Federal CFO Academy — Fall 2025 

November 3, 2025 | Washington, D.C.

SDFM hosts the Federal CFO Academy through a partnership with McKinsey & Company. This event brings together aspiring federal CFOs in the national security sector to discuss becoming a strategic thought partner, identifying effective trade space, digitizing the finance/accounting function, and growing financial management talent for the future. 

In today’s rapidly evolving defense sector, financial leadership is more crucial than ever.  SDFM’s Federal CFO Academy is designed specifically for professionals who aspire to rise to the level of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) within defense organizations. The day will focus on the unique challenges of the defense sector, including government regulations, budgeting, PPBE processes, and audit compliance. This program will help provide you with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of defense financial management and take your career to the next level. 

Why Attend the Federal CFO Academy? 

• Exclusive Peer Network 
  Connect with a select group of federal CFOs and senior finance leaders in a confidential, invitation-only setting. Build relationships that matter for your mission and career. 
• Strategic Perspective 
  Learn how to position the CFO function as a true thought partner to agency leadership, especially during periods of uncertainty and transition. 
• RealWorld Solutions 
  Explore approaches from both public and private sectors, and stresstest ideas with peers facing similar mandates. 
• High-Value Format 
  One day. No fluff. Keynotes, fireside chats, and interactive breakouts—so you get candid, unfiltered dialogue. 
• Professional Growth 
  Strengthen your leadership toolkit and earn CPE credit while shaping the future of federal financial management. 

Program Registration 

This event is open by invitation only for eligible and approved attendees. This exclusive program is designed for a select group of approximately 30 participants that include CFOs, comptrollers, resource managers, and direct reports at around the GS-15/O-6 level.  

• Registration Rates: 
  • Early-Bird Registration (before October 15th): 
    • $250 for members 
    • $400 for non-members 
  • Regular Registration (after October 16^th):  
    • $400 for members 
    • $600 for non-members 

Reach out to Megan Stewart (megan.stewart@sdfm.org) if interested in the event to confirm eligibility. 

Academy attendees will earn 5 CPE credits and a digital badge. 

Schedule  

*Schedule will change as content is confirmed. 

A Worthwhile Investment of Your Time

Past participants consistently give high ratings in the Federal CFO Academy surveys, with 100% of rating the program materials and content as helpful in their ongoing roles as finance executives. 

“This was tailored, relevant, and high-quality training. I enjoyed how this was a small group – it enabled more dialogue and opportunities to hear others’ successes/challenges. AMSC and McKinsey did an impressive job. Thank you for putting this together!”  

“I feel like we rarely have time to sit down and digest aspirational content. I really enjoyed listening to the speakers talk about how the role of the CFO is evolving and the direction industry and public sector leaders are going.”  

“It was great having the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss pertinent issues with other comptroller personnel. I particularly enjoyed the fireside chat with CFOs.”