After 40 years in accounting and finance—including 20 years serving as a chief financial officer and leadership roles within community banking—Eric R. Alexander is releasing a new book, Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants: Serving as the CFO, on July 31 through Koehler Books. Written for chief financial officers, aspiring CFOs, CEOs and other senior leaders, the book explores the leadership responsibilities that accompany stewardship of an institution’s financial resources, people, culture and long-term mission.
Alexander served as CFO of Amarillo-based Happy State Bank during a period of significant growth and today serves as president of Six Arrows Consulting, advising community banks and leadership teams throughout the U.S. He is also a frequent speaker at events held by the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, as well as other banking conferences. Alexander also serves on the faculty of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking, SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University, Barret School of Banking at Christian Brothers University and Texas Tech School of Banking.
“Community banking has reinforced for me that the CFO’s role extends well beyond financial reporting,” Alexander notes. “The best finance leaders help build organizations that create long-term value by serving shareholders, customers, employees, regulators and the communities entrusted to their care.”
The book has received enthusiastic endorsements from respected leaders across the banking profession:
Michelle Hickox, CFO of First Financial Bankshares: “Eric Alexander and I served as CFOs of different Texas banks for several years, but we were able to collaborate freely, share specialized knowledge and make each other and our teams better for it. Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants captures the CFO role—not just the required technical skills, but the character, humility and courage to serve others well. I wish I had this book when I started my career.”
Dory Wiley, president and CEO of Commerce Street Holdings: “In nearly 40 years of advising financial institutions, I’ve met very few CFOs who truly understand that stewardship is a calling, not just a function. Eric Alexander is one of them. This book is the real thing—practical, principled and written by someone who has lived every page of it.”
Mike Dierberg, chairman of First Bank in St. Louis: “Alexander has written a wonderful how-to manual for anyone responsible for finance, not just CFOs… If you are a finance professional, buy this book. If you are a CEO, buy it for your finance team to foster better conversations and deeper insight!”
Mikel Williamson, bank CEO: “Eric brings clarity and purpose to the CFO role, grounded in real-world leadership and a deep commitment to stewardship… This book is a compelling guide for finance leaders who want to lead with greater influence and integrity.”
Alexander earned an MBA degree and holds professional designations as a certified public accountant, chartered financial analyst and certified management accountant. His articles have appeared in Financial Management magazine, the Journal of Accountancy and other professional publications.
Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants: Serving as the CFO will be released on July 31 and is available now for preorder through Amazon, Bookshop.org and other major booksellers.
