Course Description:
As part of the Business Acumen standard for the Senior Executive Service, prospective government executives are expected to demonstrate that they can understand their organization’s financial processes, prepare, justify, and administer a program budget, oversee procurement and contracting to achieve desired results, and monitor expenditures and use “cost-benefit” thinking to set priorities. And, to succeed once they are executives, they are expected to set and meet or exceed financial targets.

This course is specifically designed for federal employees seeking greater business understanding in financial management both to equip them to work with and for Chief Financial Officers and as preparation for the Senior Executive Service or equivalent positions of government leadership. It will allow you to gain critical confidence in financial and budgeting matters to provide fiscal leadership within the federal government.

The first session offers critical insight into the work of the CFO and the budget office. Moreover, you will review basic budget and managerial accounting terms, functions and policies including:

• Budget formulation, approval, and execution
• Financial controls and performance measurement
• Basic terms of investment management such as ROI, NPV
• Audit and oversight responsibilities of the CFO
• Working with the CFO

During the second session students review and start to practice the skills learned using case studies and a simulation in which you act as a CFO or those engaged with CFO's. Students will also engage with a senior government financial official who will be invited to meet with the class. Another section will revolve around a self-assessment in the area of financial management and will permit the student to lay out their own program for further study and growth. Students are also encouraged to bring in their own questions in such areas as program oversight, audit and control, or budget formulation or execution.

Registration:
To enroll in this course, participants must apply and be accepted to the Certificate in Executive Leadership program.  To apply, visit the SCS Online Application Manager, create an account, and choose the Executive Leadership application.