Connect

Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants

Serving as the CFO

Released July 31!  Get your copy now!

 

 

Order on Amazon
Order on Amazon
Chief Financial Officers: this is a book about you in a role that is not about you. Your perseverance and technical skills brought you this far, and Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants provides the principles and practices essential for maximizing your effectiveness — even if not everyone understands or appreciates your role (and some may even call you “stinkin’ accountant” or worse). Look elsewhere if you want a dry tome on debits and credits. Serious about strengthening the value of your contribution in your vital role? This is the book for you.

(Not a CFO? Check it out anyway; this book will help you understand the CFO in your life, or help prepare you to grow into the role some day.)

- Eric

Endorsements

Imagine that your best buddy is a whip-smart person of impeccable character who is willing to share with you his decades of hard-won, penetrating insights regarding the highest level of leadership in a business setting. Then imagine he has put all that wisdom into a book--just for you. This is that book. And Eric Alexander is that teacher you’ve dreamed of having. He is impeccable character, dry and delightful wit, a treasure trove of rich experience, easy-to-follow instruction, deep and genuine humility, and battle-tested clarity and insight all rolled into one great leader. This book belongs in your go-to library of leadership wisdom, and its truths belong in your daily practices as a steward leader.

Matt Bumstead , former president and co-owner of United Supermarkets, president of Nun Ide Consulting, and CEO-in-Residence and former dean of Lubbock Christian University College of Business

Imagine that your best buddy is a whip-smart person of impeccable character who is willing to share with you his decades of hard-won, penetrating insights regarding the highest level of leadership in a business setting.  Then imagine he has put all that wisdom into a book--just for you. This is that book. And Eric Alexander is that teacher you’ve dreamed of having.  He is impeccable character, dry and delightful wit, a treasure trove of rich experience, easy-to-follow instruction, deep and genuine humility, and battle-tested clarity and insight all rolled into one great leader.  This book belongs in your go-to library of leadership wisdom, and its truths belong in your daily practices as a steward leader.

Matt Bumstead, former president and co-owner of United Supermarkets, president of Nun Ide Consulting, and CEO-in-Residence and former dean of Lubbock Christian University College of Business

Eric Alexander reminds us that leadership isn’t ultimately about the leader. It’s about stewardship. Throughout Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants , Eric challenges readers to focus on what has been entrusted to them: people, relationships, trust, and influence. While the book is written for finance leaders, its lessons extend far beyond finance. This book is practical, thoughtful, and a powerful reminder that great leadership is less about position and more about faithfully serving others.

Julie Schniers , keynote speaker, culture consultant, executive coach

Eric Alexander reminds us that leadership isn’t ultimately about the leader. It’s about stewardship. Throughout Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants, Eric challenges readers to focus on what has been entrusted to them: people, relationships, trust, and influence. While the book is written for finance leaders, its lessons extend far beyond finance. This book is practical, thoughtful, and a powerful reminder that great leadership is less about position and more about faithfully serving others.

Julie Schniers, keynote speaker, culture consultant, executive coach

In Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants , Eric manages to bundle serious and important elements of stewardship leadership for finance (and other) professionals in a witty, easy-to-read, thought-provoking, lessons-for-all collection that helps the reader see a broader view of their role in an organization and in life. This can come only from someone who has the principles, wisdom, miles, and battle scars that Eric has. Our banking school is grateful that Eric teaches courses for us and now are pleased to provide a copy of his book to all who attend the school, knowing that its content is entirely consistent with our goal of “building better bankers.”

Jeff Mercer, Ph.D., executive director of the Texas Tech School of Banking

In Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants, Eric manages to bundle serious and important elements of stewardship leadership for finance (and other) professionals in a witty, easy-to-read, thought-provoking, lessons-for-all collection that helps the reader see a broader view of their role in an organization and in life. This can come only from someone who has the principles, wisdom, miles, and battle scars that Eric has. Our banking school is grateful that Eric teaches courses for us and now are pleased to provide a copy of his book to all who attend the school, knowing that its content is entirely consistent with our goal of “building better bankers.”

