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Federal CFO Academy

SDFM hosts the Federal CFO Academy through a partnership with McKinsey & Company. This event brings together aspiring federal CFOs across defense and civilian agencies 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 federal government, 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 federal agencies. Offered in the spring and fall, the Academy focuses on the unique challenges of federal financial management, including government regulations, budget formulation and execution, and audit compliance. This program provides the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of federal 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 Eligibility

This event is open by invitation only to eligible and approved attendees. This exclusive program is designed for a select group of approximately 30 participants including CFOs, comptrollers, resource managers, and direct reports at around the GS-15 / senior executive level (or military equivalent, e.g., O-6). All attendees must be government employees (military or civilian) to be eligible to attend. Contractors and contractors employed by the government are not eligible to apply.