IIM Lucknow Launches 8th CFO Programme for Finance Leaders

The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, in collaboration with TimesPro, has launched admissions for its 8th Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme. This 10-month course aims to equip finance professionals with the skills needed to transition into strategic CFO roles. Participants will learn to create investor-ready models, manage risks, and lead teams effectively. The programme emphasizes practical learning through live sessions and real-world case studies, preparing leaders to navigate the complexities of modern finance. With the growing demand for strategic CFOs in India, this initiative is timely and relevant for aspiring finance executives.

By Ambika Singh Nov 19, 2025, 02:01 IST

New CFO Programme for Aspiring Finance Executives

The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, in partnership with TimesPro, a prominent higher education technology platform, has opened admissions for the 8th cohort of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme. This executive education initiative is designed to empower finance professionals and future C-suite executives with the necessary skills and insights to effectively manage enterprise-wide finance.

This 10-month CFO Programme is tailored to assist finance professionals in evolving from finance managers to strategic CFOs. It focuses on developing essential skills for creating investor-ready models for mergers and acquisitions, valuations, and fundraising. Participants will also enhance their abilities in global risk management and treasury oversight, navigate crisis situations, and lead cross-functional teams while confidently influencing decisions at the executive level. The curriculum emphasizes leadership readiness for boardroom discussions, incorporating advanced topics such as AI-driven forecasting, ESG integration, and digital finance.

The demand for strategic CFOs in India's finance sector remains robust, as evidenced by the domestic IPO market's impressive performance in the first half of 2025, which saw 108 IPOs raising $4.6 billion. According to Deloitte’s 2021 CFO Signals survey, more than 80% of CFOs are now integral to business strategy, while KPMG highlights that 67% of CFOs believe their roles increasingly require expertise in operations and data analytics. Furthermore, PwC reports that 58% of CFOs are investing in AI and advanced analytics to facilitate agile planning amid market volatility.

Commenting on the programme's launch, Prof. Ajay Garg from IIM Lucknow stated, “Our CFO Programme is designed for practitioners rather than theorists. Over the course of ten months, participants will explore capital allocation, risk management, and performance through real-world cases, analytics, and board simulations. Our goal is straightforward: to cultivate sharper judgment, clearer narratives, and lasting credibility with investors and board members. We take pride in preparing leaders who can guide growth with prudence and integrity in actual boardrooms.”

Sridhar Nagarajachar, Business Head at TimesPro, added, “Our mission at TimesPro is to make rigorous learning accessible for busy finance leaders. Through live sessions, practitioner-led labs, and practical exercises, we transform theory into actionable insights. Participants will complete the programme with a capstone project, a portfolio showcasing their outcomes, and the confidence to influence capital, cash, and risk strategies from day one, supported by coaching and feedback throughout their learning journey.”

Instruction is provided by the distinguished faculty of IIM Lucknow via TimesPro’s Direct-to-Device platform, featuring live lectures, case studies, quizzes, projects, simulations, and assignments.