KEMPA CONSULTING LLC
yourcfosource.com
CFO HIRING TIPS - WHAT TO LOOK FOR
-Can they be a confident to me? Or do they talk too much.
-Do they have the ability to work within the trees but also see the forest. Details are important but you also have to see where you are going. Financial forecasting / monitoring to results is critical to any business.
-Will they tell me what I should hear not what I want to hear?
-Make sure you share a few of your current challenges and see if they respond and give you examples of how they have addressed them in the past. While some of your issues are unique to your business the majority are not. You want somebody who has been there done that successfully.
-Are they afraid of getting dirt under their fingernails? Will they get to know your systems? Sign into your accounting systems? Be actively involved is discovering and implementing solutions?
-Can they give solid examples of how they have assisted organizations to improve financial results?
-Are they familiar with my company’s industry?
-Make sure they have a good command of the Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint. Also ask them if they are familiar with any database tool such as Microsoft PowerBI. You want somebody with computer technical skills. It makes them operate efficiently and gets maximum value from them.
-Do they carry credentials from solid educational institutions? Online / management programs and open admission schools are nice add on’s but they don not take the place of degrees from rigorous educational institutions.
-Do they spend to much time telling you who they know / what clubs they belong to / what they drive etc…. versus what they have accomplished in their area of financial expertise.
-Can they be a good teacher and help grow my staff. Examples are always important here!