Jeff Mercer, Ph.D., executive director of the Texas Tech School of Banking

Finance leaders serve in one of the most vital, and least understood, roles in any organization. Eric Alexander’s Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants reframes the CFO not as a gatekeeper, but as a faithful steward. I’ve seen Eric speak on stewardship leadership numerous times, and his message is compelling precisely because it is authentic. He lives the principles he writes about. This book is an important and timely reminder that the best finance leaders serve first, lead with integrity, and protect what truly matters.

William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president & CEO, SW Graduate School of Banking

Finance leaders serve in one of the most vital, and least understood, roles in any organization. Eric Alexander’s Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants reframes the CFO not as a gatekeeper, but as a faithful steward. I’ve seen Eric speak on stewardship leadership numerous times, and his message is compelling precisely because it is authentic. He lives the principles he writes about. This book is an important and timely reminder that the best finance leaders serve first, lead with integrity, and protect what truly matters.

William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president & CEO, SW Graduate School of Banking

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 the courage to serve others well. I wish I had this book when I started my career.

Michelle Hickox , CFO, 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 the courage to serve others well. I wish I had this book when I started my career.

Michelle Hickox, CFO, First Financial Bankshares

Eric Alexander has written a remarkably practical guide to leadership —that just happens to be framed through the lens of a book for CFOs. While grounded in the realities of financial leadership, its lessons apply far beyond the finance function. His "think like a farmer" perspective resonates deeply —a refreshing reminder that all leaders have a stewardship for the growth and development of the people who ultimately determine the growth and success the organization. Filled with wisdom, humility, and actionable insights, this book is a valuable resource for any leader seeking to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

David Kasperson , co-author of Wall Street Journal bestseller Trust & Inspire

Eric Alexander has written a remarkably practical guide to leadership —that just happens to be framed through the lens of a book for CFOs. While grounded in the realities of financial leadership, its lessons apply far beyond the finance function. His "think like a farmer" perspective resonates deeply—a refreshing reminder that all leaders have a stewardship for the growth and development of the people who ultimately determine the growth and success the organization. Filled with wisdom, humility, and actionable insights, this book is a valuable resource for any leader seeking to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

David Kasperson, co-author of Wall Street Journal bestseller Trust & Inspire

Eric Alexander is the rare CFO who truly lives what he writes —leading with humility, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving others. This book captures the essence of stewardship leadership and challenges finance leaders to lead beyond the numbers.

Gordon Dobner , CPA firm audit partner

Eric Alexander is the rare CFO who truly lives what he writes—leading with humility, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving others. This book captures the essence of stewardship leadership and challenges finance leaders to lead beyond the numbers.

Gordon Dobner, CPA firm audit partner

Eric has correctly identified what has been largely missing in the financial world: a sense of stewardship. It’s easy to get lost in the mechanics of finance —and those are important —but merging that with the virtues of communication, protection, and strong character changes the game. Knowing where debits and credits intersect with strong “soft” skills shifts your focus away from just yourself and towards the greater goals. This book isn’t just for the “stinkin’ accountants.” It’s for anyone with a finance mind who works with people.

Byron Earnheart , programming director for the Barret School of Banking in Memphis, Tennessee, and host of the Main Street Banking podcast.

Eric has correctly identified what has been largely missing in the financial world: a sense of stewardship.  It’s easy to get lost in the mechanics of finance—and those are important—but merging that with the virtues of communication, protection, and strong character changes the game.  Knowing where debits and credits intersect with strong “soft” skills shifts your focus away from just yourself and towards the greater goals.  This book isn’t just for the “stinkin’ accountants.”  It’s for anyone with a finance mind who works with people.

Byron Earnheart, programming director for the Barret School of Banking in Memphis, Tennessee, and host of the Main Street Banking podcast.

Eric Alexander’s ideal of stewardship leadership takes servant leaders even further. It challenges anyone entrusted with responsibility to think beyond today's decisions and consider the long-term impact they have on people, organizations, and communities. Although Eric writes from an accounting and finance perspective, the lessons in this book apply to anyone who leads. Through relatable stories, practical examples, and his conversational style, Eric makes his insights accessible and engaging. Reading this book feels less like working through a leadership manual and more like sitting with a trusted advisor who genuinely wants to help you lead better.

