The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme
Gain cutting-edge AI insights, 10.5 days of immersive on-campus learning; Earn Executive Education Alumni status and join a global network of 17,000+ peers.
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Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme: Elevate your impact as a finance leader
The learning journey combines interactive content, case studies and networking opportunities to help you apply your financial expertise across business functions. It strengthens your cross-functional collaboration and equips you to contribute to long-term business success.
London Business School's Executive Education programmes are recognised globally for excellence across both Open and Custom learning experiences.
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AI applications for the CFO
Generative AI fundamentals
Explore the evolution, strengths and limits of generative AI (gen AI) models.
Prompt engineering
Craft effective prompts for tools such as ChatGPT.
AI-powered visualisation
Automate and enhance visualisations with gen AI tools.
Predictive modelling with AI
Forecast outcomes using decision trees, random forests and logistic regression.
Supervised and unsupervised learning
Apply techniques for classification, clustering and recommendations.
Responsible AI use
Address responsible AI use, including privacy concerns, data hallucinations and ethical risks.
What will you learn in the CFO Programme?
Programme benefits
For you | For your organisation |
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Learning journey
How is the CFO Programme curriculum structured?
Module 1: Financial Strategy and Management for the CFO | In Person
Develop the financial leadership skills needed to create long-term value and support strategic decision-making. Explore the financial principles that underpin successful organisations through academic research, practical applications, case studies and interactive discussions.
Day 1: Capital Structure and Funding Decisions
Understand capital structure and funding decisions.
Evaluate debt and equity financing.
Identify factors that influence an optimal funding mix.
Learn structuring debt and raising capital.
Align financing decisions with wider corporate strategy.
Get introduced to options and hybrid instruments.
Day 2: Managing Risk and Financial Performance
Understand forwards, futures and swaps.
Learn to use derivatives to manage financial risk.
Reduce exposure to market uncertainty.
Apply risk management principles.
Balance risk and return in funding and investment decisions.
Align risk management with strategic objectives.
Day 3: Payout Policy and Mergers and Acquisitions
Understand payout policy and capital distribution decisions.
Balance shareholder returns with financial flexibility.
Evaluate mergers and acquisitions.
Understand valuation and deal structures.
Explore financing approaches and payment methods.
Use transactions to strengthen competitive position and create long-term value.
Day 4: Financial Performance and Value Creation
Analyse financial statements to assess organisational resilience.
Evaluate corporate performance.
Identify drivers of financial success.
Assess sources of competitive advantage.
Understand the foundations of sustainable value creation.
Use financial analysis to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
Day 5: Corporate Restructuring and Long-Term Financial Planning
Understand the role of corporate restructuring.
Evaluate restructuring options and financial distress.
Explore long-term financial planning.
Make strategic decisions to support recovery and growth.
Apply financial strategy concepts to real business situations.
Learn through case-based discussion.
Module 2: Business Analytics in the Age of Generative AI | Online
Develop the ability to interpret data independently and use GenAI to support faster, better-informed decisions.
Interpret data independently.
Gain insights for quick decisions.
Master storytelling with data visualisations.
Stay updated on AI advancements.
Module 3: CFO’s Role in Strategic Innovation: Innovation through Design Thinking | Online
Develop a structured approach to innovation and learn how to turn ideas into practical solutions.
Understand the innovation imperative.
Define your innovation challenge.
Explore structures and techniques for developing ideas.
Generate and evaluate ideas.
Move from ideas to action.
Module 4: CFO Strategic Thinking: Developing Strategy for Value Creation | In Person
Build the strategic leadership capabilities needed to guide your organisation through uncertainty and change. Strengthen your ability to think critically, make sound strategic decisions and lead with purpose.
Day 1: Strategic Foundations
Understand what strategy means in practice.
Explore the role of strategic leadership.
Navigate uncertainty and making informed decisions.
Set a clear strategic direction.
Identify your strategic challenge.
Refine your challenge through faculty and peer insights.
Day 2: Developing and Communicating Strategy
Assess competitive position and market opportunities.
Evaluate organisational capabilities.
Define a clear strategy.
Communicate the strategy effectively.
Engage stakeholders across the organisation.
Build powerful relationships and organisational alignment.
Day 3: Creating Value and Competitive Advantage
Understand how organisations create and capture value.
Explore business model innovation.
Respond to customer demands.
Develop compelling value propositions.
Turn analysis into action.
Strengthen your competitive advantage.
Day 4: Strategy for a Changing Environment
Respond to disruption and uncertainty.
Apply strategic frameworks to changing market conditions.
Explore business ecosystems and partnerships.
Understand the role of strategic communities.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
Strengthen organisational resilience and performance.
Day 5: Corporate Strategy and Future Growth
Understand corporate-level strategic decisions.
Explore growth and diversification.
Make strategic resource allocation decisions.
Balance today's operational priorities with tomorrow's opportunities.
Positioning the organisation for sustained success.
Remain adaptable in a changing environment.
Day 6: Strategy in Action
Translate strategy into action.
Align people, processes and resources.
Implement a strategy successfully.
Sustain momentum through continuous learning.
