Step confidently into the CFO role with this highly immersive, executive-level program designed to accelerate your transition from finance expert to enterprise C-suite leader.

Jointly developed by CPA Australia and Odgers, this intensive three-day program equips you with the critical capabilities required to succeed in one of the most complex and influential roles in modern organisations. You will build the intellectual and emotional agility, judgement, and influence needed to operate at the highest levels − partnering with CEOs, influencing boards, and driving sustainable, long-term value.

Why choose this program?

Today’s CFO is far more than a financial steward. The role demands enterprise leadership − balancing strategy, risk, governance, people leadership, and stakeholder influence, while navigating increasing expectations around AI transformation, sustainability and data-driven decision-making.

This program is designed to help you make that shift. Across three structured days, you will move from analysis and reporting to ownership and influence − developing the capabilities to define, shape, and support strategic decisions that have impact across the entire value chain of an organisation.

You will also benefit from direct exposure to experienced CFOs, CEOs, and board directors who bring real-world insight into the evolving demands of the role. Through panel discussions, guest sessions and interactive conversations, you will learn from their career journeys, decision-making experiences and perspectives on leadership at the highest level.

The program is delivered by expert facilitators and presenters who combine deep technical expertise with practical application − ensuring you gain not only insight, but also actionable guidance you can immediately apply in your own context.

Practical and applied learning

Each participant will receive a customised leadership assessment prior to the program, work one-on-one with an Odgers executive coach across three individual coaching sessions, and develop a detailed personal action learning plan to support CFO readiness.

Underpinning the program is a live strategic project developed progressively across the three days. You will apply concepts in real time, culminating in a board-level recommendation presented to a senior panel. Following successful completion of the program and presentation, you will receive a Certificate of Professional Achievement.

The experience is highly interactive and combines:

• Expert-led workshops and applied exercises
• CFO, CEO and board-level perspectives
• Small-group project labs and peer challenges
• Individual reflection and capability assessment
• Strategic project culminating in a board-level presentation
• Networking opportunities across the three days 

Program outcomes

By the end of the program, you will be able to:

• Frame and lead enterprise-level strategic decisions
• Influence senior stakeholders, including boards and CEOs
• Integrate financial, ESG, risk, AI and data considerations into decision-making
• Communicate with clarity and credibility at the executive and board level
• Define a clear and actionable path towards CFO readiness

This is an opportunity to step beyond technical excellence and build the mindset, capability and presence required to succeed as a modern CFO, and to lead with impact in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving business environment.

The program is limited to a small cohort to ensure a rich learning and networking experience with peers and industry experts.

Program participants are eligible for 30 CPD hours.

Who should attend?

This program is ideal for:

• Senior finance leaders from private, public, and not-for-profit organisations preparing for a CFO role
• Newly appointed CFOs seeking to broaden their impact
• High-potential finance professionals identified for executive progression