Martha Bartlett Piland , CFMP, President & CEO of Banktastic, and best-selling author of Don’t Just Brand There, Do Something and Beyond Sticky

Eric Alexander’s ideal of stewardship leadership takes servant leaders even further. It challenges anyone entrusted with responsibility to think beyond today's decisions and consider the long-term impact they have on people, organizations, and communities. Although Eric writes from an accounting and finance perspective, the lessons in this book apply to anyone who leads. Through relatable stories, practical examples, and his conversational style, Eric makes his insights accessible and engaging. Reading this book feels less like working through a leadership manual and more like sitting with a trusted advisor who genuinely wants to help you lead better.

Martha Bartlett Piland, CFMP, President & CEO of Banktastic, and best-selling author of Don’t Just Brand There, Do Something and Beyond Sticky

Eric Alexander has written a wonderful how-to manual for anyone responsible for finance – not just CFOs. From broad principles like stewardship to the most important elements that separate high performing from low-performing finance leaders, he covers it all. It is also immensely readable and easy to follow. 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!

Mike Dierberg , chairman, past president, and a member of the fourth generation to own First Bank headquartered in St. Louis

Eric Alexander has written a wonderful how-to manual for anyone responsible for finance – not just CFOs.  From broad principles like stewardship to the most important elements that separate high performing from low-performing finance leaders, he covers it all.  It is also immensely readable and easy to follow.  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!

Mike Dierberg, chairman, past president, and a member of the fourth generation to own First Bank headquartered in St. Louis

In Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants , Eric delivers a refreshing and deeply practical guide for finance leaders who want to move beyond technical mastery to true stewardship leadership. Drawing on decades of hard-won experience, Eric reframes the CFO role as one that exists primarily for the benefit of the organization, the team, and the broader mission, exactly the shift from ownership to stewardship that I explore in The Gift of Lift . With humility, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, he walks readers through the essentials of character, communication, protection, strategy, collaboration, and transformation, showing how “stinkin’ accountants ” can provide profound value when they embrace both the weight and the opportunities of their position. Whether you are a sitting CFO, aspiring to the role, or simply work alongside one, this book will equip you to lead with greater intentionality, clarity, and lasting impact. I highly recommend it.

David R. York , attorney, CPA, author of The Gift of Lift

 
In Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants, Eric delivers a refreshing and deeply practical guide for finance leaders who want to move beyond technical mastery to true stewardship leadership. Drawing on decades of hard-won experience, Eric reframes the CFO role as one that exists primarily for the benefit of the organization, the team, and the broader mission, exactly the shift from ownership to stewardship that I explore in The Gift of Lift. With humility, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, he walks readers through the essentials of character, communication, protection, strategy, collaboration, and transformation, showing how “stinkin’ accountants” can provide profound value when they embrace both the weight and the opportunities of their position. Whether you are a sitting CFO, aspiring to the role, or simply work alongside one, this book will equip you to lead with greater intentionality, clarity, and lasting impact. I highly recommend it.

David R. York, attorney, CPA, author of The Gift of Lift

 
Most finance leadership books stop at competence. Eric Alexander starts where they end. Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants is a thoughtful, practical, and grounded guide for CFOs who already know the technical playbook and sense that something deeper is being asked of them. Drawing on decades of experience, Alexander reframes the CFO as a steward-leader entrusted with far more than the books: people, relationships, reputation, and the long-term value of the organization itself. The result is a finance leadership book about character, accountability, communication, and service. An important read for any finance leader serious about leading with both excellence and humility.

Dr. Patrick Behar-Courtois, author of Maximizing Organizational Performance: A Guide to Effective Performance Coaching

Most finance leadership books stop at competence. Eric Alexander starts where they end. Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants is a thoughtful, practical, and grounded guide for CFOs who already know the technical playbook and sense that something deeper is being asked of them. Drawing on decades of experience, Alexander reframes the CFO as a steward-leader entrusted with far more than the books: people, relationships, reputation, and the long-term value of the organization itself. The result is a finance leadership book about character, accountability, communication, and service. An important read for any finance leader serious about leading with both excellence and humility.