Keep strategy relevant as conditions evolve.
Present your strategic challenge.
Develop a practical action plan for your organisation.
Programme calendar
Engage and Connect | Live Kick-Off | Virtual
14 December 2026
Module 1 | 5 Days | London
Week 2 | 25–29 January 2027
Module 2 | 6 Weeks | Online
Week 3–8 | 18 February–1 April 2027
Module 3 | 6 Weeks | Online
Week 9-15 | 12 May–22 June 2027
Module 4 | 5.5 Days | London
Week 16 | 4–9 July 2027
Closing Module | Live Close | Virtual
20 July 2027
Note: The programme schedule is subject to change.
This certificate programme does not grant academic credit or a degree from London Business School.
How does the CFO Programme use applied learning?
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme combines immersive on-campus learning, live online modules and practical business activities to help senior finance executives apply new knowledge to real organisational challenges. Through virtual challenges, an individual business project, real-world case studies, group coaching, expert guest speakers and a global peer network, the programme strengthens your strategic financial leadership while helping you translate learning into measurable business impact.
Virtual challenges
Apply programme concepts through virtual challenges designed to help you navigate the key challenges your organisation is facing today. Guided by London Business School faculty, research, consultancy and real-world case studies, each challenge takes one to three hours to complete individually or as a facilitated group activity.
Judgement in leadership
Make informed judgement calls when there is little time to spare and few facts are available.
Rewiring learning
Understand how learning works, including different levels, principles and processes, and cultivate a positive attitude towards learning.
Programme highlights
London – a global hub
Connect with global peers and experience learning in the heart of London.
World-leading faculty
Learn from LBS's world-renowned experts in finance, leadership and strategy.
Individual business project
Apply your programme learnings to a transformative individual project.
Diverse peer network
Discuss, debate and explore key business and financial issues with a diverse and global peer network.
Strategic challenge
Develop an action plan for a business challenge you are currently facing and tackle it upon your return to work.
Comprehensive curriculum
Benefit from a future-focused curriculum that seamlessly integrates finance, leadership and strategy.
Rewire learning
Work on a challenge developed to help you deep dive into specific areas of the transformation agenda.
Expert guest speakers
Gain new perspectives, ideas and insights from finance experts.
Real-world case studies
Explore real case studies, surveys and academic evidence from leading global companies.
Alumni network
Join our 17,000-strong LBS Executive Education alumni network and build your connections.
Who is the CFO Programme for?
Senior finance executives new to the CFO role | Enhance your capabilities to better align financial and corporate strategy while strengthening your effectiveness as a modern CFO. |
Finance professionals preparing for a CFO or similar strategic financial leadership role | Build your leadership capabilities and leverage emerging technologies to support sustainable growth and strategic financial leadership. |
Background and experience:
Senior-level executives with strategic and financial responsibilities
More than 10 years of management experience with strong financial acumen
Participants from diverse industries ranging from large organisations to start-ups
Past participant profiles
Diverse industries
A wide range of work experience
A global cohort
What do past participants say about the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme?
Meet the CFO Programme experts
NICOS SAVVA
Professor of Management Science and Operations; Chair, Management Science and Operations Faculty
Professor Savva’s current research focuses on hospital operations and healthcare management. His research has appeared in leading journals such as Management Science, M&SOM, P...
YIORGOS MYLONADIS
Adjunct Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship
Professor Yiorgos Mylonadis specialises in business ecosystems, digital strategy, entrepreneurial communities, social enterprises and methodologies for strategic thinking. He ...
HENRI SERVAES
Richard Brealey Professor of Corporate Governance; Professor of Finance
Professor Henri Servaes’ areas of interest include corporate finance, corporate governance, corporate social responsibility and mutual funds. At London Business School, he tea...
JULIAN BIRKINSHAW
Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship; Academic Director, Institute of Entrepreneurship and Private Capital
Professor Julian Birkinshaw’s main area of expertise is in the strategy and organisation of large corporations and specifically such issues as innovation, corporate entreprene...
COSTAS MARKIDES
Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship; Robert P. Bauman Chair in Strategic Leadership
Costas Markides is recognised as one of the world’s foremost experts on strategy and innovation. His specialties include strategic innovation, business model innovation, diver...
CHRIS HIGSON
Associate Professor of Accounting Practice; Academic Director (MiF, MFA and 1YMBA)
Dr Chris Higson has worked at London Business School since 1986. He was Chair of the Accounting faculty from 1994 to 2000 and is currently an Associate Professor of Accounting...
KEYVAN VAKILI
Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship; Academic Director, Data Science and AI Initiative
Keyvan Vakili is Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Academic Director of the Data Science and AI Initiative at London Business School. His research has b...
ANNICK DESMECHT
Affiliate Faculty of Strategy and Entrepreneurship
Dr Desmecht’s main area of expertise lies at the intersection of Strategy, Finance and Governance. She has done extensive research in the area of value creation in established...
DONAL CRILLY
Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship
Donal Crilly is Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. His research focuses on stakeholder theory, managerial cognition, and temporality in stra...
