Financial Leaders Training Program Curriculum

The seven areas of training outlined below form the structure for this executive training program, specifically designed to prepare CFOs to serve with greater competency and expanded capacity. The bullets under each section identify the various presentations that will be offered over a two year cycle, delivered during Fall conferences and the Annual Meetings – a total of over 35 different workshops as part of the training program.

The Financial Leader & Institutional Leadership

• The Financial Leader & President – an Empowering Partnership
• The Financial Leader Role & Responsibilities to the Board
• Serving the Executive Team – Vital, Timely Information
• Building & Managing the Institutional Budget
• Crafting & Managing a 5-Year Financial Plan
• Oversight & Counsel Regarding Financial Strength & Viability
• Strategic Planning for Plant Development & Expansion

The Art & Science of Financial Management

• The Essential Roles & Responsibilities of the Financial Leader
• Financial Management Principles for the Educational Non-Profit
• Leading with Financial Key Performance Indicators & Dashboard Development
• Data-driven Decision Management – How to Obtain & Analyze the Data You Need
• Essential Financial Policies & Policy Handbook
• Effective Systems of Checks & Controls
• Prudent Management & Forecasting of Cash Flow & Long-term Debt
• Oversight of Banking & Investment Services

Leading the Financial Management Team

• Oversight of Institutional Payroll, Pension, & Employee Benefits
• An Effective Employee Search Process
• The Art of Employee Evaluation & Transition/Termination
• Navigating Complex HR Cultural Waters with Grace & Prudence
• Strategic Planning & Business Model Implications for Financial Aid
• Monitoring Institutional Financial Aid & Compliance
• Financial Analysis & Management of Academic Programs & Net Profitability
• Retention & Security of Institutional Financial & Legal Records

Financial Audits & Ratios

• Understanding & Explaining the Institutional Financial Audit
• The Essential Features & Deliverables of a Sound Financial Audit
• Evaluating & Selecting a Right Accounting Firm
• Getting the Most from Your Auditor – What to Expect
• Understanding Key Financial Ratios & Indices

Government Regulations & Compliance

• Current Tax Regulations & Compliance Standards
• Employee Relations & Regulations – HR Guidelines
• Form 1090 – Purpose & Design
• Essentials of Government Reporting & Documentation
• Preparing for & Responding to a Government Audit

Risk Management

• Conducting a Comprehensive Institutional Risk Assessment
• Securing Cost-Effective, Prudent & Comprehensive Risk Coverage
• Legal Counsel & Institutional Legal Risk Management
• Exigency Preparations & Policies
• Disaster Planning & Recovery
• Campus Safety – Audit & Oversight Relative to Insurance Coverage

Physical Plant, Property & Equipment

• Oversight of institutional Plant Operations
• Effective Management of Maintenance
• Effective IT Operations & Oversight