Strategic Financial Leadership is GFOABC's flagship leadership development program for local government finance professionals — and registration is now open for the 2026 cohort.
The program kicks off with a 3-day residential intensive at the University of Victoria, followed by six months of executive coaching, mentoring triads, and peer accountability. Every element is designed to build the leadership capacity your organization needs — and that your community depends on.
This isn't a lecture series. Strategic Financial Leadership is built on three guiding principles: applied learning (learn through doing), service learning (be of service to others while you learn), and self as agent (grow yourself and be the change). You'll work on a real initiative from your own workload, so time spent in the program directly advances your priorities back home.
Through active participation, you can expect to:
- Develop greater self-awareness of your leadership strengths and growth edges
- Build your capacity to navigate complexity, lead change, and communicate with confidence
- Strengthen relationships with finance professionals across BC — and with business partners within your own organization
- Advance an initiative that benefits your community
The program is aligned with the GFOABC Leadership Competency Framework.
FORMAT
3-Day In-Person Workshop + 6-Month Coaching Journey
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
24 CPD Hours
(CPABC-eligible)
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INCLUDED
4 Hours
1:1 Executive Coaching
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DAY 1
Lead From Within
Identity, Vision & Strategic Foundations
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DAY 2
Lead Outward
Communication, Collaboration & Current Issues
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DAY 3
Lead Forward
Innovation, Resilience & Personal Commitments
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"Local government finance professionals have identified leadership development as a critical need, as the challenges are numerous and complex, and there are currently limited leadership development programs dedicated to local government finance professionals."
— GFOABC Leadership Needs Assessment, 2021
Program Fees
Early Bird Registration
By May 11, 2026 | Regular Registration |
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| $6,375 plus GST |
$7,100 plus GST |
Not included: Travel expenses to and from in-person sessions.
Ready to Lead Differently?
GFOABC invites local government finance professionals to participate in the 2026 Strategic Financial Leadership program. Register today or download the program brochure to learn more.
REGISTER NOW
PROGRAM BROCHURE