Digitalizing the Finance Function: The CFO Perspective

Digitalization is widely acknowledged to be the key driver of corporate transformation regardless of company size, location, or industry. In a world exploding with potential, the way you embrace emerging technologies and the transformations they generate will greatly impact your business.

Most companies seek to benefit from the opportunities of digitalization to improve the customer-facing aspects of their business. However, despite the opportunities digitalization offers in terms of new technologies and ways of working, most CFO functions continue to operate traditionally – falling short of what is required of a true business partner.

Clearly, the Covid-19 crisis has forced companies to digitalize much faster than planned. This program will address the connected challenges and demonstrate how to navigate through times of uncertainty.

This Executive Program focuses on the changes to the CFO´s operating landscape and the responsibilities and tasks of the future Finance function. Further, you will discuss the increasingly blurred borders between Finance departments and how CFOs will be able to fill the business partner role through emerging technologies and lean processes.

Digital transformation from the CFO perspective: program outline

This intensive four-day program, delivered jointly by WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), consists of two modules.

In Module 1 we take a closer look at digitalization and its application in the different CFO functions. You will be equipped with a systematic overview of the necessary tools to develop a digital roadmap for your company.

Module 2 focuses on mastering digital transformation, an in-depth look at implementation hurdles, and solutions for overcoming these.

The program is highly practical with direct benefits for each participant: during the modules, participants gain insights through lectures, keynote speeches from CFOs and practitioners, best practice examples, and digital case studies. We provide you with a variety of insights on how to master the digitalization journey of the Finance function, including the application of business analytics, data science, and artificial intelligence. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss their own digitalization challenges and obtain reviews and coaching from program faculty and peers.

Your personal benefits

• Expand your Finance Executive network
• Enhance your strategic impact and drive digital transformation of the Finance function
• Discuss your strategic digitalization challenges with renowned experts from academia and practice
• Benefit from hands-on knowledge and tools, tailored for application to your work environment
• Become part of an active network of peers and program alumni
• Profit from a unique combination of knowledge partners

Your company´s benefits

• Benefit from the toolkit to design the individual finance transformation roadmap
• Leverage expertise and impulses from other companies and enhance your company network
• Take advantage of the Finance Transformation momentum
• Start your digital Upskilling journey

Certificate

You will receive a WHU Executive Education Certificate after successfully completing the program.

• CFOs, or senior Finance executives aspiring to become CFOs
• Senior executives from the Finance function (all sizes of businesses, all industries)
• Senior executives from the Finance function aiming to implement digital transformation

Participants are expected to have a minimum of ten years of professional experience.

The minimum number of participants for this program is 12.