Dr. Patrick Behar-Courtois, author of Maximizing Organizational Performance: A Guide to Effective Performance Coaching

Eric Alexander brings clarity and purpose to the CFO role, grounded in real-world leadership and a deep commitment to stewardship. I had the privilege of working alongside Eric as a peer and later as a CEO, where I saw firsthand the impact he brings to a team. This book is a compelling guide for finance leaders who want to lead with greater influence and integrity.

Mikel Williamson, Christian, husband, father, bank CEO

Eric Alexander brings clarity and purpose to the CFO role, grounded in real-world leadership and a deep commitment to stewardship. I had the privilege of working alongside Eric as a peer and later as a CEO, where I saw firsthand the impact he brings to a team. This book is a compelling guide for finance leaders who want to lead with greater influence and integrity.

Mikel Williamson, Christian, husband, father, bank CEO

Finance leaders serve in one of the most vital, and least understood, roles in any organization. Eric Alexander’s Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants reframes the CFO not as a gatekeeper, but as a faithful steward. I’ve seen Eric speak on stewardship leadership numerous times, and his message is compelling precisely because it is authentic. He lives the principles he writes about. This book is an important and timely reminder that the best finance leaders serve first, lead with integrity, and protect what truly matters.

William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., President & CEO, SW Graduate School of Banking

Finance leaders serve in one of the most vital, and least understood, roles in any organization. Eric Alexander’s Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants reframes the CFO not as a gatekeeper, but as a faithful steward. I’ve seen Eric speak on stewardship leadership numerous times, and his message is compelling precisely because it is authentic. He lives the principles he writes about. This book is an important and timely reminder that the best finance leaders serve first, lead with integrity, and protect what truly matters.

William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., President & CEO, SW Graduate School of Banking

Alexander draws on history’s most prominent leadership minds, while adding an impactful personal touch rooted in decades of experience. He delivers a message perfectly tailored for CFOs and hits the nail on the head when it comes to leadership.

Ryan McCool , speaker and author of It’s Not About You! Discovering Selfless Leadership

Alexander draws on history’s most prominent leadership minds, while adding an impactful personal touch rooted in decades of experience. He delivers a message perfectly tailored for CFOs and hits the nail on the head when it comes to leadership.

Ryan McCool, speaker and author of It’s Not About You! Discovering Selfless Leadership

Finance professionals are often unsung heroes. They provide CEOs, through their responsible stewardship, the freedom to pursue the “blue sky ” vision for the organization, and the grounding and support to build the future that’s envisioned. This book serves as a perfect companion for CFOs and other steward leaders in every season of that pursuit.

Christopher L. Williston, VI , President and CEO, Independent Bankers Association of Texas

Finance professionals are often unsung heroes. They provide CEOs, through their responsible stewardship, the freedom to pursue the “blue sky” vision for the organization, and the grounding and support to build the future that’s envisioned.  This book serves as a perfect companion for CFOs and other steward leaders in every season of that pursuit.

Christopher L. Williston, VI, President and CEO, Independent Bankers Association of Texas

In nearly forty 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.

Dory Wiley , CPA, CVA, CFA, President & CEO, Commerce Street Holdings

In nearly forty 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.

Dory Wiley, CPA, CVA, CFA, President & CEO, Commerce Street Holdings

Finance leaders are often the most essential and least celebrated people in any organization. Eric Alexander has lived that reality for decades — as CFO of a premier community bank and now as a coach and advisor to the leaders who carry that weight. This book earns its title. Eric writes with the hard-won wisdom of someone who has actually sat in the chair, made the hard calls, and served the mission beyond the numbers.

Dory Wiley , CPA, CVA, CFA, President & CEO, Commerce Street Holdings

Finance leaders are often the most essential and least celebrated people in any organization. Eric Alexander has lived that reality for decades — as CFO of a premier community bank and now as a coach and advisor to the leaders who carry that weight. This book earns its title. Eric writes with the hard-won wisdom of someone who has actually sat in the chair, made the hard calls, and served the mission beyond the numbers.

