The Finance Development & Training Institute (FDTI) was created as the result of a conference planned, staged, and organized by Schiff Consulting Group on December 13-14, 1994, in Chicago.  Chrysler Corporation generously sponsored the conference.  The theme of this conference was best practices and innovations in finance (and accounting) talent development and learning.  Nine diverse global companies participated in this groundbreaking event.  At the conference closing, several conference participants requested that Schiff Consulting Group work with them to develop a sustainable alliance of companies focused on sharing best practices and innovations in finance development and learning for large global corporations.

The FDTI, a unique business alliance, was formally launched early in 1995 and has consistently provided unique, high-value service to its member companies.  Current member companies include Microsoft, The Coca-Cola Company, Dell Technologies, Dow, Ecolab, General Mills, IBM, Land O’ Lakes, GE Aerospace, Johnson & Johnson & Verizon.  The FDTI is the premiere peer-to-peer network with this focus. The primary delegate to the FDTI is most often the leader of talent development and learning for the financial leadership team of their company.

The primary delegate sits on the FDTI Business Management Committee, which votes on planning, management and membership issues and selects the FDTI Chairperson.

The FDTI is the premier peer-to-peer network focusing on CFO talent development.

The work of the FDTI is cited in the business media, including CFO, CFO-Europe, Strategic Finance, Financial Executive, Business Finance, Inside Technology Training, and Training and Development Magazine.

Margaret Rodgers is the owner, facilitator, and FDTI Chairperson, working with the FDTI Business Management Committee which is responsible for managing the operation of the FDTI. She assumed ownership in 2021. Jonathan Schiff founded and established the FDTI in 1994. He currently serves as an advisor to the FDTI.

Mission Statement                                                                                    

FDTI’s mission is to foster positive, sustained change in finance talent development and training for global enterprises by sharing best practices and leveraging opportunities to pool resources among member companies and invited guests.  Through the open sharing of best practices, insights, and risks, the derived synergies will enhance the ability of member companies to meet and exceed their business and customer expectations.  FDTI member companies share an appreciation of and commitment to advancing the development and training of finance people, processes and practices.