The purpose of the mixed-method Delphi study is to identify the financial leadership competencies considered most important in operating public higher education institutions. The current study also determined whether differences existed in the perceptions of participants' age, level of education, years of service as a president, the number of higher education institutions presided over as president, and the type of institution represented. Participants had an opportunity to make comments and remark on the opinions of other participants for each competency statement. A pilot study was conducted for validity and credibility purposes of the survey instrument. The main study was conducted using 14 presidential leaders from the University System of Georgia. Data were collected using three-round series of questionnaires to establish consensus on the financial leadership competencies. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the results from the importance ratings of the participants. A high level of agreement was reached on the majority of the financial leadership competencies. Participants agreed that "understand financial planning and preparation, understand financial health, resolve financial institution matters, understand governance and state appropriations, and understand budgeting cutbacks and deficits" were the most important financial leadership competencies necessary for presidential leaders to operate public colleges and universities. Participants shared concerns for presidential leaders to maintain strong business relations with financial executives of the institution. Suggested by the results of the current study is that financial leadership competencies are necessary in higher education. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]