Dory Wiley, CPA, CVA, CFA, President & CEO, Commerce Street Holdings

I first heard Eric Alexander speak at a banking conference and knew within minutes I was listening to someone who understood leadership the way I believe it ought to be understood —as a stewardship entrusted to us, never owned by us. Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants delivers that same conviction in book form: practical and actionable for any finance leader, grounded in character, and leavened with the kind of self-deprecating humor that only someone who truly loves the profession can pull off. This is a generous and genuinely useful book.

Elizabeth H. Cottrell , author of HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire , and former Board Chair, First Bank/First National Corporation

I first heard Eric Alexander speak at a banking conference and knew within minutes I was listening to someone who understood leadership the way I believe it ought to be understood—as a stewardship entrusted to us, never owned by us. Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants delivers that same conviction in book form: practical and actionable for any finance leader, grounded in character, and leavened with the kind of self-deprecating humor that only someone who truly loves the profession can pull off. This is a generous and genuinely useful book.

Elizabeth H. Cottrell, author of HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire, and former Board Chair, First Bank/First National Corporation

Stewardship leadership is accountability in action, and in this must-read book, Eric Alexander challenges accountants to rise above the numbers and lead with responsibility, ownership, and impact

Sam Silverstein , speaker, author, and CEO and founder of The Accountability Institute

Stewardship leadership is accountability in action, and in this must-read book, Eric Alexander challenges accountants to rise above the numbers and lead with responsibility, ownership, and impact

Sam Silverstein, speaker, author, and CEO and founder of The Accountability Institute 

Eric is an outstanding leader and exceptionally smart professional whom I had the privilege of working with at KPMG and later as CFO of a regional bank where I served on the board. Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants is a must-read —insightful, practical, and engaging for accountants and business leaders alike.

Frank Marrs , former KPMG Vice Chairman and bank board member

Eric is an outstanding leader and exceptionally smart professional whom I had the privilege of working with at KPMG and later as CFO of a regional bank where I served on the board. Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants is a must-read—insightful, practical, and engaging for accountants and business leaders alike.

Frank Marrs, former KPMG Vice Chairman and bank board member

Teasers

Intro.

Pt. 1

Intro.

Pt. 2

Intro.

Pt. 3

Chapter 1

Stewardship

Chapter 2

Leadership

Chapter 3

Character

Chapter 4

Communicate

Chapter 5

Protect

Chapter 6

Strategy

Chapter 7

Collaboration

Chapter 8

Finance Function Transformation

Chapter 9

Organizational Transformation

Chapter 10

Accountability

Chapter 11

The Weight of Your Role

Chapter 12

Remembering What Is Important

Chapter 13

Owning Your Role

Chapter 14

Cultivating Strong Relationships

Chapter 15

Growing in Your Supporting Strengths

Epilogue

My Journey

Gratitude

Suggestions for Further Reading

Endnotes

It’s getting noticed!

FP&A Unlocked

Podcast – 9/16/2026

Business RadioX

Podcast – 9/8/2026

Today's CPA (TxCPA magazine)

Spotlight Article – 9/3/2026

Making Sense with Michael J

Interview – 8/19/2026

Accent West

Magazine –  August 2026

Journal of Accountancy

Podcast – 8/6/2026

The Comms Current

LinkedIn article – 7/31/2026

Lean Into Excellence

Podcast – 7/10/2026

Bankers Digest

Newsletter/website – 7/20/2026

Main Street Banking

Podcast – 7/1/2026

FM Magazine

Podcast – 7/1/2026

Reviews

Well written and informational

Written in a witty yet informational tone, Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO sheds light on the inner workings of how a successful CFO operates. As a recent graduate aspiring to one day be a CFO, I've learned a lot about the responsibilities and subtleties of the role and how to steward it properly. If you've ever wanted to "pick the brain" of a high-functioning yet morally grounded CFO, this book is for you.

Well written and informational

Written in a witty yet informational tone, Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO sheds light on the inner workings of how a successful CFO operates. As a recent graduate aspiring to one day be a CFO, I've learned a lot about the responsibilities and subtleties of the role and how to steward it properly. If you've ever wanted to "pick the brain" of a high-functioning yet morally grounded CFO, this book is for you.

