Global organizations operating in the contemporary business landscape need to tightly link financial rigor and strategic insight. Increasingly, senior financial executives are playing influential roles in strategy development and implementation, working closely with the CEO and the board to creatively assess and design growth opportunities. The question is: Are CFOs prepared to move beyond the number-crunching function to act and lead in this capacity? CFOs are called upon to identify and assess profitable business ventures, lead mergers & acquisitions, establish alliances and shape complex change-management strategies. To do this, they must gain a deeper understanding of strategy, build leadership skills and better communicate financial knowledge to peers and subordinates. Targeted learning and development interventions are more necessary than ever in preparing senior financial executives to serve in this new leadership capacity.…