Show Menu

Help  |  Pay an Invoice  |  My Account  |  CPE Log  |  Log in

Self-Study

CPA to CFO: Essential Competencies for Finance Leaders

Valid for one year from purchase date
Self-study - On-Demand
1 CPE (1 technical)

Course code: 26SX-0024
View pricing

If your organization is exempt from sales tax, call us at 952-831-2707 to complete your purchase.

Add to cart

Unlock more for less. This course is included in CPA Crossings Unlimited Self-Study Subscription -- just $299 (plus tax) gets you unlimited access to all CPA Crossings' self-study courses, including this one. Maximize your ROI and learning potential -- order now!

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.

Major subjects

  • 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.

Learning objectives

  • 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.

Who should take this program?

  • Senior managers, directors, controllers, VPs of finance, assistant controllers, finance managers, accounting managers, CPAs in industry, public accounting professionals considering corporate roles, financial analysts, treasury managers and FP&A profession

Pricing

Standard Member Fee $29.00
checkmark Standard Nonmember Fee $29.00
Our records indicate you are a nonmember. If you register, you will be charged $29.00 (Standard Nonmember Fee). Members: Please log in to receive member fee.

If your organization is exempt from sales tax, call us at 952-831-2707 to complete your purchase.

Add to cart

More program information

Area
of study
Management
Field(s)
of study
Accounting - Technical (1.0)
Level Basic
Format Self-study - On-Demand
Sponsor CPA Crossings, LLC
NASBA ID#: 108744
Prerequisites Prereq. None
Advance
prep
None

Related programs

May 13, 2026 | Leading and Managing the Accounting Department | Webinar

May 13, 2026 | Business Longevity: Stabilize, Strengthen and Succeed | Webinar

May 13, 2026 | Profitability Pricing: Boost Your Bottom Line | Webinar

May 13, 2026 | Behavioral Finance Biases | Webinar

May 14, 2026 | When Leadership Fails | Webinar

Search CPE catalog