Gavin Rinehardt 2026-08-08

Lots to learn from this book

There are several valuable lessons to take away from this book. It reads well and keeps your interest. You can tell Eric has experienced most of the lessons he discusses in this book.

Lots to learn from this book

There are several valuable lessons to take away from this book. It reads well and keeps your interest. You can tell Eric has experienced most of the lessons he discusses in this book.

Amazon customer (unidentified) 2026-08-13

A generous and genuinely useful book...

I first heard Eric Alexander speak at a banking conference and knew within minutes I was listening to someone who understood leadership the way I believe it ought to be understood —as a stewardship entrusted to us, never owned by us.

Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants delivers that same conviction in book form: practical and actionable for any finance leader, grounded in character, and leavened with the kind of self-deprecating humor that only someone who truly loves the profession can pull off.

This is a generous and genuinely useful book.

A generous and genuinely useful book...

I first heard Eric Alexander speak at a banking conference and knew within minutes I was listening to someone who understood leadership the way I believe it ought to be understood—as a stewardship entrusted to us, never owned by us.

Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants delivers that same conviction in book form: practical and actionable for any finance leader, grounded in character, and leavened with the kind of self-deprecating humor that only someone who truly loves the profession can pull off.

This is a generous and genuinely useful book.

Elizabeth H. Cottrell Am Review (2026-07-31)

Leadership Through the Lens of Stewardship

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Eric's book. What resonated most with me was his perspective on leadership through the lens of stewardship. He makes the case that great leadership is about more than managing an organization's resources. It is about stewarding the organization itself, its people and culture. The book is filled with practical wisdom, engaging stories, and humor.

I highly recommend it to anyone who leads people, manages resources, or occasionally has to work with a "stinkin' accountant."

Leadership Through the Lens of Stewardship

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Eric's book. What resonated most with me was his perspective on leadership through the lens of stewardship. He makes the case that great leadership is about more than managing an organization's resources. It is about stewarding the organization itself, its people and culture. The book is filled with practical wisdom, engaging stories, and humor.

I highly recommend it to anyone who leads people, manages resources, or occasionally has to work with a "stinkin' accountant."

William C (Bill Ch) 2026-08-06

A Powerful Guide to Stewardship Leadership

Having served for many years as Treasurer of a community bank (before the CFO title became commonplace), I’ve always enjoyed the numbers side of the business and understanding how different decisions impact financial outcomes. What I appreciated most about Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants is that it goes beyond the numbers. Eric reminds finance professionals that our greatest value isn’t simply reporting results —it’s providing leadership, earning trust, and helping organizations achieve their mission.

The book is practical, relatable, and often refreshingly candid. Eric combines real-world experience with a leadership philosophy centered on stewardship, service, accountability, and relationships. He challenges finance leaders to broaden their perspective and recognize the influence they have throughout an organization.

Whether you are a CFO, Treasurer, controller, accountant, or an aspiring financial leader, there is something valuable here. Eric’s message is both timely and timeless: technical expertise matters, but leadership, character, and stewardship are what ultimately make the biggest difference.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to become not just a better finance professional, but a better leader.

A Powerful Guide to Stewardship Leadership

Having served for many years as Treasurer of a community bank (before the CFO title became commonplace), I’ve always enjoyed the numbers side of the business and understanding how different decisions impact financial outcomes. What I appreciated most about Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants is that it goes beyond the numbers. Eric reminds finance professionals that our greatest value isn’t simply reporting results—it’s providing leadership, earning trust, and helping organizations achieve their mission.

The book is practical, relatable, and often refreshingly candid. Eric combines real-world experience with a leadership philosophy centered on stewardship, service, accountability, and relationships. He challenges finance leaders to broaden their perspective and recognize the influence they have throughout an organization.

Whether you are a CFO, Treasurer, controller, accountant, or an aspiring financial leader, there is something valuable here. Eric’s message is both timely and timeless: technical expertise matters, but leadership, character, and stewardship are what ultimately make the biggest difference.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to become not just a better finance professional, but a better leader.

Andrew (Silsby) 2026-07-31

Numbers AND Humanity

Eric is one of the rare "finance folks" that can actually speak to humans! And he does so very well! This book blends the analytical side of numbers into practical holistic tools to lead in a numbers-heavy field...whatever that may be. These are also tools forged in the fires of real life and experience...not the ivory tower of academia or AI or anything else. It's time-tested and that goes a long long way.

