How to Hire & Find a New CFO for Your Company

Why You Need to Hire a CFO

Hiring a Chief Financial Officer can make or break the well-being of any organization. It’s important to understand how your CFO can move the needle for your business. This is because the chief financial officer brings a level of financial expertise that is essential for making sound financial decisions and managing risk. Additionally, this professional can help you develop and execute a financial strategy that aligns with your overall business strategy. While not all companies have someone in this position, the ones that do experience more success in navigating complex financial situations, such as mergers and acquisitions or funding rounds.

Now that we’ve covered what one is, let’s dive more deeply into when to hire a CFO and the steps to take to make this new adjustment as smooth as possible.

Define the Role of the CFO

Before you begin your search for a CFO for hire, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what the role will be in your organization. For instance, will they be responsible for financial planning and analysis, accounting and reporting, or both? Will they be part of the executive team and involved in strategic decision-making? These are all questions that need to be answered before you even begin considering how to find a financial professional.

Create a Job Description

Based on the role definitions, create a job description that will guide you on how to hire a CFO. Curate an outline of the key responsibilities, qualifications, and experience required for the position. Be specific about the type of person you’re looking for and the skills they need to possess. Make sure to highlight any mandatory requirements, such as a CPA or CFA designation. Expand on a variety of details, such as explaining if you need a full time CFO or not.

Use Your Network

One of the best ways to find a qualified financial executive is to leverage your network. Reach out to industry contacts, including other executives, recruiters, and professional organizations, and let them know that you’re looking for a Chief Financial Officer. You can also use LinkedIn to search for potential candidates and connect with them directly.

Consider Using a Recruiting Firm

If you’re having trouble finding qualified candidates and don’t know how to find a new CFO, consider using a recruiting firm that specializes in financial leadership positions. These firms have extensive networks and can help you identify top candidates that might not be actively looking for a new job.

Conduct Interviews

Once you’ve identified a pool of qualified candidates and figured out how to hire a CFO, it’s time to conduct interviews. Be prepared to ask tough questions about their experience, qualifications, and leadership style. You should also ask about their approach to financial management and decision-making. This will give you a sense of whether they’re a good fit for your organization.

Check References

Before making an offer, it’s important to check references to ensure that the candidate has a track record of success in similar roles. Speak to former colleagues, supervisors, and other references to get a sense of their work style, accomplishments, and areas for improvement.

Make an Offer

If you’ve found the right candidate, it’s time to make an offer. Be sure to negotiate salary and benefits, and make sure that the candidate is comfortable with the terms of the offer. Once the offer has been accepted, it’s time to start planning for a successful transition.