CFO's Operational Skills Program (October 2025)

This program is being hosted in collaboration with CPABC and will be offered in person, in Whistler, British Columbia. 

Sunday, October 19         12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. * (*Check in 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.) 
Monday, October 20         8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
Tuesday, October 21        8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22   8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Overview

The role of the CFO has evolved constantly, never more so than during the pandemic. This course will reinforce your operational skills and provide fresh ideas as you guide your organization and yourself through the recovery.

Reporting to the CEO or President, the Chief Financial Officer is the top job that leads, initiates, and manages the financial decision-making process within the organization.  As senior advisor to the CEO and the Board, the CFO has at least six roles: business partner, scorekeeper, commentator, expert, custodian, and conscience.  These multiple functions mean that the CFO has to see both the forest and the trees, needs to understand the business and its numbers, as well as lead, develop and help execute the business strategy. 

Course Description

This program delivers the core CFO competencies that organizations expect and demand.  Get up to speed on corporate governance and risk management along with changes resulting from the pandemic and post-pandemic business environment. Explore the critical CFO competencies in business valuation, strategic planning, M&A and behavioural economics.  Learn how to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.

Applicable for

Do you currently direct, or wish to direct the finance and administration areas of your organization?  Do the CEO and the Board look to you for counsel and guidance?  Are you trying to improve governance, accountability and the control environment?  Would you like to examine the state-of-the-art developments in strategy, risk management and financial reporting?  If so, then this program was created with you in mind.

The In Person format with group work lets you readily network and learn from your peers.

Additional information

Note: Sunday, October 19th is a full session from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

Pre work

There is approximately 3.0 hours of Pre Work time required for this program (see FAQs for more information)

Meals listed below are included: 

October 19 - Dinner

October 20 - Breakfast (begins at 7:30 am), Lunch, Dinner, Snacks throughout the day

October 21 - Breakfast (begins at 7:30 am), Lunch, Snacks throughout the day

October 22 - Breakfast (begins at 7:30am), Morning Snack

*Meals and snacks are for registered participants only

Registration Deadlines
Early bird price $3,350.00, available until August 19, 2025
Regular price $3,650.00 available August 20 to September 19, 2025 
Registration closes on September 19, 2025 

Program Content

Governance, Strategy and Risk Management

      Stakeholders, shareholders and the board
      Culture, ethics and wisdom
      Stakeholders and shareholders
      Role of the CFO for the organization and the board
      Behavioural finance and behavioural insights
      Integrating governance and strategy
      Sustainability and risk management

Creating Value Through Operational and Financial Management

     The new normal: Post pandemic business macro and micro issuers
     Operational and financial tools
     Internal control and COSO’s Internal Control – Integrated Framework
     Communicating and reporting to stakeholders

Corporate Finance

     Mergers and acquisitions
     Optimal capital structure
     Business valuations refresher

Who Will Beneift

Do you currently direct, or wish to direct the finance and administration areas of your organization? Do the CEO and the Board look to you for counsel and guidance? Are you trying to improve governance, accountability and the control environment? Would you like to examine the state-of-the-art developments in strategy, risk management and financial reporting? If so, then this program was created with you in mind.

Accommodation

Although not mandatory, participants are strongly encouraged to stay on-site in Whistler, British Columbia. This program will be held at the Delta Whistler Hotel. Exact details to be confirmed soon. 

Terms of Registration & Cancellation Policies

All registrations must be accompanied by payment. Due to limited seating and some pre-work, all registrations should be received no later than 3 weeks prior to the start date. Changes or cancellations to this registration must be made in writing (email is acceptable) to the Professional Development at CPA Alberta, and will be subject to the cancellation policy as indicated below.

We will issue refunds for cancellations based on the following:

• More than thirty (30) days prior to the program start date – a refund less an administrative fee of $100 will be granted upon receipt of written notification
• Fifteen to thirty (15-30) days prior to the program start date – a refund less cancellation fee of $800
• Less than fifteen (15) days prior to the program start date – no refund and/or credit will be granted. Full program fees will apply.

Is there Pre-Work associated with this Program?

There are approximately 3.0 hours of pre-work time required for this Program. These pre-work hours are already included in the total CPD hours possible.

How and where do I access the Pre-Work for this Program?

All of the pre-work, instructions on completion, accommodation information, and agenda can be found through the CPA Alberta’s Learning Management Portal.

Is there a Certificate available with this Program?

Participants will recieve certificate of completion from CPABC.  For participants that have completed the CFO's Leadership Program, please notify CPA Alberta (pdregistration@cpaalberta.ca) with your certificate of completion to recieve the CFO's Executive Program certificate. 

How Many CPD Hours are associated with this Program?

There are up to 28 CPD Hours, including up to 4 Ethics Hours associated with this Program.