Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme
- Triple Crown Accreditation
- Campus Experience and Networking Events at SMU Campus
- Eligible for SMU Associate Alumni Status
- Online + 4-6 Live Lectures by SMU Faculty
Lunar New Year Enrolment Benefit
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Programme Overview
Singapore : The Financial Hub of Asia
According to a recent Gartner survey, CFOs are prioritising metrics, analytics, and reporting followed by data strategy and AI adoption in finance as their top focus areas in 2025.
The Chief Financial Officer programme is a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to equip modern chief financial officers with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s challenging business environment. It covers a wide range of topics, including financial analysis, strategic planning, risk management, and corporate governance. The programme begins with Organisational Strategy, where the CFOs align financial decisions with corporate objectives. It then transitions to Strategic Financial Management and Corporate Governance, addressing valuation, financial oversight, ESG, and long-term planning, including portfolio optimisation, M&As, and investor relations. The Technologies in Finance segment explores digital solutions like AI and machine learning to enhance decision-making. Finally, Leadership in Finance refines leadership competencies, focusing on relationship management and strategic foresight to prepare the CFOs for future leadership.
77%
Top Priorities for Financial Leaders
Chief Financial Officer as a Strategic Partner
Corporate Governance and ESG Investing
AI Integration for Financial Decision-Making
Stakeholder Communication & Investor Relations
Agile Financial Planning & Forecasting
Mergers, Acquisitions, & Strategic Partnerships
Technologies and Big Data in Finance
Future of Work in Finance
Programme Highlights
5+ live-online sessions by SMU faculty and industry leaders
40+ industry examples & illustrations
25+ graded learning activities
25+ sessions with success coach*
1-day experience and networking event at the SMU campus*
12+ frameworks for financial leadership
Access to SMU executive development alumni status
Certificate of completion from SMU executive development
270+ self-paced videos by SMU faculty
Learn from the youngest B-school to achieve triple crown accreditation
Note: - The Chief Financial Officer Programme highlights presented above are approximate and subject to change depending on the availability and expertise of the teaching faculty, as well as the programme's desired outcomes.
The programme is designed to be delivered approximately over 9 months in a calendar year, including some occasional breaks that may be provided. This is only indicative. The actual calendar time may be more or less by a few weeks depending on the number of topics covered and other variables, such as breaks being provided/not provided.
*This is a majorly self-paced online programme with some live sessions with programme faculty. Post-session video recordings will be available for up to 12 months after programme completion. We have a curated panel of eminent success coaches who will be conducting the weekly live doubt-clearing sessions.
Assignments are graded either by success coaches who are available to support participants in their learning journey and/or by the Emeritus grading team. The final number of quizzes, assignments and discussions will be confirmed closer to the start of the CFO programme.
This programme will be delivered in English
Singapore Management University Advantage
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Programme Outcomes
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme by SMU is a comprehensive and rigorous
programme that will equip CFOs with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's
challenging business environment. The programme covers a wide range of topics, including
financial analysis, strategic planning, risk management, and corporate governance.
Strategic Financial Prowess: Acquire expertise in strategic financial leadership and innovation to catalyse value creation within organisations, showcasing strategic financial mastery.
Proficiency in Financial Governance: Excel in financial planning, governance, and responsible investing to ensure ethical financial practices.
Tech-Forward Finance: Adopt cutting-edge technologies such as AI, blockchain, and big data to inform data-centric financial decision-making.
Leadership Excellence: Cultivate leadership attributes, forge influential connections, and navigate the dynamic finance and workplace landscape.
Holistic Financial Expertise: Attain a thorough comprehension of financial strategies, encompassing the alignment of corporate objectives with long-term planning and banking relationships.
Who Should Attend?
The Chief Financial Officer Programme is designed for finance leaders with 10 or more years of experience.
