Explore the evolving emphasis on strategic leadership in modern CFO roles
• Apply skills to identify, evaluate and mitigate enterprise-wide financial and business risks to enhance resilience and sustainability
• Analyse organisational structures and politics, discerning their impact on decision-making processes
• Identify and develop communication strategies to bridge the gap between organisation and financial functions, enhance transparency, cultivate trust and manage relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Anticipate and navigate future business forces to lead successful digital transformations
• Integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles with the decision-making process to align organisational goals with social objectives
• Cultivate an ethical organisational culture, establishing a cohesive, inclusive team that values diversity

Learning Journey

Phase 1: Executive Leadership Essentials | 12 weeks

Understand the executive leadership skills necessary to excel in a C-suite leadership role. Navigate the current finance landscape confidently by gaining expertise in effective decision making, strategic agility and ethical leadership. Explore how to drive innovation and ensure alignment with sustainable practices.

Module 1: Organisational Structures: From Hierarchies to Networks

Module 2: Navigating and Influencing Complex Politics

Module 3: Building Alliances and Collaboration at an Executive Level

Module 4: Understanding Enablers and Derailers to Career Progression in the C-Suite

Module 5: Building Trust and Relationship Management

Module 6: Adept Communication: The Art of Storytelling

Module 7: Fostering a Culture of Ethics

Module 8: Inspiring Cohesive, Effective Teams

Module 9: Future Forces Transforming Demands on the C-suite

Module 10: The Role of C-Suite in Driving Digital Transformation

Module 11: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG): Balancing Profitability and Responsibility

Module 12: Understanding and Appreciating Diversity in the Workplace

Phase 2: Strategies for Finance Leaders | 6 weeks 

Explore the intricacies and complexities of the CFO role and the mergers and acquisitions process. Gain an in-depth understanding of the importance and implementation of strategic financial planning and partnership building. Also, acquire the skills to effectively communicate financial insights and align teams to successfully achieve your organisation’s financial goals.

Module 13: Introduction to the Chief Financial Officer Role

Module 14: Communicating Financial Insights Effectively

Module 15: Establishing and Achieving Clear Financial Objectives as a Unified Team

Module 16: Mergers and Acquisition Strategies and Other Forms of Corporate Restructuring

Module 17: The Transaction Process of Mergers and Acquisitions

Module 18: The Post-Merger Integration

Phase 3: CFO Transformation Imperatives | 6 weeks

Explore the new mandates undertaken by CFOs, like mitigating risks and overseeing ESG principles, along with strategically managing stakeholder relationships.

Module 19: Risk Management and Weathering Risks

Module 20: The CFO's Role in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

Module 21: Merging Financial Goals with Digital Innovation

Module 22: Data-Driven Insights to Form Financial Decisions and Strategies

Module 23: Strategic Partnership

Module 24: Leading through Flux