14 Best Finance Communities to Join in 2024
Why join a finance community? It's one of the best ways to find mission-critical insights that help you succeed in the world of finance—things you typically can't find with a Google search or generic coffee chat.
The only problem? There are dozens of finance communities. It’s tough to tell which community can help you level up your investing, accounting, and finance game, and which are full of duds and recycled tips.
In this article, I break down the top finance communities to join in 2024.
Best Finance Communities Shortlist
Here’s a shortlist of the best finance communities I think are worth joining in 2024:
- The CFO Leadership Council - Professional development and networking for CFOs
- CFO Chat - Real-time discussions and advice for CFOs
- Controllers Council - Resources and support for financial controllers
- Financial Executives International (FEI) - For networking and finding career opportunities
- Accountant Forums - Q&A and knowledge sharing for accountants
- IMA Asia Pacific - For professional development and networking in Asia Pacific
- Accounting | Finance | Professionals - Networking for CFOs and financial leaders
- Proformative - Connection and insights for finance professionals
- Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) Group - Networking for accounting and finance professionals
- Blossom Social - For stock analysis and investment insights
- MarketWatch - For financial news, analysis, and market data
- MoneySavingExpert Forums - For personal finance tips and advice
- Wall Street Oasis (WSO) - For finance career advice and networking
- r/Finance - For discussions on finance topics and news
Find more details about each community below.
The 14 Best Finance Communities
Whether you’re a seasoned financial executive or an emerging leader in corporate finance, you'll find a finance community that suits your professional needs below.
1. The CFO Leadership Council - Professional development and networking for CFOs
The CFO Leadership Council provides a vibrant platform for CFOs to engage in professional development and networking. It caters to senior finance leaders, offering them a variety of resources, including access to peer insights, best practice discussions, and powerful networking opportunities across the US and Canada.
- Audience: CFOs, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents of Finance, Controllers, and other senior financial leaders
- Size: 2,000+ members
- Membership Cost: $475 annually
- Platform: Live chapter and virtual national events
Why Join:
The CFO Leadership Council stands out for its exclusive focus on empowering CFOs through education, peer interaction, and leadership development. Members can partake in both virtual and in-person events designed to enhance their effectiveness in the C-suite. It offers tailored resources like a CFO Tools Library, expert briefings, and significant conference discounts, providing members with substantial ROI on their membership fees.
2. CFO Chat - Real-time discussions and advice for CFOs
The CFO Chat is a private community for finance leaders around the world. It is a collaborative space for CFOs to network, share insights, and ask questions, but it isn't open to everybody—you have to be in a senior finance role in order to be granted access to this community.
- Audience: Chief Financial Officers and senior finance professionals
- Membership Cost: Free
- Platform: Slack
Why Join:
CFO.chat is ideal for seeking feedback and advice without the wait time that forums tend to bring. It's a good resource for finance professionals who need to make fast, informed decisions but want to get a second opinion.
The platform's real-time nature ensures that members can obtain immediate help, making it a valuable tool for CFOs.
3. Controllers Council - Resources and support for financial controllers
The Controllers Council is a comprehensive platform offering resources and support specifically tailored for controllers and other financial executives. It provides educational webcasts, a career center, and opportunities for recognition through awards like the Controller of the Year.
- Audience: Controllers, CFOs, and corporate accounting professionals
- Membership Cost:
- Individual - $300 annually
- Corporate - $750 annually
- Platform: Online events and resources
Why Join:
Joining the Controllers Council can significantly advance a controller's career through continuous professional education (CPE), networking opportunities, and leadership development. Members benefit from a rich resource library, including whitepapers, research studies, and access to a private forum for peer discussions. The council's focus on career advancement and recognition provides a supportive environment for professional growth.
4. Financial Executives International (FEI) - For networking and finding career opportunities
The Financial Executives International (FEI) is a membership organization dedicated to advancing the success of financial executives through information, community, and advocacy.
- Audience: CFOs, Controllers, Treasurers, and other senior financial executives
- Size: 9,000+ members
- Membership Cost:
- Executive - $299 annually
- Academic - $299 annually
- Entrepreneur - $299 annually
- Government / Military - $299 annually
- In-Transition - $299 annually
- Retired - $299 annually
- Life Retired - $1,500 annually
- Platform: National conferences, regional sessions, and online events
Why Join:
Financial Executives International (FEI) is a community for financial executives to network, stay informed about emerging issues, and advance their careers in corporate finance. It is known for its high-caliber networking events, professional development sessions, and extensive member benefits, including access to exclusive research and compliance resources. The organization is instrumental for financial executives aiming to stay ahead of industry trends and expand their professional networks.
5. Accountant Forums - Q&A and knowledge sharing for accountants
The Accountant Forums is an online community where accountants can exchange information and seek advice on a wide range of topics related to accounting and taxation.
- Audience: Accountants, CPA candidates, and accounting students
- Size: 21,400+ members
- Membership Cost: Free
- Platform: Web-based forum
Why Join:
The Accountant Forums is particularly beneficial for those seeking to stay current with the latest industry practices and tax law changes. The forum provides an accessible platform for real-time assistance and peer advice, which makes it a great resource for accountants who need quick answers or want to deepen their understanding of complex topics through community engagement.
6. IMA Asia Pacific - For professional development and networking in Asia Pacific
The IMA Asia Pacific is part of the global network of the Institute of Management Accountants, focusing on the professional growth and networking of accountants and financial professionals in the Asia Pacific region. This branch provides resources, certifications, and educational opportunities tailored to the region's unique business environment.