New and evolving CFOs: Lead new and existing financial strategies for competitive advantage and augment business value
Senior finance professionals: Take charge of the Chief Financial Officer role and other financial leadership roles in the future
Business heads, CXO's, and financial leaders: Become a future-ready Chief Financial Officer and lead financial decision-making to drive business growth
Some key designations: Head, C-Suite, VP, Executive VP, Senior VP, Group Director, Corporate Controller, Senior Consultants, Partners in Finance, FP&A Risk, Accounting, Compliance and Governance, Investment, Treasury, M&A, Digital Finance
Testimonials from Past Participants
Programme Modules
Module 1 - CFO as a Strategic Partner
Module 2- Aligning Corporate and Financial Strategy
Module 3- Measuring Strategy
Module 4 - Strategic Thinking: Driving Innovation Through Design Thinking
Module 5- Strategic Value Drivers
Module 6 - Value Creation in Companies
Module 7 - Financial Planning and Analytics
Module 8 - Organisation Valuation
Module 9 - Corporate Governance, ESG Investing and Reporting
Module 10- Portfolio Management, Capital Allocation and Expenditure
Module 11 - Financial Misconduct
Module 12- Mergers and Acquisitions
Module 13 - Raising Capital and Managing Investors
Module 14 - Long-term Financial Planning
Module 15 - Banking Relationships
Module 16 - Artificial Intelligence
Module 17 - Blockchain Technologies
Module 18 - Digital Transformation
Module 19- Big Data in Finance
Module 20 - Building Powerful Relationships
Module 21- Future of Work in Finance
Module 22 - Qualities of a Financial Leader
Live-Online Sessions by SMU Faculty and Industry Leaders
Session 1: Innovation through Design Thinking
Session 2: Shareholder Value Creation
Session 3: Sustainable Reporting and Sustainable Taxonomies Worldwide (ESG)
Session 4: AI and Gen AI-fication: AI and Gen AI Value Extraction Framework
Session 5: AI Use Cases: Insights into AI Implementation for CFOs
Session 6: Digital Transformation Downhill: Addressing your CFO questions with market insights
Case Studies
Note: All product and company names mentioned in this material are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Their use does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them. The tools will be taught by teaching faculty, industry practitioners, or linked to relevant knowledge bases for your reference and self-guided learning
Campus Experience and Networking Events
Participants of the Chief Financial Officer programme will be invited to attend a 1-day Campus Experience and Networking Events at the end of the 9-month journey at the SMU campus. During this event, participants will have the opportunity to network with fellow global Financial leaders and interact with the programme faculty/director
Past Participants Profile
Work Experience
Industry
Aerospace/Aviation
Consulting
Consumer Products/Retail
Education
Energy/Utilities
Engineering
Environment
Financial Services and Insurance
Health Care/ BioTech/ Pharma
Human Resources/Recruiting
Manufacturing
Media/Publishing
Nonprofit
Professional Services
Real Estate/Development/ Construction
Technology/Telecom
Transportation/Logistics
Others
Note: *Based on past participant data
Countries
Germany
Hong Kong S.A.R., China
India
Malaysia
Indonesia
New Zealand
Oman
Philippines
Singapore
Vietnam
Past Participants of SMU's CFO Programme Work At
Note: *All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
SMU Associate Alumni Network
Appropriate discount and exemptions based on course content in the Masters programs at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business is available to successful applicants.
Entry to the respective programme is subject to meeting the selection criteria.
Up to 20% discount* on SMU Executive Development Open Enrolment programmes
Privileges and discounts by selected SMU merchant partners
Invites to professional networking events, workshops and webinars
Access to Alumni Virtual Community Network
Quarterly alumni newsletter, SMU CIRCLE
*Kindly be advised that these benefits are subject to change.
All benefits are subject to change at the discretion of SMU.
