Global CFO Programme
From insight to impact.
The future CFO is global, digital and strategic. An executive programme from Switzerland for senior finance leaders moving into global CFO roles, offered by the Asia Europe Executive Management Practice (AEEMP) at the Institute for Accounting, Controlling and Auditing (ACA), University of St.Gallen (HSG).
15 Jan 2027
Next intake (Core Module)
31 Dec 2026
Application deadline
4 + 1
Four modules plus a capstone project
3 locations
Switzerland, China and Singapore
The future CFO is global. Digital. Strategic.
The Global CFO Programme is a subprogramme of the Asia Europe Executive Management Practice (AEEMP) at the Institute for Accounting, Controlling and Auditing (ACA) at the University of St.Gallen (HSG). It fills a significant gap in the executive education market: a global programme aiming to equip senior finance leaders to face the challenges of global risk exposure, geopolitical fragmentation, AI-driven transformation, sustainability regulation, volatile markets and cross-border management.
The programme is designed for finance executives moving towards global CFO roles. Today’s CFOs handle more than just finance and accounting; their role goes beyond financial stewardship:
- They are partners in every aspect of the business
- They are global strategists and architects of risk
- They are integrators of AI in internal control systems
- They are transformation leaders of enterprise finance in a fast-changing world
Programme position
The programme is designed for executives moving towards international CFO roles, to become global strategic leaders of enterprise finance in today’s rapidly changing world. It positions the CFO as:
- Architect of enterprise finance resilience
- Leader of AI-enabled finance
- Guardian of global risk intelligence
- Strategic partner to CEO and Board
- Leader of corporate finance with a global mindset
Target audience
Senior finance professionals operating in complex, international environments and seeking to elevate their strategic impact. The programme is tailored for CFOs, Heads of Finance and Finance Directors responsible for shaping firms’ financial strategy and supporting executive decision-making. It also targets Finance Managers and Senior Directors preparing for leadership roles and looking to broaden their global perspective.
Heads of Accounting, Financial Planning and Analysis leaders and Internal Controllers will benefit from developing a broader mindset and moving beyond reporting towards strategic influence. The programme is equally relevant for Finance Transformation Leaders and Advisors driving digitalisation, innovation and organisational change. We also welcome specialists (CPAs, CFAs) and partners from auditing and advisory firms, bringing technical expertise and gaining deeper exposure to strategic finance challenges.
A particular focus is placed on finance leaders in companies with international operations, navigating global risks, regulations and cross-border complexity.
Three core missions
Mission 1
Global Vision
Build a global mindset and stay ahead of economic trends and risks.
Mission 2
Strategic Leadership
Elevate CFOs into forward-looking leaders driving innovation and transformation.
Mission 3
Peer Exchange
Connect, share and learn through a strong professional network.
One programme, three spots
Switzerland
Time: January to June
Residency 1: bi-weekly onsite
Capstone project and graduation (St.Gallen)
China
Time: January to June
Residency 2: bi-weekly onsite
Singapore
Time: April to May
Residency 3: regional retreat
The onsite sessions alternate between Switzerland and China. When a session is held onsite in Switzerland, participants outside of Switzerland can join online, and vice versa.
University of St.Gallen: numbers and facts
1898
Founded
33,000
HSG alumni, global leaders
215
Partner universities worldwide
600+
Faculty and researchers
25%
of Swiss C-level and board members are HSG alumni
40
Research institutes, 50% of them with industry
200+
Programmes in English and German
Rankings and awards
Financial Times rankings 2025
Global
#1
Master in Management
Europe
#8
Business School
Europe
#13
Executive MBA
Global
#14
Custom Programmes
Further recognition
Wirtschaftswoche, DACH
#1
Management Education Faculty
EFMD Awards
Gold
2025, with Axpo
EFMD Awards
Silver
2023, with Orion
Ready to take the next step?
Applications for the January 2027 intake are open until 31 December 2026.