- Audience: Accountants, financial analysts, and management accountants in the Asia Pacific region
- Size: 125,000+ members
- Membership Cost:
- Student - $49
- Academic - $160
- Professional - $295
- Platform: Online resources, local chapters, in-person and virtual events
Why Join:
IMA Asia Pacific offers a significant advantage through its local relevance combined with global resources. Membership provides access to the CMA certification, ongoing education tailored to the Asia Pacific market, and opportunities to network with professionals across a wide geographical area.
7. Accounting | Finance | Professionals - For networking for CFOs and financial leaders
The Accounting | Finance | Professionals community serves as a networking hub for CFOs and other senior financial executives, facilitating discussions, sharing industry news, and offering a space for collaboration and professional growth.
- Audience: CFOs, senior financial executives, and financial leaders
- Size: 672,000+ members
- Membership Cost: Free, but a LinkedIn account is required
- Platform: LinkedIn
Why Join:
This group is a strategic resource for CFOs and financial leaders looking to enhance their professional network and stay informed about industry trends. Participation in this LinkedIn group can lead to meaningful connections, career opportunities, and insights into financial management strategies.
8. Proformative - Connection and insights for finance professionals
The Proformative is an online community and resource hub for finance professionals seeking insights and advice from peers.
- Audience: CFOs, treasurers, controllers, and other finance professionals
- Size: 150,000+ members
- Membership Cost: Free
- Platform: Web-based platform
Why Join:
Proformative is invaluable for finance professionals seeking strategic insights and practical advice. It offers free and premium content, including webinars, courses, and forums for members to interact, enhance skills, and make informed decisions. Its community-driven approach ensures that members receive not only theoretical knowledge but also practical solutions to everyday challenges.
9. Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) Group - Networking for accounting and finance professionals
The CAO Group facilitates networking opportunities for professionals in accounting and finance, providing a platform to share industry insights, job postings, and trends.
- Audience: Accounting and finance professionals
- Size: 160,000+ members
- Membership Cost: Free, but a LinkedIn account is required
- Platform: LinkedIn
Why Join:
This group is a go-to space for those in the accounting and finance sectors seeking to expand their professional network and stay informed about industry developments. It offers members a robust forum for exchanging knowledge and discovering career opportunities in a highly collaborative environment.
10. Blossom Social - For stock analysis and investment insights
Blossom Social is a social media app focused on investing, where users can share and receive insights on stock investments, fostering a community of informed traders.
- Audience: Investors interested in stock market analysis
- Size: 100,000+ members
- Membership Cost: Free
- Platform: Blossom Social mobile application
Why Join:
Blossom Social is ideal for investors seeking a community-oriented platform where stock analysis and trading tips are shared interactively. It provides a unique blend of social networking and investment insights, making it particularly valuable for those looking to enhance their trading decisions and investing strategies through community-driven advice.
11. MarketWatch - For financial news, analysis, and market data
The MarketWatch offers up-to-date financial news, analysis, and market data, serving as a comprehensive resource for investors and financial professionals.
- Audience: Financial professionals, investors, and anyone interested in market trends
- Membership Cost: Free access with optional subscription for premium tools
- Platform: Web-based platform
Why Join:
MarketWatch is essential for those requiring the latest in financial news and market trends. It provides critical insights and analysis that can influence investment decisions and strategies. With its comprehensive coverage, from detailed stock data to global economic news, MarketWatch equips its users with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of the market effectively.
12. MoneySavingExpert Forums - For personal finance tips and advice
The MoneySavingExpert Forums is an online community dedicated to helping individuals manage personal finances through shared tips, advice, and support.
- Audience: Individuals looking for practical tips to manage personal finances and save money
- Size: 2,000,000+ members
- Membership Cost: Free
- Platform: Website-based forums
Why Join:
MoneySavingExpert Forums is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their financial situation. It provides a wealth of shared knowledge and experience, helping members navigate challenges like managing credit card debts, boosting credit scores, and dealing with lenders and credit unions. Joining the forums offers access to real-time advice and support, making it easier to make informed decisions.
13. Wall Street Oasis (WSO) - For finance career advice and networking
The Wall Street Oasis (WSO) is a dynamic online community geared towards professionals in finance, providing a platform for networking, career advice, and financial education.
- Audience: Finance professionals and students aspiring to enter fields such as investment banking, private equity, hedge funds, and more.
- Membership Cost: Free; additional premium services available
- Platform: Web-based forums and training courses
Why Join:
Wall Street Oasis is the go-to hub for anyone looking to forge a career in finance. With a massive and active community, WSO offers a wealth of resources from interview guides and financial modeling training to a job board specifically targeted at high-caliber financial positions. Joining WSO can significantly enhance your professional development and networking opportunities, making it invaluable in the competitive landscape of finance careers.
14. r/Finance - For discussions on finance topics and news
Reddit's r/Finance subreddit is a vibrant community where individuals can discuss and share finance-related news. This forum allows users to post questions, share insights, and discuss the latest news in the financial world.
- Audience: Anyone interested in finance, from students to seasoned professionals
- Size: 2,000,000 members
- Membership Cost: Free
- Platform: Reddit
Why Join:
The r/finance subreddit is an excellent resource for anyone looking to engage with a community interested in finance. It provides a platform to stay updated on financial news, ask questions, and gain various perspectives from global users. As a hub for discussion and resource sharing, it's particularly valuable for keeping up with changes in the finance industry.
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