Key Programme Faculty
Business Advisor, Affiliate Faculty, Singapore Management University ExD
Innovation Consultant, Affiliate Faculty, Singapore Management University ExD
Associate Dean and Professor of Finance (Education)
Co-Founder and CFO of Jobseeker Company and Palimala Ventures, Affiliate Faculty, Singapore Management University ExD
Associate Professor of Finance
Associate Professor of Finance (Education)
Academic Director of MSc in Innovation and Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship
Principal Lecturer of Finance
Chief Executive Officer, Alionova Consulting, Affiliate Faculty, Singapore Management University ExD
Co-Chair Blockchain Security Alliance, Affiliate Faculty, Singapore Management University ExD
Wealth Management Consultant, Affiliate Faculty, Singapore Management University ExD
Board Director, ex-PWC Partner
Regional CFO/COO Associate Faculty, Singapore Management University ExD
Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources
Programme Completion Certificate
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be awarded a verified digital certificate by Singapore Management University.
Streams
Practitioner Stream
Participants will be invited to engage with executive-level practitioners, who will share their personal and professional stories as they journeyed to the top. Our speakers will provide you with various perspectives and insights, based on their own experiences, as to how they had navigated personal and business challenges.
Project Stream
The success coach will drive programme engagement and clarity for the participants throughout the programme, addressing participant questions or concerns for assignments during the core programme, and coaching participants to apply the ideas to their own experience.
Community Stream
A series of engagement sessions for participants to set them up for personal and professional success. Opportunities within the session to learn, interact and collaborate with programme peers from various industries and regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Singapore Management University's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme is designed for business professionals with a minimum of 10 years of work experience, including at least 5 years of management experience. Fluency in written and spoken English is also required.
With the Chief Financial Officer Programme, senior executives, business leaders, and professionals in the field of finance will be endowed with four key pillars of becoming a memorable and effective CFO. The programme helps participants become strategic partners to their CEOs and organisations as they navigate digital transformation, high-paced growth, and global challenges.
The CFO Programme curriculum covers essential topics such as:
Organisational Financial Strategies
Financial Management and Corporate Governance
Technologies in Finance
Leadership in Finance
Participants engage in real-world case studies, interactive sessions, and gain insights from industry experts.
The Chief Financial Officer Programme by Singapore Management University features a blend of live online sessions and recorded content. This hybrid format ensures flexibility for participants to learn at their own pace while participating in real-time faculty-led discussions.
The programme fee varies based on the session and enrollment period. For the latest fee structure, participants should refer to the programme’s brochure or contact the programme advisor.
Yes, instalment or finance options are available to help participants manage the course fee more flexibly. Further details can be obtained by reaching out to the programme advisor.
The functions of a Chief Financial Officer include leveraging technology as a growth driver, evolving as a visionary financial leader, and overseeing key responsibilities such as financial planning, reporting, cash flow management, and compliance. CFOs also manage investments, risk, and stakeholder relations while driving strategic initiatives, cost optimisation, and capital structuring aligned with business goals and long-term value creation.
A Chief Financial Officer leads financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis. They manage capital allocation, ensure regulatory compliance, and oversee risk management. CFOs also collaborate with executive teams to drive strategic decisions, enhance financial performance, and support business growth through optimised resource and investment management.
The Chief Financial Officer Programme typically spans 9 to 10 months. It combines live sessions and pre-recorded, self-paced content, along with a 1-day immersion and networking event at the Singapore Management University campus.
This course is regarded as one of the best for aspiring Chief Financial Officers due to its comprehensive and strategically designed curriculum, real-world application, industry-relevant insights, and SMU’s academic excellence. The programme's focus on leadership, technology, and global finance makes it a top choice for financial professionals.
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be awarded a verified digital certificate by Singapore Management University.
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be invited to attend a 1- Day Campus Immersion and Networking Event at the end of the 9-month journey at Singapore Management University. During this event, participants will have the opportunity to network with fellow global leaders and interact with programme faculty/directors.
Some of the key designations are Chief Financial Officer, Head of Finance, Vice President of Finance, Corporate Controller, Executive VP, Finance Director, President, Senior VP, Senior Director of Finance.
The CFO programme spans over a duration of 9 to 10 months. Throughout the duration of 9 months, the programme will focus on 4 core pillars. The 4 pillars will focus on key areas such as Organisational Financial Strategies, Financial management and Corporate Governance, Technologies in Finance and Leadership in Finance
Early registrations are encouraged. Seats fill up quickly!
Flexible payment options available.
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