Second interview next week - with CFO

[r56mcs]

Hi all,

Regular poster but using a different username... usual story.

Applied for a finance role at an iconic British company and got through the first round last week. Invited to the second stage next week and this time the CFO will be in the interview, along with the guy that originally interviewed me. I know he's just a normal person like the rest of us, but I can't help but get nervous simply at the thought of it!

Has anyone got any useful info on how to prepare and also some anticipated questions? I guess the role of the CFO is about profitability/strategy/risk management etc so I can expect some questions around these areas.

I do have some reservations about the job as it's likely to mean relocation, but that's a whole different story.

Thanks in advance.

[andy-xr]

That's more the COO

CFO will probably drill you on P+L type stuff, and if there's an offer probably try and limit it.

I find working at C level nice, less to no middle management bullst bingo

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r56mcs said:

Has anyone got any useful info on how to prepare and also some anticipated questions? I guess the role of the CFO is about profitability/strategy/risk management etc so I can expect some questions around these areas.

The questions depend on what "level" the role is at. If you're being interviewed by the CFO I'm guessing it's either a very senior post OR it's a small company. If the role is senior management you would be expected to have the basic finance knowledge down to a tee (eg a thorough understanding of Comapanies Act, UK/US GAAP, IFRS). You may also need to be aware of forthcoming changes in legislation e.g. FRS102.

I would also suggest looking through their Annual Accounts and making sure you're comfortable with the format they're prepared under as well as identifying any key issues/trends. In general I'd be thinking about the following;

Experience of their accounting system (eg SAP, Oracle)
Experience of managing large multi-disciplinary finance departments
Experience of managing the annual audit
Experience of dealing with external stakeholders
Experience of presenting to the Board
Experience of corporate governance
Issues facing their particular industry

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andy-xr said:

That's more the COO

CFO will probably drill you on P+L type stuff, and if there's an offer probably try and limit it.

It varies from company to company. In every one that I've worked the CFO aka FD role has been responsible for profitability and risk management.

[davepoth]

If he's "C-suite" in a big name company, there's bound to be a profile of him in one of the business papers. Google him and find out as much about him as you can - management style, previous companies, whether you have anything in common outside of work, all that kind of thing. If you get onto less directly related to the job questions you might be able to slip all of that stuff into the conversation. It could make the difference.

[r56mcs]

Thanks for the responses.

It's not a particularly big company (approx 1,500 employees) but is very well-known worldwide.

The role is for a senior analyst position, so certainly not a management-role. I learnt today that the full two hours isn't with the CFO (phew!) so that takes the pressure off a bit. The internet, unfortuntely, doesn't give away much, but at least I have an idea of his background.

[Siscar]

In a British company it is more usual to use British terminology, outside of American subsidiaries we don't usually have CFO and CEO sorts of posts; we have Finance Director, Managing Director and so on. Now obviously they might be different but best to check to get the terminology right at interview.

[10 Pence Short]

r56mcs said:

The internet, unfortuntely, doesn't give away much, but at least I have an idea of his background.

If he's a director, go and look on Duedil and research his previous directorships. That'll give you an idea of his experience and industries. It can help you chit chat and keep it relevant to him.

[NDA]

I think personal chemistry plays a apart as well as understanding what information he needs to better make decisions in the business....

[Anubis]

It'll be to rubber stamp you joining.

He's the bloke actually funding you, so after a second chat with the hiring manager (your new boss) he'll want to make sure you're the right fit, so the CFO double checks - if they both still like you (I'm sure they will) with no major concerns then the job is in the bag.

From experience all the proper grilling is done in the first round. Second round (if there is one) is to see if your face fits / more personal.

Think of it this way; even the CFO had to start somewhere. He isn't God - he's just a person, so treat him as such and relax. Goodluck!

Edited by Anubis on Tuesday 25th March 15:16

[r56mcs]

Well, it went well enough - got offered the job this evening, via a phone call from the CFO himself!

I'd be leaving a VERY secure, but also not particularly stimulating job. The new role is a fantastic opportunity, but naturally there's an element of risk. And there's fact that I bought a house 8 months ago, which is something I'll also have to sort as the new office is not within commutable distance. What do the PH massive think? I think I know the answer!

[AstonZagato]

You only regret the things you don't do.