Reporting to the CEO or President, the CFO is the top job that leads, initiates, and manages the financial decision-making process within the organization. As a senior advisor, the CFO as five distinct roles: business partner, scorekeeper, commentator, expert, and custodian. These diverse roles mean that the CFO has to see both the forest and the trees, needs to understand the numbers, as well as lead, develop, and help execute, the business strategy.

This program delivers the core CFO competencies that organizations expect and demand. Get up to speed on corporate governance and risk management, and the latest tools and applications. Examine the relationship of strategy and risk-taking, and help drive your organization’s mission and success. Nail down the planning, budgeting, and internal control competencies that facilitate efficient and effective operations. Explore the value-added CFO competencies in business valuation, business intelligence, M&A, and intellectual property. Learn how to effectively communicate the core finance and operating results for internal and external stakeholders.

The program uses a combination of presentations, discussions and case studies during three-plus days to develop your in-depth understanding in the following areas:

Governance, Strategy and Risk Management

• Stakeholders, shareholders and the board
• Culture, tone and ethics
• Behavioural finance
• Integrating governance and strategy
• COSO’s Enterprise Risk Management – Integrated Framework

Creating Value through Financial Management

• Planning and budgeting
• Operational and financial tools
• Internal control and COSO’s Internal Control – Integrated Framework
• Cash management
• Treasury, capital markets and financial instruments

Advanced Topics

• Valuing a business
• Behavioral economics
• Optimal capital structure
• How to finance growth
• Mergers and acquisitions and corporate strategy
• Managing intellectual property
• Anticipating change

Communicating Results

• Reporting financial and operating results
• Revenue recognition and other gaps in GAAP
• Conclusion: what will you do differently tomorrow?

Program fees include the program itself, materials, meals and accommodations*. Participants will also receive the Canadian Treasury Management (4th ed.), in addition to their course materials.

An early-bird discount of $200 is available for registering 60 days in advance of the program start.

*Please note: A limited number of program spots are available to those who do not wish to have accommodations. As there may be evening activities (group work and/or networking opportunities), this option is recommended only for those who reside nearby.

The CFO Leadership Program – Operational Skills will be held at Queen’s Landing Hotel & Conference Center, premium, four-diamond resort that has achieved a reputation for outstanding comfort, service and atmosphere to ensure a memorable learning and retreat experience for all executives who attend.

Program fees include meals, accommodations*, wi-fi access, use of basic fitness facilities, and a hospitality room for evening networking opportunities.

*Excluding registrants who have selected the non-accommodation option.

Getting There

From Pearson or Buffalo airports:

The Niagara Airbus offers Shuttle Transfers to and from Toronto’s Pearson and Buffalo Niagara’s International Airports and can drop you off right at the facility’s front doors. If you book on-line you can get a 10% discount for Airport transfers. The Niagara Airbus website is www.niagaraairbus.com.

Another option is the Falls Livery & Taxi. They can offer private cars for transport to and from the airport as well. They can be reached at 905-356-4500.

From Toronto:

Average time to drive from Toronto to the Queen's Landing is 1 hour and 50 minutes, although it is recommended to assume an additional 45 minutes travel time in case of traffic, weather, or construction. See the Google map.

*Please note that these directions are for planning purposes only. You may find that construction projects, traffic, weather, or other events may cause conditions to differ from the map results, and you should plan your route accordingly.

Our alumni include participants from the following organizations:

The Shaw Group Ltd., CIBC Asset-Based Lending Inc., Workopolis, Pioneer Energy LP, Torquest Partners, Ontario Power Generation, Kenwood Electronics Canada, The Second Cup Coffee Company,, Al Ghurair Group, Ernst & Young,  Bausch & Lomb Canada, Canada Development Investment Corporation, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Rogers Communications, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and many more.

Here is what some had to say about The CFO Leadership Program: Operational Skills:

• As a new CFO, the course exceeded my expectations and I would not hesitate to recommend it to colleagues in the future.
• Benefited largely from the interactive discussion, real examples shared, ideas in terms of how to apply principles.

• Jeffrey has a wealth of experience & is able to leverage on his knowledge in delivery.

• Development and application of new insights will enhance overall value to my organization.
• Some great ideas that I can implement.

• Great resource, good networking, wide diversity of participants.
• All CFOs can take many lessons away.

Jeffrey D. Sherman, MBA, FCSI, FCA, has over 20 years experience as a Chief Financial Officer, primarily in the high-tech, biotech, and mineral exploration industries, with a large chartered bank in various senior capacities, and as a consultant in corporate finance. His areas of expertise include corporate governance, risk management, corporate finance, restructuring, and start-up enterprises.

His has extensive involvement in education and has lectured and conducted seminars for many organizations, and he was an adjunct professor at York University. He has authored over 20 books on finance, including: Information Technology PolicyPro, Canadian Treasury Management, Canadian Cash Management, and the four-volume Carswell Controllership Guide, which is updated annually.