_{Next Live Cohort}
25th November

The CFO Course – From First-Time CFO to Confident Board Leader

Landing your first CFO role is a huge achievement — but it often comes with new challenges you weren’t trained for. Many first-time CFOs struggle with executive presence, board influence, delegation, and the transition from operator to strategic leader.

The CFO Course is an extensive, interactive program. Through 1:1 mentoring, peer support, and structured development, you’ll gain the skills, mindset, and confidence to thrive at board level and make a lasting impact in the role.

Join Our Live
Preview Event

Get a first-hand look at the CFO program and have your questions answered live!

Next Live Session

Wednesday, November 5th | 4:00 PM GMT

Event Starts In

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

This CFO course will help you:

Real Support for Real
CFO Challenges

Catherine was a superb facilitator; she had credibility with the group as a former CFO, and she led the sessions with grace and structure, so we had the opportunity to hear and learn from the rich experiences of our peers.

Laura McKenzie

Group Finance Director, Engage
United Kingdom

CPE Certified by

Our Clients Include...

CFO Course Learning Outcomes

The CFO Program is an extensive, interactive course designed to cover the ever-changing role of the CFO and focus on creating even more value across your business.

Mastering Strategic Influence

Develop the skills to challenge and shape business strategy, becoming a catalyst for change. Learn how to balance financial expertise with big-picture thinking to drive meaningful impact.

Driving Data-Backed Decisions

Transform complex data into actionable insights. Gain the ability to influence key stakeholders with a clear, data-driven perspective that enhances business outcomes.

Learn from Industry Experts

Strengthen your executive presence and leadership skills. Learn how to effectively communicate with your CEO, Board, and wider business to inspire confidence and drive alignment

Embed Finance Across the Business

Go beyond the numbers—position finance as a core driver of business value. Discover how to integrate financial strategy across all functions, ensuring long-term growth and resilience

Who is this CFO course for?

This program helps finance leaders sharpen their decision-making and leadership skills through peer learning, mentoring, and competency frameworks.

Participant Locations

Which CFO course is right for you?

Hear from Our Alumni

The combination of the group workshops and the one-to-one professional mentoring complement one another really well and it is great to share perspectives with people working in other companies.

This is an amazing programme and I have hugely benefited from the quality discussions with the experienced finance leaders in my CFO Programme cohort group. The mentoring, coaching and teaching from the immensely experienced and knowledgeable professional mentor has made me much better-placed to succeed in my role. The ongoing access to excellent resources and exceptional peers also really helps. Thank you GrowCFO for making that difference!

I joined GrowCFO in December 2021. It’s been the best thing I’ve actually done so far. I highly recommend the CFO Programme to anyone in my position. The amount of knowledge I’ve obtained from this course is unbelievable and has hugely benefited me. It has been a breath of fresh air to work through it with other people in similar roles. The course outlines all the areas that I need to be focused on to reach my goals and also the areas I wasn’t aware that I need to focus on.

I loved that it combined theory with perspectives from peers – we could all see other perspectives on similar problems. It created more awareness for me and allowed me to reflect on how I behave.

The CFO Programme is an insightful and practical programme that facilities application throughout.

I really enjoyed listening to the different perspectives. The programme forced me to step out of the day to day and allowed me some reflective thinking time away from the busyness of work life.

An insightful and thought provoking programme that will help you have a tangible impact in your organization as well as heighten awareness of the importance of relationships.

The programme provided a great framework of content and focused discussion, whilst offering a safe space to enable open conversation and encouraging people to share their biggest challenges. This is a good way of carving out time to prioritise additional learning and development as both a person and a CFO.

I really liked how the programme helped me to get clarity on what being a CFO entails and to gain awareness of my blindspots.

It has been an inspirational programme which gave me the chance to have time to reflect and think out of the box. It’s been also important share our own professional experience for a technical and business perspective.

The course provided a good overall picture of what is expected of a CFO. It also gave participants the opportunity to interact and to learn from each other’s situation.

The course was a great opportunity to discuss and learn about the practical challenges of being a CFO from an experienced CFO and others in a similar position. The course covered a wide range of topics to help think through how to approach the day-to-day challenges.

An interesting and insightful course that helps to guide you through the highs and lows of being a CFO! I really enjoyed and benefited from Catherine’s experience and hearing how others in the group tackled similar issues.

The CFO Programme gave me the time and space to reflect on myself, my role, and how I could refocus the value I can bring to my organization.

The group sessions were of great value to me, helping me to reflect and think more critically of myself and how I can add more value to our business. Spending time with like minded individuals was great and Catherine who led the course made everyone feel welcome and got everyone engaging in topics and conversation.

