CFO: Career Path

A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a senior executive responsible for managing the financial actions of a company. The CFO's duties include tracking cash flow and financial planning as well as analyzing the company's financial strengths and weaknesses and proposing corrective actions. The role involves a strategic level of financial management, focusing on the long-term financial goals and health of the organization.

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Best books to explore the Finance career path

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

Robert Shiller explores how popular stories and shared beliefs spread through society and shape financial markets, bubbles, recessions, and other major economic events. It is a strong finance read if you want to better understand investor psychology, market behavior, and why prices and trends often…

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

This book traces how big ideas in modern finance, like portfolio theory, risk, and valuation, moved from academic research into real Wall Street practice. It is a good pick for someone learning finance because it gives useful background on where many investing concepts came from and how theory shap…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Too Big to Fail

Too Big to Fail

This book walks through the 2008 financial crisis by following the bankers, regulators, and politicians trying to stop the system from unraveling. It is a strong pick for someone learning finance because it gives real-world context for systemic risk, investment banking, liquidity problems, and gove…

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

This is a personal finance book about building wealth, getting to financial independence, and thinking seriously about early retirement. It is a solid pick for someone learning finance because it covers practical topics like budgeting, saving, investing, and long term planning in a relatable way.

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

This book looks at the everyday habits of people who build wealth quietly, especially how they save, spend carefully, and invest over time. It is a good finance pick for anyone who wants a grounded view of personal finance and how wealth is usually built through discipline rather than flashy income.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains: An Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and the Technology that Powers Them

The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains: An Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and the Technology that Powers Them

This is a beginner-friendly introduction to Bitcoin, blockchain, and the wider cryptocurrency market. It explains core ideas like digital money, ICOs, and how blockchain gets used in business, so it is a solid pick for someone in Finance who wants context for digital assets and the systems behind t…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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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

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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

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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

Understanding all core concepts of Finance is key to claiming your next certificate. If you need help brushing up on your skills, consider reaching out to one of our mentors.

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…

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