Technical Questions:
What are the key financial metrics and KPIs you focus on when creating financial plans and forecasts?
This assesses their understanding of critical performance indicators and how they influence financial planning.
Can you walk me through your financial modelling and scenario analysis approach?
Evaluates their technical proficiency in financial modelling and ability to anticipate different business outcomes.
Describe a time when you implemented a new budgeting process. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Looks at their experience with process improvement and problem-solving abilities in budgeting.
How do you ensure accuracy and reliability in your financial forecasts?
Assesses their attention to detail and methodologies for maintaining forecast accuracy.
Explain how you manage and analyse large financial data sets to provide actionable insights.
Tests their data management skills and ability to translate data into strategic insights.
Behavioural Questions:
Tell me about a time when you had to influence senior management to adopt a new financial strategy. How did you ensure their buy-in?
Evaluates leadership skills and ability to manage upwards and influence key stakeholders.
How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure during the financial planning and analysis cycle?
Assesses their time management and stress-handling capabilities.
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.
How do you stay updated with the latest financial planning and analysis tools and techniques?
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 trend that impacted the company’s strategy? How did you handle it?
Evaluates their analytical skills and proactive approach to strategic financial planning.
Bonus Tip: Consider asking a situational question based on a recent financial news story relevant to your industry to gauge the candidate's analytical and problem-solving skills.
We hope these questions help you identify the ideal FP&A Manager for your organisation.
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.