How to become a CFO

Becoming a CFO is an in-demand career path. It requires deep expertise in Finance and a strong network to carry you along. Here are some resources to help you on your journey.

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Why should you become a
CFO?

Demand for experts in Finance is growing rapidly. Companies are looking for people with deep expertise in the field of Finance to help them build their products and services.

No wonder that interest in a career in Finance is growing rapidly. Explore the resources below to learn more about how to become a CFO.

Your CFO Journey

Everything you need to start your career in Finance.

Best books to build Finance understanding

A well-written and thorough book can be an amazing path to build deeper understanding and also act as a handbook as you discover the internet's vast resources.

These are our and our experts top picks to get started building career-relevant skills.

Narrative Economics: How Stories Go Viral and Drive Major Economic Events

Narrative Economics: How Stories Go Viral and Drive Major Economic Events

In a world in which internet troll farms attempt to influence foreign elections, can we afford to ignore the power of viral stories to affect economies? In this groundbreaking book, Nobel Prize–winning economist and New York Times bestselling author Robert Shiller offers a new way to think about…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

The Great Depression: A Diary

The Great Depression: A Diary

This collection of those entries reveals another side of the Great Depression—one lived through by ordinary, middle-class Americans, who on a daily basis grappled with a swiftly changing economy coupled with anxiety about the unknown future.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Capital Ideas: The Improbable Origins of Modern Wall Street

Capital Ideas: The Improbable Origins of Modern Wall Street

Book overview. Capital Ideas traces the origins of modern Wall Street, from the pioneering work of early scholars and the development of new theories in risk, valuation, and investment returns, to the actual implementation of these theories in the real world of investment management.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Too Big to Fail

Too Big to Fail

From inside the corner office at Lehman Brothers to secret meetings in South Korea, and the corridors of Washington, Too Big to Fail is the definitive story of the most powerful men and women in finance and politics grappling with success and failure, ego and greed, and, ultimately, the fate of …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

The Black Girl's Guide to Financial Freedom: Build Wealth, Retire Early, and Live the Life of Your Dreams

The Black Girl's Guide to Financial Freedom: Build Wealth, Retire Early, and Live the Life of Your Dreams

In The Black Girl's Guide to Financial Freedom, Paris Woods takes the guesswork out of wealth-building and presents a plan that anyone can follow. Paris spent years working in education and wanted to find a way to build wealth without changing careers or taking the traditional real estate or bus…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy

The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy

The bestselling The Millionaire Next Door identifies seven common traits that show up again and again among those who have accumulated wealth. Most of the truly wealthy in this country don't live in Beverly Hills or on Park Avenue-they live next door.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Courses to deepen your Finance skills

These days, courses are no longer a sequence of videos. They are usually accompanied by projects and a learning community, keeping you accountable and on the path.

Our experts recommend these courses, from free selections to paid programs.

Introduction to Finance, Accounting, Modeling and Valuation

Learn Finance & Accounting from Scratch by an Award Winning MBA Professor, Ivy Grad, worked @ Goldman & VC

Available on udemy.com

Finance for Non-Finance: Learn Quick and Easy

Obtain Suplemental Skills to Get a Raise, Better Job or Improve Your Own Business

Available on udemy.com

Learn and Master the Basics of Finance

Finance for Non-Finance Professionals

Available on udemy.com

The Complete Introduction To Accounting and Finance

The Original Course on Accounting & Finance! It's easy once you know the basics. Learn introductory accounting & finance

Available on udemy.com

Get help with your learning journey

Learning through online courses can be challenging. Get 1:1 guidance from an experienced mentor who can help you stay accountable and answer your questions along the way.

Budgets, Cashflow Forecasting and Management Accounts

Financial Management and Making A Profit For Charities, Not-For-Profits & Small Businesses

Available on udemy.com

Finance & Quantitative Modeling for Analysts Specialization

The role of an Analyst is dynamic, complex, and driven by a variety of skills. These skills range from a basic understanding of financial statement data and non-financial metrics that can be linked to financial performance, to a deeper dive into business and financial modeling. Analysts also uti…

Available on coursera.org

Top Finance Certifications

Mastering the fundamentals of Finance will help you earn valuable certifications. Our expert mentors can guide you through the certification process and help strengthen your knowledge.

Certified Financial Planner ® (CFP®)

Those with the CFP® designation have demonstrated competency in all areas of financial planning. Candidates complete studies on over 100 topics, including stocks, bonds, taxes, insurance, retirement planning and estate planning. The program is administered by the Certified Financial Planner Board o…

Finance Certification Coaching

Consider reaching out to a coach specialized in Finance certifications. They can help you prepare for your exam, and provide you with the necessary resources to succeed. MentorCruise is the best place to find a coach for your Finance certification.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)

This designation is offered by the CFA Institute (formerly the Association for Investment Management and Research [AIMR]). To obtain the CFA charter, candidates must successfully complete three difficult exams and gain at least three years of qualifying work experience, among other requirements. In…

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

The globally recognized CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) program, offered by IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) demonstrates your expertise of advanced accounting and financial management knowledge in critical areas such as financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support. …

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)

Individuals with the ChFC designation have demonstrated their vast and thorough knowledge of financial planning. The ChFC program is administered by the American College. In addition to successful completion of an exam on areas of financial planning, including income tax, insurance, investment and …

Certified Government Financial Manager ® (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager® (CGFM®) is a professional certification awarded by AGA, demonstrating competency in governmental accounting, auditing, financial reporting, internal controls and budgeting at the federal, state and local levels. CGFM is a respected credential that recognizes…

Finance Workshop

Consider joining a workshop specialized in Finance. Workshops are a great way to learn new skills, and get hands-on experience. MentorCruise is the best place to find a workshop for your Finance certification.

Certified Healthcare Financial Professional ® (CHFP)

The CHFP® (Certified Healthcare Financial Professional) certification is designed mid-level healthcare professionals with a minimum of 3-5 years management experience in healthcare provider operations. CHFP certification demonstrates your qualifications to senior management, co-workers, and the ind…

Reach goals faster with long-term guidance

Reach goals faster with long-term guidance

One-off advice can be helpful – but partnering with a dedicated expert means faster decisions, fewer mistakes, and real momentum on your most important projects.

Save money with targeted expertise

Save money with targeted expertise

Instead of dropping thousands on bootcamps or generic tools, you get curated advice, tailored learning plans, and real accountability – all from someone who's already done what you're trying to do.

Stay on track with regular check-ins

Stay on track with regular check-ins

Weekly or monthly sessions give structure to your growth. No more second-guessing or getting stuck – just small, consistent steps toward real progress, with someone keeping you accountable.

Make confident moves with real-world feedback

Make confident moves with real-world feedback

Experts don't just answer questions – they help you practice interviews, review your resume or portfolio, and offer industry-specific insights you won't get from a course or blog post.

Still not convinced? Don't just take our word for it

We've already delivered 1-on-1 mentorship to thousands of students, professionals, managers and executives. Even better, they've left an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 for our mentors.

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