It has been really useful to sit with like-minded individuals and to understand that you are not alone in the difficulties of navigating a career as a CFO.

Catherine is an excellent and engaging mentor. The course was structured and delivered in a logical manner, addressing all high level pillars of the CFO role.

GrowCFO brings an outside perspective, challenging questions, and a lot of empathy for finance leaders. Managing a company is such a mental game and having someone to accompany you throughout this journey is gold!

I really benefited from a peer group working in a variety of industries and profile of company, but who all faced similar professional challenges to myself. The sessions provided a good mix of content and group discussions on the challenges that a 21st Century senior finance leader faces.

An excellent programme and I would recommend this to any CFO looking to gain to gain more insight into what it takes to do the role well.

This course encourages you to take time to consider your priorities and what you should actually be focused on. There are a number of useful considerations to add to the CFO toolbox for best practice execution.

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Catherine is a great leader full of useful and insightful information. It’s also great to talk with other CFOs to understand their challenges, and the similarities we face together as CFOs.

As a relatively new CFO, this cohort was beneficial to me in helping me understand my strengths and where I have opportunities for growth. Participating in the series reinforced where I should be investing my time in the organization and increased my confidence as a key contributor to the business and our long-term strategies.

It has been really helpful to share insights and experiences with fellow CFOs who are part of my peer group.

This course brought up many concepts that I would not have “stopped” to think about. Hearing about similar challenges from peers in other regions helped me see that we face common situations. The collaboration and brainstorming with extremely helpful.

This program has been great to connect with other CFOs and hear about their experiences. The content was helpful to think about ways I can grow in my position.

Insightful intellectual experience that encourages reflection and growth by way of discussion and knowledge sharing.

It has been a wonderful learning journey with a group of my peers. I enjoyed learning from the program lead as well as with my peers and gained many valuable insights into my own learning journey as a CFO.

I really enjoyed the CFO Programme and the programme leaders are great. Many thanks to the GrowCFO team for all of your fantastic help and support!

The Grow CFO program was an incredibly valuable experience that provided both strategic insights and practical tools to elevate my impact as a finance leader. The content was relevant, well-structured, and directly applicable to the challenges CFOs face today. Catharine was a fantastic facilitator—engaging, knowledgeable, and supportive. She created a space for meaningful discussion and brought real-world context to every session. I left the program with greater clarity, confidence, and a stronger peer network. I would highly recommend it to any finance leader looking to grow both professionally and personally.

Nadina Paisano CFO, The University of New Mexico Foundation, Inc. The open conversations across the group, sharing thoughts, ideas and challenges is really helpful. Even though we are in different sectors, the conversations open up to ideas and thinking outside the box. The sharing and feedback also helps to get it off the chest, but also learn that its not only my problem and there are solutions out there. Overall, the structure of the program is effective. Mostly importantly is the interaction not only with the program facilitator but program attendees.

The GrowCFO CFO Program was an incredibly valuable experience that helped me strengthen my strategic leadership skills and broaden my perspective on the CFO role. I especially appreciated the opportunity to learn alongside a supportive cohort of finance leaders. The mix of structured content and peer exchange made each session both practical and inspiring.

The CFO program put me in an (online) room with other CFOs across a range of industries and territories. At the core we had experience or currently handling challenges that many of us had seen and experienced. It is clear that we learn best when we talk and share.

CFO course bonus material (on-demand)

The CFO Program delivers a transformative learning experience, blending live mentor-led workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and on-demand resources—equipping you with the skills, insights, and confidence to thrive as a CFO.

Competency Framework

Rank yourself against the 45 CFO skills within The GrowCFO Competency Framework.

CFO Program On-demand Video Course

Complete the nine CFO Program online modules.

Competency Workshops

Access on-demand workshops to address your biggest skills gaps.

Competency Modules

Complete a selection of 45 online courses to address priority areas identified in your Competency Framework.

Simulators

Access a comprehensive suite of dynamic simulators crafted to empower yourself at every stage of the business life cycle.

Learning Plan

Document your quarterly progress against your GrowCFO learning plan for at least 12 months.

The CFO Program offers the following activities during a 12-month period

Month 1

Month 2

Month 3

Month 4

Month 5

Month 6

Month 7

Month 8

Month 9

Month 10

Month 11

Month 12

Next Steps:

Begin Your Strategic Journey to CFO Excellence

Step 1

Join Our Live
Preview Event

Get a first-hand look at the CFO program and have your questions answered live!

