When does "Continuing Education" become "Theoretical Fluff"?

There is a specific point in every finance leader’s career where the value of a formal course starts to tank.

Don’t get me wrong, those technical certifications are your lifeblood early in your career. You need the tools, but there comes a point where the marginal utility of another technical badge on your LinkedIn profile drops significantly.

As finance professionals, we’re all tethered to those 40 mandatory hours of CPE. Many of my peers spend that time in webinars or nano-learning modules. While that’s great for staying competitive and keeping the licenses active, I’ve always found that my real "aha!" moments happen elsewhere.

The Shift from Theory to Reality

I’ll be the first to admit that I prefer learning through experience. I’m the person who will stay up way too late researching how a completely different industry solved a bottleneck, or how they’re actually integrating AI into their workflows rather than just talking about it.

I’m constantly questioning the status quo. It’s not just because I’m curious; it’s because it’s the only way to find the gap between where we are and where we need to be.

This isn’t a knock on formal training. We still need those forums to challenge our biases and network with peers who are facing the same C-suite headaches. Plus, let’s be honest: we have to stay on top of regulatory changes. But even there, the "how" is changing. With tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, I don’t need to wait for a quarterly seminar to know about GAAP updates. I have those updates scheduled to hit my inbox every week. The information is already there; the value is in what we do with it.

Getting Out of the Finance Bubble

If you really want to expand your knowledge, you have to leave your office.

If you’re lucky enough to work in an open, collaborative organization, use that access. Don’t just attend the meetings you're "supposed" to be in. If time allows, go sit in on a marketing strategy session or a vendor relations meeting. You don't need to lead it, just listen.

You’ll gain insights into how other functions actually operate that you would never find in a spreadsheet. It turns you into a true business partner rather than just the "money person." It might even help you find better ways to get the data you need to hit your financial targets.

The Bottom Line

As you move up the ladder, try not to view professional development as a checkbox for HR.

Yes, get your 40 hours in. Stay compliant. But spend the rest of your energy stepping outside the finance bubble. Grow your executive presence by aligning with your peers and understanding the business's heartbeat.

Formal education gives you the rules of the game, but the organization shows you how to win it.