A Structured Program Designed for Working Professionals
Foundation First is cohort-based, flexible, and built around how finance and accounting professionals actually work. Here is exactly what to expect.
What the Program Looks Like
4 Modules
One module per month over four months. Each module covers one essential foundation of management readiness.
~7 Hours Per Month
2 live sessions (2 hours each), 1 office hour (1 hour), and approximately 3 hours of self-directed work and application per week.
Fully Online
All live sessions delivered via Zoom. Self-paced content accessed through the Foundation First learning portal. Organizations may request in-person delivery.
Cohort-Based
You learn alongside a group of up to 15 first-time managers in finance and accounting. New cohorts begin four times per year. Each cohort runs for four months, one module per month.
How to Enroll
01
Take the Manager Readiness Assessment
Complete the free 8-question assessment at manager-readiness.com/manager-readiness-assessment. Your results will show you where you are and whether Foundation First is the right fit.
02
Review Your Results
Your personalized results are delivered by email immediately after the assessment. Review the recommended next steps for your readiness level.
03
Choose Your Path
04
05
Select Your Cohort Start Date
Complete Payment
07
Receive Your Welcome Materials
06
Begin Module 1
Book a 15-minute introductory call if you have questions, or go straight to enrollment if you are ready to get started.
New cohorts begin four times per year. Choose the cohort start date that works best with your schedule and professional obligations. Each cohort runs for four months, one module per month.
Pay in full ($4,500) or choose the payment plan ($1,250 per module, due before each module begins). Payment is processed securely through Stripe.
You will receive a welcome email with your Foundation First learning portal login, your cohort schedule, pre-program reflection questions, and everything you need to prepare for Module 1.
Your cohort begins. Two live sessions per month, one office hour, and self-directed content between sessions. You apply the material to your actual management role as you go.
Workplace Application
Each module includes practical exercises designed to be applied immediately in your management role. Weekly reflection prompts help you integrate the learning into your day-to-day work.
Self-Paced Content
Recorded video lessons, reading materials, frameworks, and self-assessments. Accessible through the Foundation First learning portal at any time. Approximately 3 hours per week.
Mandatory Office Hour
(1 per month)
One-hour small-group session with Shelley. Bring real challenges from your workplace. Get direct guidance and problem-solve with your peer cohort. This is where the material meets your actual management situations.
Live Cohort Sessions
(2 per month)
Two-hour virtual sessions via Zoom. Interactive discussions, case studies, and peer learning. You must attend at least one of the two sessions to pass the module. Recordings are available for the session you miss.
Inside Each Module
Built Around How Finance Professionals Actually Work
Foundation First is designed with the realities of finance and accounting in mind.
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Modules do not have to be taken consecutively. You can pause between modules if your schedule requires it.
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If you miss a live session, recordings are available. You need to attend one of the two live sessions per month to pass the module.
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New cohorts begin four times per year, so if you miss one intake the next opportunity is approximately three months away.
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Organizations can request custom scheduling to avoid busy season, fiscal year-end, or other peak periods.
The program is designed to support you through the work, not compete with it.
What Comes Next
Completion Certificate:
Upon finishing all four core modules you receive a Foundation First Manager Readiness Certificate.
Alumni Community:
​Access to ongoing peer discussions, quarterly alumni sessions, and continued learning resources.
Optional Elective Modules ($850-900 each):
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Performance Management in Finance Teams
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Difficult Conversations: Advanced Scenarios
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Building Your Leadership Presence
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Managing Through Change and Uncertainty
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Coaching Your Team Members
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Strategic Thinking for Finance Managers
