Dates and location
Pricing
Hours
Dates and location
Pricing
Hours
Description
At a certain point in your career, the work changes. You are no longer responsible only for getting the numbers right. You are expected to shape decisions, influence others, and take ownership for outcomes that extend well beyond your technical expertise. Most CPAs are not formally prepared for this shift.
The Ivey Leadership Certification for CPAs is designed to support this transition. The program focuses on three critical leadership challenges: how you show up as a leader, how you lead teams through complexity and conflict, and how you lead within the broader organization to shape decisions and outcomes.
Early Bird Sale: Save $250 on this program by registering before August 9, 2026. Promotion cannot be combined with other offers or Passport.
Over three focused days, you will build capability in each of these core leadership challenges. Day 1 focuses on how you show up as a leader—developing executive presence, strengthening your ability to influence without formal authority, and managing key stakeholders with clarity and purpose. Day 2 focuses on leading high-performing teams. You will examine how to align goals, navigate competing priorities, and manage conflict productively through collaborative negotiation. Day 3 turns to the organizational context. You will explore how decisions are shaped in practice, how to navigate organizational dynamics and politics, and how to lead effectively in conditions of uncertainty.
The program is grounded in the real situations CPAs face, using Ivey’s case method to ensure the learning is practical and immediately applicable. You will leave with a clearer understanding of how to operate at the next level, and with tools you can apply directly in your day-to-day leadership work.
Speak to an Advisor
Limited scholarships available. To speak with an advisor to learn about how to apply, please fill out this form.
Agenda
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Leading Self — Presence, Influence & Stakeholders |
AM Block: Executive Presence & Leadership Impact
PM Block: Influence Without Authority & Stakeholder Navigation
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| Day 2: Leading High Performing Teams— Alignment, Priorities & Negotiating Conflict |
AM Block: Driving Alignment & Performance
PM Block: Managing Conflict Through Collaborative Negotiation
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| Day 3: Leading Organizations — Decisions, Dynamics & Uncertainty |
AM Block: Decision-Making in Organizations
PM Block: Navigating Politics & Leading Through Uncertainty
|
What You Will Learn
By the end of this comprehensive program, you will be better prepared to:
- Show up with greater leadership presence by understanding how you are perceived, communicating with clarity, and operating with confidence in higher-stakes situations.
- Make better decisions in ambiguous environments by expanding how you think about organizations, trade-offs, and the role of systems and technology, including AI.
- Influence without relying on authority by navigating differing perspectives, building alignment, and communicating in a way that moves conversations forward.
- Work through others to get results by strengthening your approach to collaboration, managing tension, and leading more effective team interaction.
Take the self-assessment quiz to find out if this program is right for you: Take the Quiz.
How You Will Learn
The Ivey Leadership Certification for CPAs offers a dynamic learning experience that includes:
- Faculty-led case method discussions.
- Collaborative peer learning teams.
- Engaging social events and network-building opportunities.
- Real-world practical simulation exercises.
- Personalized leadership style assessment.
- Interactive live actor workshops.
As you progress through the program, you'll practice new skills with guidance from expert Ivey Business School professors. You will also gain insights from a cross-industry peer network, helping you build and refine strategies to tackle real-world challenges in your role at work. We provide a comprehensive support system to ensure sustained impact and application beyond the program, including follow-up learning resources, alum events, and community engagement.
Who Will Benefit
In today's turbulent business landscape, forward-thinking leadership is paramount. The Ivey Leadership Certification is tailored for CPAs ready to think big and strategically steer their organizations. It’s more than learning—it's an elevation.
Senior Leaders (VP, Senior VP, C-Suite):
- Develop essential leadership skills: strategic vision, talent nurturing, change management, influence, presence, and character, through simulations, coaching, and networking with Ivey Business School faculty and peers.
Mid-Level Managers, Senior Managers, or Directors:
- Accelerate your path to executive leadership by mastering crucial soft skills, complemented by immersive experiential learning and networking with top professionals.
Return on Investment
Investing in the Ivey Leadership Certification for CPAs is an investment in your future, and here is what you can expect in return:
- A prestigious certificate and badge from Ivey Business School.
- A year’s worth of valuable PD hours (40 hours).
- The opportunity to adopt insights and best practices from other organizations, jump-starting innovation at work.
- The chance to explore new perspectives, foster mindfulness, reflection, and practice away from the daily grind, returning to work with increased confidence and effectiveness in your role.
- Enhanced capabilities to drive effective change, identify and nurture high performance in your team, and excel in the finance leadership domain.
Join us on this transformative journey and position yourself as a leader of exceptional influence and impact in finance. But hurry, as there are only 25 spots available for this exclusive Leadership Certificate Program, and priority will be given to early applicants.
Take advantage of this opportunity to shape your future success!
How to Apply
In this exclusive program, the experience centres around your specific goals and objectives. 25 spots are available, with priority given to early applicants. To apply:
Ivey Faculty
| FACULTY MEMBERS | |
|---|---|
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Kanina Blanchard, PhD, has more than 30 years of real-world experience working in international business, the public service, non-profit, and consulting. With expertise in the areas of organizational and communication challenges as well as issues, crisis and change management, her greatest passion is in leadership development, education, and coaching. From CEOs and C-Suite executives to emerging leaders, Kanina focuses on supporting those seeking to grow and develop their character, competencies, and commitment. |
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Dusya Vera, PhD, is a Professor of Strategy and the Executive Director of the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership. Dusya is an award-winning instructor, teaching courses at the undergraduate, masters, doctoral, and executive level in the areas of strategic management and strategic leadership. She has extensive experience in Executive Development, is widely published, and has received multiple awards in the areas of research and service. |
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Cameron McAlpine, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Organizational Behaviour at Ivey Business School, where he teaches negotiations, leadership, and team dynamics. As a teacher, coach, and facilitator, he combines academic insight with more than 20 years of professional experience to help senior leaders navigate today’s complex challenges. Executive education has been a longstanding passion for Cameron. Before joining Ivey, he helped healthcare trade associations develop continuing education programs. He has since been retained to deliver custom executive programs across Canada and internationally for organizations including Samsung, the Canadian Chiropractic Association, and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. |


