Sara Cockerill CPA, CA shares her experience as a new vice president of finance for a Calgary-based company and the valuable insights she gained from the CFO’s Executive Programs.
Starting your dream job can be exciting and challenging at the same time
Sara Cockerill CPA, CA knows that feeling.
Last year, she became the Vice President (VP) of Finance at CASK Global Canning Solutions, a Calgary-based canning system manufacturer for breweries, wineries, and other craft beverage producers around the world. When she started the role, Sara knew there was a lot of interesting and complex work ahead of her.
“My goal is to effectively level up the financial function of the company,” she says, explaining this has involved building the finance team and shaping how it contributes to the organization.
To create even more value in her work, Sara wanted to gain a broader and global perspective on the role of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). That’s where CPA Alberta’s CFO’s Executive Programs came in.
“Taking part in the CFO’s Executive Programs was the right next step in my development as a leader,” she says.
Through Sara’s experience in the program, she gained three valuable insights to help her in her role.
1. Learn how others navigate uncertainty
Sara found one of the best ways CPAs can prepare for a CFO role—or other finance-related leadership roles—is to learn from others who are in those positions.
Interactive learning is a key part of the CFO’s Executive Programs; both the CFO’s Leadership Program and CFO’s Operational Skills Program offer group breakout sessions to help participants strengthen their learning.
“Taking part in the CFO’s Executive Programs was the right next step in my development as a leader.”
Sara Cockerill CPA, CA
Through the program, Sara was able to listen to her peers discuss their workplaces, teams, and boards and how they were able to resolve problems with creative solutions. “Hearing their thought processes and insights around issues was so helpful. This was the highlight of the program for me.”
At a time when navigating uncertainty has become the new normal, Sara believes that sharing experiences can help aspiring and current CFOs become aware and ready for change.
2. Understand the changing concept of leadership
“CFO-hood isn’t exactly what I thought it would be!,” says Sara, explaining that the concept of leadership is a lot different than it was even a decade ago.
Effective leaders today have to be aware that uncertainty and change are the only constant. So to make an impact on the teams she is a part of, Sara has to adapt and change her leadership style depending on who she is working with. To do this, Sara has focused on her own self-awareness and growth, particularly when it comes to successfully leading the next generation.
For CPAs who want to become strong leaders, being understanding and accepting feedback makes a world of difference. The leadership assessment in the CFO’s Leadership Program can be especially useful in helping CPAs identify areas of growth.
3. Grow your skill in leading critical conversations
A major takeaway from the program for Sara was learning new approaches to facilitate important conversations in her organization.
Some of the soft skills Sarah learned through the CEO’s program helped her better understand and apply the knowledge she gained from Enterprise Risk Management Fundamentals—a different certificate program offered by CPA Alberta. “Learning more about leadership and communication helped me lead important conversations about organizational risk and decision-making.”
She encourages future and current CFOs to also use the content provided in the program to help build on their other competencies.
Advice for aspiring CFOs
To any CPA who aspires to become a CFO or is currently in that role, Sara highly recommends the CFO’s Executive Programs offered through CPA Alberta.
For new program participants, Sara has one important piece of advice.
“Be willing to share some of your stories—it will meaningfully enhance the experience for you and your peers.”
Since programs are currently only offered online, participation in the group breakout sessions is even more important to creating a meaningful experience.
“Be willing to share some of your stories – it will meaningfully enhance the experience for you and your peers.”
“The profession offers great PD opportunities for professionals who enjoy what they do and want to do it better.”
Are you an aspiring or current CFO, Controller, CEO, or leader?
Check out our current line up of programs designed to help you build your competencies and develop actionable plans for yourself and your organization.