Next Live Session

Wednesday, November 5th | 4:00 PM GMT

Event Starts In

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Step 2

Enroll on the Next Cohort: 25th November

Pricing Options

$12,950 / £9,950

CFO Program: Modules Overview

Nine modules, plus mentoring and peer groups, will elevate you from back office leader to CEO co-pilot. Each module in the program is followed by a discussion with peers, providing a platform for engaging and useful sharing of unique perspectives and collaborative learning. The guidance and support from the course leaders offer invaluable insights and real-world examples that enhance the learning experience.

Module 01 - Embed finance across the company

During this Module, participants will learn to build a financial culture that aligns your employees with the financial objectives of your company; implement policies, procedures and controls across the business; and capture the appropriate data to analyse performance drivers. This will help to transform your finance team from being regarded as a back office function to being seen as an essential business function.

Fields of Study:
Finance 1 CPE Credit (1 CPD Hour)
Management Services 1 CPE Credit (1 CPD Hour)

Module 02 - Identify profit and cash initiatives

Within Module 2, participants will learn to build up strong relationships across the business; identify cost drivers and determine opportunities to create value. These will support a range of activities including embedding cost reduction initiatives, optimising cash flows and driving business transformation. This Module will help your finance team to change from being regarded as a results provider to being seen as a business value creator.

Fields of Study:
Finance 1 CPE Credit (1 CPD Hour)
Management Services 1 CPE Credit (1 CPD Hour)

Module 03 - Oversee and drive business change

During this Module, participants will learn to oversee business operations outside of your finance function, drive efficiencies across your organisation and implement change management initiatives including finance transformations. This will support the alignment of financial and commercial strategies. This Module will help to transform you from being seen as an internal contributor to becoming an operational transformer.

Field of Study:
Management Services 2 CPE Credits (2 CPD Hours)

Module 04 - Deliver data-driven strategic insights

Within Module 4, participants will understand how to create relevant insights from data, how to quantify the impact of different scenarios and how to write high quality board papers. This will allow you to communicate your analysis effectively, tell the financial story and determine the questions to be answered at Board level. This Module will help to transform you from a transactions processor into a forward-looking innovator.

Field of Study:
Management Services 2 CPE Credits (2 CPD Hours)

Module 05 - Challenge your Board and influence strategy

During this Module, participants will learn how to challenge your Board during difficult conversations, deal with Board room dynamics and conflicts of interest, plus provide your unique financial and risk management perspective. You will also learn how to influence strategy by identifying significant business opportunities and determining funding options. This will help to transform you into a Strategic Business Partner.

Field of Study:
Management Services 2 CPE Credits (2 CPD Hours)

Module 06 - Drive key decision-making

Within Module 6, participants will learn how to build trusted relationships across your business, provide the necessary information to help people make decisions and generate strong evidence to support your opinions. You will also learn strategies for chasing people to make decisions. This Module will help you to transform from somebody with a unique financial perspective into a truly valued Strategic Business Partner.

Field of Study:
Management Services 2 CPE Credits (2 CPD Hours)

Module 07 - Represent your business externally

During this Module, participants will learn how to improve your gravitas, present your story effectively and generate confidence towards your business. This will help you with a range of external responsibilities including fundraising, investor relations, customer and supplier negotiations, dealing with authorities and becoming a leading voice in your marketplace. Participants will transform a department head into an external-facing leader.

Fields of Study:
Management Services 1 CPE Credit (1 CPD Hour)
Communications and Marketing 1 CPE Credit (1 CPD Hour)

Module 08 - Become a critical and influential voice

Within Module 8, participants will learn how to provide support to your colleagues, build strong relationships with each board member and impress your executives or NEDs during challenges situations. This will help to elevate your personal brand, add value during your Board interactions and consistently produce high quality output. This Module will support you towards becoming a vital board member.

Field of Study:
Personal Development 2 CPE Credits (2 CPD Hours)

Module 09 - Create value across the business

During this Module, participants will learn how to build a strong working relationship with your CEO, determine your complementary skill sets and work out the best way to support one another. You will also learn how to communicate effectively to your workforce and deliver the business plan across your organisation. This will help make you the first person that people will turn to for support and to become the co-pilot to your CEO.

Field of Study:
Management Services 2 CPE Credits (2 CPD Hours)

1:1 Professional Mentoring

The CFO Program includes 1:1 mentoring. We will work with you to create a tailored CFO mentoring program.

How will I benefit from regular CFO mentoring sessions with an experienced CFO?

Knowledge and Experience

We will maximize the value you deliver to your business and help you overcome the key challenges within your role. We bring to you our wealth of financial, strategic and life experience to make your life easier.

Accelerated Development

We will motivate you to identify and deliver your career development plan, holding you accountable for your actions. We will help you to explore your mindset, to achieve your potential using proven tools and techniques to support this process.

