Engage with the Top Table

Engaging with the top table is a pivotal step for any finance leader aspiring to become a true strategic partner. This module unpacks how CFOs can elevate their role by building credibility with the CEO and Board, communicating value beyond numbers, and aligning finance with corporate strategy. Through real-world examples and executive-level insights, participants will learn to position themselves as trusted advisors, capable of influencing boardroom discussions and guiding long-term direction.

Learn how to engage with the top table in order to take you through the journey from being a respected finance leader to becoming a trusted board member. Participants will understand what your CEO and Board really want from their CFO, learn how to manage these critical relationships and master the challenges of stepping up to support your CEO and Board

Course Testimonials

Setting up a new FP&A team in a fast-paced business, the FP&A bootcamp was a great way to get everyone on the same page as quickly as possible. We loved Catherine's teaching style and the interactive format of the course. The team took examples from the very first workshop and immediately put them into practice. It sparked such debate in the team that we almost have too many new ideas! A nice problem to have... Thanks Catherine and GrowCFO!

This is both a good refresher for seasoned professionals and a good introduction for individuals with less experience. Time went by very fast as it was an enjoyable course.

The course takes you through a practical approach to FP&A and you walk away with ideas and strategies you can begin to utilize in your business right away.

If you are new to FP&A or have been doing it for years, this is a great course to ensure you are on the correct path. The time commitment isn’t so much that you take too much time away from work, but enough that you feel you are getting plenty of resources to take back to your job.

The courses were very comprehensive and out team learned a lot from them. The breakout groups were both fun and engaging, and the trainers were excellent, bringing impressive first-hand experience in solving these real-world challenges.

This course was fantastic! It was the perfect refresher I needed to start a new job in FP&A. I thoroughly enjoyed the Zoom class sessions along with the exercises that we did in class.

I recommend this to everyone who is interested in understanding FP&A. I’m transitioning to an FP&A role and this course helped me get a jumpstart to prepare myself with the skills required to succeed.

Course Overview

What we Cover:

Understanding the expectations of CEOs and Boards
Navigating boardroom dynamics and leadership influence
Building a personal brand as a credible finance leader
Communicating strategic value through financial insights
Shifting from technical operator to strategic partner

The Challenges:

Translating financial data into compelling strategic narratives
Managing tension between short-term pressures and long-term vision
Building trust and influence in senior leadership circles
Establishing a proactive rather than reactive finance function
Overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt at the top level

The Barriers:

Limited board exposure or experience
Over-reliance on operational finance skills
Difficulty in articulating commercial impact in strategic terms
Misalignment between finance language and board priorities
Lack of visibility or confidence in high-stakes environments

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completing this module, participants will:

Understand the mindset and expectations of the CEO and Board
Strengthen their ability to influence high-level decision-making
Communicate complex financial insights with clarity and conviction
Build executive presence and credibility at the board level
Develop a strategic action plan to position finance as a value driver

Business Benefits:

Greater alignment between strategy and finance
More confident and proactive CFOs and finance leaders
Improved communication between finance and executive stakeholders
Enhanced board reporting and decision-making readiness
Stronger leadership bench for future succession planning

Course Facilitator

Susana Serrano-Davey

Facilitator

Susana is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) with over 20 years of international experience, having progressed to the C-suite, founded and sold a successful business, and established herself as a strong communicator and leader with a collaborative and entrepreneurial approach.

Prerequisites: No Prerequisite knowledge is required to be successful in this course

Advanced Preparation: No advanced preparation is required

Program Level: Basic

Delivery Method: Group Live

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