Numbers AND Humanity

Eric is one of the rare "finance folks" that can actually speak to humans! And he does so very well! This book blends the analytical side of numbers into practical holistic tools to lead in a numbers-heavy field...whatever that may be. These are also tools forged in the fires of real life and experience...not the ivory tower of academia or AI or anything else. It's time-tested and that goes a long long way.

Byron E. (2026-08-05)

Great Read

I had the pleasure of working with Eric at Happy State Bank and I can tell you that he lives and breathes everything he's written in this book! I learned so much from him during that time and now I can continue learning from him.

I really like the way this book feels like you're just sitting down with Eric and having a discussion about stewardship. It's an easy read with lots of actionable takeaways. Most people think that being a leader is just how to manage people but Eric explains why it's so much more than that. Highly recommend!

Great Read

I had the pleasure of working with Eric at Happy State Bank and I can tell you that he lives and breathes everything he's written in this book! I learned so much from him during that time and now I can continue learning from him.

I really like the way this book feels like you're just sitting down with Eric and having a discussion about stewardship. It's an easy read with lots of actionable takeaways. Most people think that being a leader is just how to manage people but Eric explains why it's so much more than that. Highly recommend!

JDM (Lisa M) (2026-07-31)

Applicable to all industries and walks of life!

Eric Alexander has a unique writing style that is conversational in tone and powerful in messaging. While tailored to the finance world, his steward leadership philosophy is applicable to all industries and all walks of life.

Applicable to all industries and walks of life!

Eric Alexander has a unique writing style that is conversational in tone and powerful in messaging. While tailored to the finance world, his steward leadership philosophy is applicable to all industries and all walks of life.

Ryan M (2026-08-02)

Stewardship. Leadership: wise lessons no matter what your profession

Eric weaves together many wise lessons in this book... conveyed in a warm, personable way. If you want to be a better leader and a better person, it's a great read no matter what your profession.

Stewardship. Leadership: wise lessons no matter what your profession

Eric weaves together many wise lessons in this book... conveyed in a warm, personable way. If you want to be a better leader and a better person, it's a great read no matter what your profession.

Martha B Piland (2026-08-03)

We living in this ungrounded day and age need more books of grounded wisdom like this

This book is both essential and necessary reading for the next generation of leaders. Not just leaders in finance, but leaders in every domain. Eric's ability to convey timeless, important truths with warmth and humor makes for a just plain fun read too. Would highly recommend this to anyone who is looking to grow in their calling as a steward leader.

We living in this ungrounded day and age need more books of grounded wisdom like this

This book is both essential and necessary reading for the next generation of leaders. Not just leaders in finance, but leaders in every domain. Eric's ability to convey timeless, important truths with warmth and humor makes for a just plain fun read too. Would highly recommend this to anyone who is looking to grow in their calling as a steward leader.

Lee A (2026-08-02)

Highly recommend!

Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants is much more than a book about finance or accounting. It’s a practical guide to leading with a stewardship mindset. Eric does an outstanding job of connecting Christian principles with the realities of finance and showing how our beliefs should shape the way we lead, serve, and make decisions at work.

As someone in finance, I found the book both encouraging and motivating. It challenged me to think differently about my role and inspired me to apply these foundational principles in my own career. Whether you’re a CFO, finance professional, or leader in any field, you’ll find wisdom that extends far beyond the numbers.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to grow as both a leader and a finance professional.

Highly recommend!

Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants is much more than a book about finance or accounting. It’s a practical guide to leading with a stewardship mindset. Eric does an outstanding job of connecting Christian principles with the realities of finance and showing how our beliefs should shape the way we lead, serve, and make decisions at work.

As someone in finance, I found the book both encouraging and motivating. It challenged me to think differently about my role and inspired me to apply these foundational principles in my own career. Whether you’re a CFO, finance professional, or leader in any field, you’ll find wisdom that extends far beyond the numbers.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to grow as both a leader and a finance professional.

"Laura" (Ethan P 2026-08-02)
Order on Amazon