Chief Financial Officer Program
Online
DURATION
9 up to 12 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
USD 28,000
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
Scholarships
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Introduction
The Chief Financial Officer Program from Columbia Business School Executive Education will help financial leaders take the next step in their careers. Through a comprehensive curriculum driven by world-class faculty and the latest industry research and insights, senior leaders will develop the knowledge and skills to seamlessly transition into the CFO role. This program will help participants drive financial frameworks that embrace global business strategies while preparing them to manage investors, analysts, and the board to optimize business efficiency.
It tackles various themes during the multimodal learning journey of 9 to 12 months structured around value creation, capital markets, risk management, leadership, and relevant skill development for the CFO role. At the end of this program, participants will emerge equipped with the skills, tools, and frameworks needed to lead financial transformation and handle increasingly complex challenges being faced by their organizations.
Ideal Students
Participant Profile
The Chief Financial Officer Program is uniquely designed to suit professionals with strong finance backgrounds from diverse industries. Individuals new to the CFO role or stepping into a financial leadership role will benefit from the in-depth curriculum, expert faculty, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Participants should have:
- A minimum of ten years of work experience in finance
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- International exposure (preferred)
Program Outcome
Program Highlights
- Core Curriculum. Kick-start your program journey with 18 weeks of core online learning, imparting essential skills for the CFO role.
- Weekly Live Sessions. Experience live online sessions with success coaches as well as periodic guest lectures from faculty, industry leaders, and career advisors.
- World-Renowned Faculty. Learn from Columbia faculty, thought leaders, and financial industry experts.
- Peer Learning. Learn from high-achieving peers from around the globe and build your network.
- Choice of Electives. Select from relevant topical electives to gain skill sets specific to your career goals.
- Success Coach. You will be assigned a success coach who will help craft your learning journey through regular one-on-one check-in sessions.
- Networking Event. Interact with faculty, peers, and global industry leaders at an optional three-day on-campus networking event.
- Select Alumni Benefits. Receive select Columbia Business School alumni benefits upon completion of the program.
Curriculum
The Chief Financial Officer Program is a flexible learning journey designed for senior leaders in finance. You will learn through online and interactive sessions, fireside chats, and guest lectures led by Columbia faculty and global industry leaders. The program offers an expertly developed curriculum that spans three key phases that will equip you with the necessary tools to drive the financial strategy and lead digital transformation at your organization.
Core Modules
The Chief Financial Officer Program will provide you with the tools and frameworks to enhance your financial leadership and sharpen your decision-making skills. It will help you evaluate current strategies against financial metrics and drive growth while creating value for your organization.
- Program for Financial Sustainability
- Operating Cycle and Value Drivers
- Measuring Strategy
- Defining Good Stewardship of Capital
- Macro Revenue Factors, Materials, and Supply Chain
- Labor, Talent, and Compensation
- Capital and Capital Expenditure
- Capital Structure and Introduction to Foreign Currency
- A Global Market: Foreign Currency
- Organizational Valuation
- The Qualities of a Financial Leader
- CFO as Strategic Partner to the CEO
- Capital Allocation
- Mergers, Acquisitions, and Integration
- Managing Performance and Compensation
- Raising Capital and Managing Investors
- Regulatory Compliance
- Information Systems and Tomorrow's CFO
Online Electives
During the Chief Financial Officer Program, you will be able to choose two electives from relevant areas of specialization. These electives are designed to supplement the core learning process, enhance your skill sets, and explore practical strategies that help advance your career. Each elective is taught over approximately six weeks. The choice of electives includes:
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Corporate Governance
- ESG Investing
- Scenario Planning
- Blockchain in Business
- Macroeconomics for Executives
Note: Electives are subject to change.
Open-Enrollment Electives: In-Person or Live Online
Select one program—in person or live online—from relevant specializations that are designed to help you lead growth and drive change in a dynamic business environment. Participants can work with their success coach to identify the best fit for them based on their goals. Some of examples include:
- Developing and Leading High-Performance Teams
- Driving Strategic Impact
- Financial Analysis and Valuation
- Quantitative Intuition™
- Real Estate Investing
- Venture Capital
Note: Electives are subject to change.
On-Campus Networking Event | Three Days*
*Meet your cohort peers and faculty in person on the Columbia Business School campus in New York City during an optional three-day recognition ceremony and networking event. This event provides you an opportunity to network with your peers as well as professionals from other cohorts to create a lifelong community of global executives.