CPA to CFO: Essential Competencies for Finance Leaders

The path from CPA to CFO has evolved dramatically in recent years, with only 43% of S&P 1000 CFOs holding CPA licenses in 2022, down from 55% a decade earlier. This comprehensive course, based on groundbreaking research from the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs surveying over 320 CEOs and hiring executives, reveals what today's leaders truly seek in CFO candidates and provides a roadmap for CPAs to secure their seat at the executive table. Participants will discover the five critical competencies that distinguish successful CFO candidates: forward-looking financial acumen that goes beyond traditional reporting, strategic leadership skills including critical thinking and strategy creation, the evolving role of emotional intelligence, industry-specific expertise requirements, and the balance between technical proficiency and visionary leadership. Through practical frameworks, real-world examples, and actionable strategies, attendees will learn how to transform their CPA foundation into a comprehensive skill set that meets the dynamic demands of modern CFO roles, whether in high-growth companies, nonprofits, or traditional corporations. After attending this presentation, you will be able to...

• Identify the top general competencies most valued by hiring executives for CFO positions
• Recognize the shift from compliance-focused to forward-looking financial skills in CFO requirements
• List specific sub-competencies that rank highest in the research findings
• Compare traditional CPA skills with modern CFO competency requirements
• Identify actionable steps from the report's recommendations for career development

Highlights
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:

• Top competencies hiring executives seek in CFO candidates based on survey of 320+ CEOs and recruiters
• Critical thinking frameworks and strategy creation techniques for financial leadership
• Forward-looking financial skills including capital management, forecasting, and funding strategies
• Industry-specific requirements for high-growth companies and nonprofit organizations
• Practical career development strategies to build CFO-ready competencies