Recruiting candidates in the finance industry

•  Prepare reports such as balance sheets, profit and loss statements, revenue forecasts, budgets, and cash-flow statements

•  Identify and investigate any financial discrepancies and take the proper corrective actions to resolve them

•  Conduct month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes to ensure completeness and accuracy of information

•  Master’s degree in accounting, business accounting, or finance

•  Extensive knowledge of GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles in the US) and of corporate finance principles and procedures

•  Working knowledge of accounting software platforms and natural proficiency with or passion for math

•  Provide comprehensive financial updates to senior management by evaluating, analyzing, and reporting appropriate data points

•  Manage and monitor all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate standards and regulatory requirements of loans, government contracts, and more

•  Implement consistent accounting policies, practices, and procedures across all programs, and uphold federal, state, and local legal standards by remaining knowledgeable about existing, new, and future legislation

•  Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or related field with 10+ years proven accounting experience and 5+ years experience as a senior-level accounting or finance manager

•  Proven payroll experience, with a focus on streamlining accounting processes and working knowledge of federal, state, and local tax compliance regulations and reporting

•  Professional accounting certification, including CMA, CGA, or CA

•  Maintain confidential, protected databases to monitor business performance, and provide management with insights into risks or opportunities

•  Uphold standards through quarterly reporting and thorough internal reporting and analysis of financial data

•  Work directly with stakeholders on various planning exercises, such as forecasts, budgets, profitability analysis, and reporting

•  Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field

•  Proficient with financial software applications and working knowledge of statistical analysis processes and statistical packages

•  Proven experience in a corporate finance setting and strong familiarity with account, tax, and e-commerce legislation

•  Handle transactions, including payments, cashier’s checks, and opening and closing of accounts

•  Provide customer service and information on new products, directing customers to branch representatives, if needed

•  Work with the head teller to reconcile cash drawers at the end of a shift and count and package coins and currency

•  High school diploma or equivalent, bachelor’s degree preferred

•  Knowledge of word processing software, cash-handling experience, and basic math and computer skills

•  Excellent communication, customer service, time management, and upselling or other sales experience

•  Work with senior management to develop proposal budgets, provide access to project finance information, and manage contracts and reports

•  Research revenue opportunities and economic trends, analyze internal operations, identify areas of cost reduction and process enhancement

•  Perform risk management through analysis of company liabilities and investments. 

•  Master’s degree in accounting, business accounting, or finance along with 5+ years experience in an executive leadership position

•  Leadership skills and exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills

•  Understanding of advanced accounting, regulatory issues, and tax planning along with a working knowledge of raising capital beyond  traditional lines of credit

Use keywords like “thanks,” “exclusive invitation,” “connect,” “job opportunity,” and “join us.”

Candidates don’t respond well to “look at the job and tell me if you’re interested” messages. Instead, have a conversation about their career path and goals.

Choose words that reflect your personal voice and express a genuine interest in helping candidates with their professional goals.

•  Showcase real employees and the vibrant work environment 
•  Promote perks like work-life balance or volunteer days

•  Show a personal experience that candidates can relate to
•  Demonstrate that you’re an employer that values its staff

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Question

What types of accounting software and ERP systems have you used?

What this evaluates

Determine if a candidate can easily integrate into a company — and If they don’t have experience, ensure they’re willing to learn.

Question

Tell me about a time when you made an accounting error. How did you handle it?

What this evaluates

Everyone makes mistakes. So, make sure to look for an answer that shows what the candidate learned and their approach to solving the problem.

Question

How would you present financial data to non-financial staff?

What this evaluates

This question helps you screen for communication skills. Look for someone who’s patient and who can break down big ideas.

Question

What would you do if you found discrepancies provided by a company executive?

What this evaluates

Most financial controllers report to the CEO, CFO, or board of directors and it’s important that they have a strict code of ethics and value honesty.

Question

How have you prepared for and dealt with organizational changes in the past?

What this evaluates

Management changes can challenge a company’s readiness, but a good controller will have a plan in place to minimize risks.

Question

How do you stay current with industry trends and technologies?

What this evaluates

Controllers should be curious about their industry. Look for an interest in emerging financial news, stock trends, and other industry-specific topics.

Question

Tell me about how the reports you generated in your last position were used.

What this evaluates

All financial analysts rely on reports. Listen for references to the data fields and sources used, their written commentary, and economic forecasting.

Question

Talk about a time you had an insight that helped your company make a better decision.

What this evaluates

For financial analysts, an intuitive feel for metrics is important. Look for signs that they seek out insights and are confident sharing ideas.

Question

How do you maintain accuracy and quality control in your work?

What this evaluates

Errors can cost money and time, so listen closely for details about review processes and how they cross-check numbers.

Question

What do you do to detect fraudulent checks and counterfeit money?

What this evaluates

Fraud can cost banks a lot of money, so preventing fraud is important. Look for a candidate who is vigilant and pays attention to details.

Question

Talk about a time you went above and beyond to provide customer service.

What this evaluates

Candidates who take pride in their work look for ways to go beyond for customers. Listen for signs that they enjoy making people feel valued.

Question

When you’re handling a large amount of money, how do you ensure accuracy?

What this evaluates

Look for an answer that shows they have a way to ensure accuracy and that they understand the importance of doing so.

Question

How do you approach annual budgeting and forecasting?

What this evaluates

Budgeting and forecasting are key components of a CFO’s job. You’ll want to look for references analyzing both internal and external data.

Question

Tell me about a time you simplified an accounting process.

What this evaluates

Good CFOs look for ways to optimize processes, so listen for signs that your candidate takes an innovative approach to their work.

Question

How would you communicate bad news to the board of directors?

What this evaluates

CFOs must engage with the company’s board of directors regularly and they should be committed to transparency and building trust.