ETF has co-developed a Department for Education (DfE) funded programme with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW).

This programme, delivered by the ICAEW, is designed to support Finance Directors and CFOs to become more effective strategic business partners within their organisations and to work better with their CEO or Principal to drive strategy forward.

100% said they would recommend this CFO programme to others

Data from previous cohorts of the CFO programme

What will you gain?

The key areas that the programme aims to support CFOs in are:

  • leading change
  • business partnering and strategic leaderships
  • building relationships developing influencing skills.

The blended learning programme, which includes e-learning, a residential and an extended period of coaching, will ensure CFOs have the knowledge and confidence to:

  • manage transformation and lead effective change initiatives within their organisation 
  • generate profitable growth for their institution by thinking strategically at scale
  • build a forward-looking, sustainable and resilient finance function
  • develop a commercial outlook with an in-depth understanding of the FE business and college context
  • support effective and balanced business relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • become a strategic partner who provides direction, support and commercial insight
  • challenge and influence the CEO and other senior stakeholders – verbally and non-verbally.
Two ladies smiling

Be part of a growing community post-completion

Once you complete the CFO Programme you will be invited to join an alumni group via LinkedIn. Exclusively for those who have completed this programme you'll be able to continue that connection, ask for advice and tackle any issues together. 

Ensure that your Chair, Principal, CEO and Financial Director attend the relevant Saïd Business School and ETF leadership programmes. Feedback from these programmes is overwhelmingly positive.

Richard Atkins, a former FE Commissioner, has highlighted attendance on the ETF Leadership courses as one of his 10 recommendations for the effective leadership of colleges. 

“All aspects have been thought-provoking and informative. The opportunity to engage with others facing the same or similar issues has been invaluable. A number of peers agreed to stay in contact to discuss any common issues moving forward. I will take away a number of tools and tips and will use them to improve myself.”

CFO Programme participant

“Excellent programme which addressed all key areas of leadership development. It also gave a ‘tool kit’ to use to develop and grow as a leader.”

CFO Programme participant

Ready to book?

Click the link below to book onto the latest programme or join the waiting list.

Have a question?

To help you decide if the CFO Programme is right for you, we’ve created a programme brochure covering everything from programme content and expectations to logistics and support. 

Need more support

Contact the leadership team for more detailed support

100% agreed that the CFO programme exceeded their expectations

Data from previous cohorts of the CFO programme

Explore more of the ETF Leadership Journey

Take a look at all that ETF has to offer in terms of leadership. Access a huge range of programmes for every level in your organisation with everything an organisation needs to continuously grow knowledge, build confident leaders, robust succession pipelines, sustainable organisations and better outcomes for learners.

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