It’s all about the people.
The right Financial Controller is critical for your organisation's financial health. They are the architect of your financial well-being, steering you towards stability and growth. This role demands a unique blend of expertise: technical accounting proficiency, strategic thinking, and strong leadership abilities.
To help you identify the perfect fit, here are ten key questions tailored for Financial Controller roles:
Technical Questions:
What are the key financial regulations and standards applicable in Australia that a Financial Controller must be aware of?
This assesses their knowledge of local compliance requirements and regulatory environment.
Can you explain the financial reporting requirements under Australian Accounting Standards (AASB) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)?
Evaluates their understanding of specific reporting standards they will need to adhere to.
Describe your experience with financial audits. How do you ensure a smooth audit process?
Looks at their technical proficiency and experience in handling audits.
How do you manage and control the financial risks within an organisation?
Assesses their risk management skills and strategic approach to mitigating financial risks.
Explain your experience with financial planning and analysis. How do you contribute to the company’s financial strategy?
Tests their ability to link financial control with broader strategic planning.
Behavioural Questions:
Tell me about a time when you had to lead a team through a financial crisis. How did you ensure a positive outcome?
Evaluates leadership skills and ability to manage crises effectively.
How do you prioritise your tasks when you have multiple financial reports and deadlines to meet?
Assesses time management and organisational skills.
Describe a situation where you had to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. How did you ensure they understood it?
Tests their communication skills and ability to simplify complex financial data.
What steps do you take to stay current with the latest trends and developments in financial management?
Looks at their commitment to continuous learning and staying current in their field.
Can you provide an example of a time when you identified a significant financial discrepancy? How did you address it?
Evaluates their analytical skills and proactive approach to identifying and resolving financial issues.
Bonus Tip: To gauge the candidate's analytical and problem-solving skills, consider asking a situational question based on a recent financial news story relevant to your industry.
We hope these questions help you identify the ideal candidate. For further insights, recruitment needs, or to understand the current market, please reach out to one of our Directors, Richard Holmes, on 0403 513 720 or richardh@hprconsulting.com