Independent Support

We provide an independent point of contact and listen actively and objectively to enable you to talk through sensitive matters in private. We will act as a sounding board, and provide someone to think through problems, issues and challenges.

Meet the CFO Program Mentors

Each program cohort group is delivered by our experienced CFOs and professional mentors:

Catherine Clark

GrowCFO UK & Europe Lead Mentor | Experienced CFO | Executive Coach

Oliver Deacon

Former Microsoft FD | Coach |
Mentor

Ian Simpkin

Fractional CFO | Portfolio FD |
Mentor

Ashley Vukovits

CFO |
Executive Mentor

Susana Serrano-Davey

Experienced CFO | Executive Coach & Mentor

Paul McKoen

Experienced CFO | Finance Director | Advisor | Coach & Mentor

Helene Brichet Herbinet

CFO I Strategic & Change Leader I Executive Coach & Mentor

CPD / CPE Accredited by NASBA

This is an intermediate level program. Participants will earn 22 CPE credits (22 CPD hours)
across the following fields of study:

The delivery method is Group Internet Based using Zoom. As a prerequisite, candidates will already be performing a senior role in a finance function and will be expecting to progress to a CFO role in the next 2-3 years. No advance preparation is required.

FAQs

How should I pay for the program?

All program payments must be made directly to GrowCFO through our company website https://www.growcfo.net/cfo-program-enroll/ or through GrowCFO company invoices. GrowCFO accepts no liability for any payments made to any other parties, including regional leaders and program facilitators.

What should I do if I’m unable to attend a live session?

While attending live sessions is recommended for optimal training experience, we understand that sometimes unexpected situations may arise. If you are unable to attend a live session, a recording of the session will be made available to you wherever possible upon request.

I work full-time, what is the expected time commitment?

The live online workshops run approximately every three weeks lasting two hours each. The program is designed to fit alongside your full-time finance leader role and there is typically no preparatory work required for each session.

What is your refund policy?

At GrowCFO, we pride ourselves on building strong and supportive cohorts for each intake. Once a participant has committed to a cohort, we do not offer a refund. This ensures the consistency of people within each cohort group so that each participant benefits from a strong community of like-minded individuals who will serve as a valuable support network throughout the training journey.

What should I be expected to know coming into this course? How should I prepare in advance?

There is no expected knowledge or preparation in advance of the program, although most people find it beneficial to register for a Preview Event in advance, (this is not compulsory). There is a bonus one-hour introductory group session prior to the Module 1 workshop for people to meet the program delivery team and start building relationships with their cohort group members.

Ready to get started?

Download a Brochure

Get the full details on the CFO Program! Explore the curriculum, key benefits, and expert-led learning experience designed to equip you with the skills, confidence, and strategic mindset to step up as a CFO.

Book a Preview Event

Curious about the program? Join a live preview event to meet the team, explore the program, ask questions, and take the next steps in your career. Reserve your spot today!

Enroll on the next Cohort

Ready to develop the leadership, strategic influence, and financial expertise to become a visionary CFO? Gain the skills, confidence, and network to lead at the highest level and drive real business impact.

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The CFO Course – From First-Time CFO to Confident Board Leader

Join Our Live Preview Event

This CFO course will help you:

Real Support for Real CFO Challenges

Our Clients Include...

CFO Course Learning Outcomes

Mastering Strategic Influence

Driving Data-Backed Decisions

Learn from Industry Experts

Embed Finance Across the Business

Who is this CFO course for?

Participant Locations

Which CFO course is right for you?

Hear from Our Alumni

CFO course bonus material (on-demand)

Competency Framework

CFO Program On-demand Video Course

Competency Workshops

Competency Modules

Simulators

Learning Plan

The CFO Program offers the following activities during a 12-month period

Next Steps:

Join Our Live Preview Event

Enroll on the Next Cohort: 25th November

CFO Program: Modules Overview

1:1 Professional Mentoring

Decide on your priorities for discussion

Progress on your action plan

Structure your sessions

How will I benefit from regular CFO mentoring sessions with an experienced CFO?

Knowledge and Experience

Accelerated Development

Independent Support

Meet the CFO Program Mentors

Catherine Clark

Oliver Deacon

Ian Simpkin

Ashley Vukovits

Susana Serrano-Davey

Paul McKoen

Helene Brichet Herbinet

CPD / CPE Accredited by NASBA

FAQs

Ready to get started?

Download a Brochure

Book a Preview Event

Enroll on the next Cohort

Join Our Live
Preview Event

Real Support for Real
CFO Challenges

Join Our Live
Preview Event