Professional Development Opportunities
Our mission is to empower financial professionals at every stage of their careers through dynamic and comprehensive learning experiences. We are committed to equipping you with the latest knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to excel in the ever-evolving field of defense financial management. Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, achieve professional certification, or stay ahead of emerging trends, our programs are designed to help you thrive and succeed in today’s complex and fast-paced environment.
PDI is SDFM's premier training event, uniting defense financial managers from both the public and private sectors to enhance their skills, share best practices, and address the complex challenges of today’s fiscal environment. With over 120 educational education sessions, six general sessions, and a full day of service-based sessions known as Community Day, PDI fosters collaboration among participants from service headquarters, major commands, installation levels and the private sector.
SDFM’s Program & Budget Summit is an annual one day in-person education and networking event that brings together leaders from both government and industry to discuss the key issues shaping defense financial management professionals in the coming year. The program takes place every January in the DC area.
SDFM’s DA/DS virtual conference is an annual event dedicated to exploring the evolving landscape of data-driven decision-making across various industries. Each year, we focus on a different theme, spotlighting the latest trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the future of data analytics. This conference provides a dynamic platform for professionals to gain insights, exchange ideas, and hear from thought leaders and experts.
SDFM offers comprehensive training programs designed to meet the needs of professionals at every stage of their careers. From early careerists building foundational skills to those pursuing certifications or maintaining credentials, our courses are tailored to support professional growth and development.
SDFM hosts the Federal CFO Academy through a partnership with McKinsey & Company. This program is designed for a small group of 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. The program is open by invitation only.
SDFM provides engaging webinars on defense financial management, leadership, teamwork, and personal development. These 1-hour sessions are open to both members and non-members, offering accessible and insightful learning opportunities.
Access recorded sessions from our anchor events including the annual PDI, Program & Budget Summit and the DA/DS conferences, as well as recorded webinars, and the latest issues of the Armed Forces Comptroller Journal—all available anytime, anywhere.