Emerging Chief Financial Officer
Modern CFOs are strategic leaders driving growth, innovation, and digital transformation. They combine financial expertise with cross-functional skills to influence strategy, engage stakeholders, and lead change.
Course key facts
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Date
25 Jun - 25 December 2026
Duration
6 months
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Credits
Non credit bearing
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Format
Online
Fee
£7,000
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 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.
Learning journey
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
Course details
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.
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
Each programme includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enrol. This programme is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will receive a smart digital certificate. You can use it on your cover letter, resume and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile. The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the programme, once grading is complete.
Note: You will earn the Associate Alumni status upon successful completion of the programme. Visit the Associate Alumni page to find out more.
Take your partnership with Imperial to the next level by becoming an Associate Alumnus. Complete one (1) of our on-campus, online, and virtual programmes to claim 'Associate Alumnus' status and join our active alumni community.
Some of the benefits of becoming an Associate Alumnus include:
- Access to the Imperial Alumni LinkedIn group
- Invites to relevant events and webinars
- 25% Discount on future learning for yourself and up to three your colleagues
If you are interested in finding out more, contact us today!
Your instructors
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Danielle Lyssimachou
Admissions Tutor for the BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science degreeDanielle Lyssimachou, an award-winning educator, is an academic leader and consultant in the field of accounting. Her research has been published in top academic journals, including the Accounting Review. In her two-decade-long academic career, she has taught accounting at various levels and in diverse international settings. Lyssimachou has made significant contributions to executive education by designing open programmes and delivering specialised accounting and finance programmes.
Adam Kingl
Lecturer at Imperial Business SchoolAdam Kingl is highly regarded for his expertise in the future of business. His primary research focuses on the work and leadership paradigms of the youngest generations in the workplace. Kingl is a highly sought-after speaker at prestigious events, including the World Expo Business International Milan, Global Leadership Summit and HR Directors Business Summit. His work featured in esteemed publications, including the Financial Times, Sunday Times, The Guardian and many more. He has also authored two books titled Next Generation Leadership and Sparking Success.
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Rachael van der Toorn
Project Manager (Online Executive Education Portfolio)