Credentials and outcomes: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme
Certificate
Upon successful completion of the CFO Programme, participants will be awarded a verified digital certificate of achievement by London Business School.
Alumni status
On successful completion of the programme, you will receive alumni status from London Business School Executive Education, becoming a part of a distinguished global community of senior leaders, entrepreneurs and decision-makers. Your lifelong affiliation with London Business School extends well beyond the programme, providing ongoing opportunities to learn, connect and grow throughout your career.
Your executive education alumni status unlocks a range of exclusive benefits, including:
inclusion in the London Business School Executive Education alumni community of 17,000-strong professionals spanning 150 countries
access to London Business School Hub, the School's dedicated alumni platform, where you can connect with fellow alumni, expand your professional network and stay engaged with the global LBS community
opportunities to participate in alumni clubs, networking events and regional communities, helping you build meaningful connections wherever your career takes you
lifelong learning through thought leadership, webinars, newsletters and exclusive insights from London Business School faculty and experts
continued engagement with the School through alumni initiatives, events and selected executive education benefits designed to support your professional growth long after the programme ends.
FAQs
Programme
What is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme from London Business School Executive Education?
The CFO Programme from London Business School Executive Education is a transformative learning journey designed to empower senior finance professionals to better align financial and corporate strategy and enhance financial decision-making through AI and analytics. It also helps to develop strong financial acumen, enhancing participants’ ability to effectively communicate and collaborate across different functions within their organisations.
What will I learn in the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme?
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme curriculum explores strategic finance, leadership, digital transformation and AI. You will examine topics such as financial strategy and management, business analytics in the age of gen AI, strategic innovation through design thinking and value creation while applying these concepts through real-world case studies and practical learning activities.
What are the highlights of the CFO Programme?
Some of the key highlights of the CFO Programme include learning from London Business School's world-renowned experts, applying your learnings to a transformative individual project, developing an action plan for a business challenge you are currently facing and joining the 17,000-strong LBS Executive Education alumni network.
How will the CFO Programme help me leverage AI in finance?
The Chief Financial Officer Programme includes a module titled ‘Business Analytics in the Age of Generative AI’ that will help you understand how to leverage AI and analytics to improve financial decision-making. By exploring this topic, you will be better equipped to drive technological transformation within your organisation as a CFO.
How does the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme apply learning to real-world business challenges?
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme combines faculty-led learning with case studies, practical activities and an individual business project. Throughout the learning journey, you will apply programme frameworks to organisational challenges and develop an action plan for a real business issue.
Learning journey
How long does the CFO Programme take to complete?
The duration of this programme is seven months, including in-person and online sessions. With a structured schedule that lends itself to flexible learning, the programme is designed for professionals who need to balance their education with full-time work.
What networking opportunities are available in the CFO Programme?
This programme offers ample networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with a diverse and global peer network. You will have the chance to discuss, debate and explore key business and financial issues with like-minded professionals. Upon completion, you will also join the extensive LBS Executive Education alumni network, further expanding your professional connections.
How will I spend my time during the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme?
Throughout the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme, you will participate in on-campus and virtual classes, faculty-led sessions, guest lectures, group coaching sessions and live case studies. You will also complete an individual business project that enables you to apply programme concepts to your organisational context.
What is the individual business project?
The individual business project gives you the opportunity to apply the concepts explored throughout the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme to a business challenge within your organisation. You will develop a practical action plan that connects your learning with real organisational priorities.
Certificate
Will I receive a certificate upon completing the CFO Programme?
Upon successful completion of the CFO Programme, participants will be awarded a verified digital certificate of achievement by the London Business School. Moreover, the programme is a pathway to joining the 17,000-strong LBS Executive Education alumni network and expanding your global peer network.
Eligibility
What are the entry requirements for the CFO Programme?
This programme is designed for senior finance professionals with at least 10 years of work experience, fluency in written and spoken English and international exposure (preferably).
Payment process
Who will be collecting the payment for the programme?
Emeritus collects all programme payments, provides learner enrolment and programme support, and manages learning platform services.
Are there any restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to pay for the programme?
Programme fees for Emeritus programmes with London Business School may not be paid for with (a) funds from the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Act of 2008 or similar types of military education funding benefits or (b) Title IV financial aid funds.
Refund
What is the programme refund and deferral policy?
For the programme refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.
Accessibility
How does Emeritus support accessibility for learners?
Emeritus is committed to making high-quality education accessible and affordable to individuals, companies and governments around the world. If you have questions about accessibility or would like to discuss available support options before enrolling, please contact accessibility@emeritus.org. For more information about our accessibility practices, please review our Accessibility Policy here.
Connect with a programme adviser for a 1:1 session
Our programme advisers have helped senior executives across the world choose the right programme for their career goals. Schedule a 1:1 to get a deeper understanding on why the Chief Financial Officer Programme is the right fit for you.
Email: lbs_cfo@emeritus.org
Phone: +971 80 0088601098 (UAE) / +44 1325 808719 (UK) / +1 618 753 6066 (USA) / +52 55966 18983 (LATAM)
We encourage early application due to limited cohort capacity.
Flexible payment options available.
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