September 03, 2026
Spotlight Article: Leading Beyond the Numbers
Throughout his career, Eric R. Alexander, CPA-Panhandle, has discovered that the strongest finance leaders are defined by far more than technical expertise. Through coaching, teaching, speaking and his new book, “Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO,” he encourages professionals to embrace stewardship as the foundation of effective leadership.
Today's CPA recently caught up with Eric to discuss his career journey, the lessons he learned during two decades as a CFO, the leadership skills that remain uniquely human in an AI-driven world, and the inspiration behind his new book.
As president of Six Arrows Consulting, he coaches executives and leadership teams, facilitates strategic planning and develops leaders across a variety of industries. He also serves on the faculty of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking and teaches at banking schools throughout the country. While his career reflects decades of accomplishment, Eric says his greatest lessons came not from technical successes, but from learning how to lead people well.
An Unexpected Career Path
Accounting wasn't part of Eric's original plan. He entered college intending to study history and computer science before realizing he had a natural aptitude for accounting – the "language of business." That discovery changed the trajectory of his career.
After beginning in public accounting with KPMG, he moved into a series of management accounting positions before spending 20 years as a chief financial officer, including serving as CFO of Happy State Bank. When the bank was sold in 2022, he saw an opportunity to combine his passion for finance with another calling: helping others become better leaders.
Through Six Arrows Consulting, he now provides executive coaching, mentoring, leadership workshops and strategic planning, all grounded in the principles of stewardship leadership. He also hosts the podcast “Steward Leaders: Not About Us” where he explores leadership through conversations with other servant-minded leaders.
Leadership Beyond the Numbers
Eric believes most finance professionals spend years developing their technical expertise, but the qualities that ultimately define successful leaders are much harder to master. "The leaders I work with generally have the technical side of things well in hand," he says. "What often presents bigger challenges are trust, accountability, culture, communication and relationships."
One of the most common themes he sees is the struggle to balance the urgent with the truly important. Finance leaders are constantly managing deadlines, regulatory requirements and operational demands, leaving little time to focus on long-term priorities.
"A steward's focus on strategy, culture and people often gets crowded out by the urgent," he says. "But those are the things that create lasting value for an organization."
Why Human Leadership Still Matters
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the accounting profession, Eric sees tremendous opportunity, as well as clear limitations. He compares today's large language models to "an eager, bright eighth grader."
Like an enthusiastic student, AI can produce impressive work, but it still requires thoughtful direction, careful oversight and informed review. Even as the technology advances, some leadership qualities will remain distinctly human. "AI will never replace the wisdom, life experiences, relationships and intuition that only a human can supply," he says.
For finance professionals, while technical work may evolve, leadership, judgment and stewardship will become even more valuable.
Lessons Worth Sharing
His new book grew out of reflection following his years as a CFO. Looking back over two decades in executive leadership, he realized the times he had been most effective were those when he approached leadership as a steward rather than simply a financial executive.
He wanted to write the book he wishes someone had handed him early in his career – a practical guide that connects leadership principles with the day-to-day realities of serving as a CFO. Rather than focusing solely on finance or leadership, the book explores the intersection of both, offering practical lessons for current and aspiring financial leaders.
The Story Behind Stinkin' Accountants
The title of Eric's book is an interesting one and there's a personal story behind it. "I worked for a CEO who called me the 'stinkin' accountant.' It's mildly disparaging and was, when he said it, usually playfully so."
The nickname reminded him of the stereotypes finance professionals often face – whether they're viewed as bean counters, "CF-No" executives or people who care more about spreadsheets than relationships. Instead of resisting the label, he chose to embrace it with humility. He believes finance leaders should take their responsibilities seriously without taking themselves too seriously. Regardless of how others perceive the profession, stewardship remains the higher calling.
Life Beyond the Office
Away from consulting, teaching and writing, Eric treasures time with his family. He and his wife have six grown sons, six daughters-in-law and 20 grandchildren, making family gatherings lively, energetic and full of memorable moments.
He also enjoys reading, playing the piano and taking early-morning walks with his wife, quiet moments that provide balance amid a busy professional life.
A Steward's Mindset
When asked what one piece of advice he would leave with financial professionals, his answer is this: "Understand and embrace this vital truth – you are a steward."
It's a philosophy that has shaped his own career and now serves as the foundation of his coaching, teaching and writing. As the accounting profession continues to evolve, Eric believes the leaders who make the greatest impact will be those who see their role not simply as managing finances, but as faithfully serving the people and organizations entrusted to their care.
Thanks to the Sponsors of Today's CPA Magazine
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