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About the Award

CFO of the Year

This award pays tribute to elite finance leaders who make it possible for companies to operate and thrive whatever the conditions, internally or externally. These days, it is not only finance that preoccupies CFOs. The strategic CFO engages in a host of issues that are essential to the future and well-being of their firms. For these reasons, CFO Leadership is excited to recognize CFOs for their contributions to their firms, industries, the profession and the economy at large.

And what makes this award particularly unique is who chooses the honoree – not editors or analysts or service providers but rather a selection committee comprised of peer CFOs who know firsthand what it takes to lead in today’s business environment.

CFO of Year Selection Committee includes:

  • Jeff Epstein, Leader, Bessemer Venture Partners CFO Council; Former CFO, Oracle
  • Dave Marberger, EVP and CFO, Conagra Brands
  • Gary Millerchip, EVP and CFO, Costco
  • Leeny Oberg, EVP and CFO, Marriott International
  • Peter Osvaldik, EVP and CFO, T-Mobile
  • Aradhana Sarin, Executive Director and CFO, AstraZeneca

NOMINATION FAQS

The CFO Leadership Awards will recognize an elite group of CFOs for outstanding contributions as leaders of strategy and growth for their companies at times of immense technological and social change. These individuals bring skills, expertise and vision to their jobs that are above and beyond what is usually required of finance leaders. The awards pay tribute to those individuals who are at the pinnacle of their profession. They excel as role models in relationships with top management, colleagues, shareholders, customers and employees.

CFO of the Year

The recipient of this award demonstrates significant contributions to the short- and long-term success of his or her company. This CFO should clearly represent the following skills and characteristics:

  1. Mindset: Possesses an agile mindset that enables them to respond quickly to changing market conditions and customer needs, and to drive continuous improvement.
  2. Communication Skills: Ability to articulate financial concepts and data to non-financial stakeholders in a clear and concise manner. Inspires others to believe in and support the company’s mission.  Transparency in all communications empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions.
  3. Ethics: Upholds high ethical standards and ensures that all financial decisions and practices are in compliance with legal and ethical requirements. Creates a culture of ethical accountability where employees recognize that ethics are paramount in every decision.
  4. Financial Excellence: Manages financial resources effectively, maximizing the company’s financial performance while mitigating risks Builds a financial model that can adapt seamlessly in a volatile and unpredictable business climate.
  5. Innovation: Creates innovative financial strategies and tools that help the company improve its financial performance and gain a competitive advantage. Solves problems outside the world of finance and accounting, supporting growth in a fiscally responsible manner.
  6. Leadership: Leads and motivates his or her team to achieve business and financial objectives and contribute to the overall success of the company.

The CFO of the Year award is open to chief financial officers at publicly traded and privately held organizations who have been in their role (either at their current company or another company) for a minimum of three years. 

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of CFOs by peers at other firms, colleagues, business partners, vendors and customers. 

Nominating submissions should cover the applicable criteria and qualifications from January 2024 through March 2025. Entries must be received by May 30 to be eligible.

Entries will be evaluated and candidates for awards chosen by an independent selection committee made up of experienced finance leaders. Nominations will be reviewed based on the set of criteria for each unique category. (see details above) 

The award honoree will be notified August 15, 2025.

The honoree will be invited to attend the 2025 CFO Leadership Awards in New York City December 8th. In addition, the honoree will be interviewed for a feature on CFOLeadership.com and ChiefExecutive.net. Additional exposure for the honoree will include press release and social media promotion.