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Hiring a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a big decision and it takes a lot of consideration before making the leap. The right CFO can help you manage growth, make smarter financial decisions, and protect your company’s future. But finding the right person takes more than just reviewing resumes. This guide will walk you through how to interview a CFO, what to ask, and how to know if you’ve found the right fit.
What to Know Before You Interview a CFO for Your Business
If you’re asking yourself, “How do I prepare for a CFO interview?” We have some tips. For instance, before you start interviews, get clear on why you’re hiring a CFO. Are you planning for fast growth? Are you looking to improve your financial control? Are you preparing for a sale, audit, or investor pitch?
The answers will shape the type of chief financial officer you need. Some are great at raising capital. Others shine in cutting costs or leading a team through rapid change.
Furthermore, you should clarify the type of chief financial officer you need. Part-time? Full-time? Or perhaps you need a fractional executive or are considering an outsourced CFO service. Not all CFOs have the same strengths or perform the same way (depending on your business needs and structure), so knowing what you need makes your search more focused.
How to Define the Right CFO Role for Your Company
Write a clear job description that reflects your needs and the stage of your business. Startups often need a financial executive who can build systems and wear many hats. Established companies may need someone focused on long-term strategy or preparing for an IPO.
As you consider how to interview a CFO, focus on these key things that should be defined:
- What problems do you expect the CFO to solve?
- What financial systems or reports do you want them to oversee?
- Will they manage outside relationships with banks, investors, or auditors?
When the role is defined clearly, it helps candidates determine if they’re the right fit, and it helps you identify the best match.
The Best Questions to Ask a CFO in an Interview
When it comes to questions to ask a CFO in an interview, go beyond standard inquiries. Instead, ask about how they approach problems and make decisions. Get them to explain not just what they did, but how they thought through it.
A few strong questions include:
- “Walk me through a time you helped a company through a tough financial period.”
- “How do you balance financial discipline with supporting growth?”
- “Tell me about a time you had to make a difficult call with limited data.”
These kinds of questions help reveal how the CFO thinks under pressure.
Interview Questions to Test a CFO’s Strategic Thinking
Ask questions that show whether a CFO candidate sees the big picture. You want someone who can connect financial data to real outcomes.
Try these interview questions for a CFO:
- “What KPIs would you prioritize in a company like ours?”
- “If our revenue doubles, what financial challenges might we face?”
- “What’s your approach to helping a business expand into a new market?”
Their answers will help you see how well they understand your goals and how to support them.
Use Real-World Scenarios to Assess CFO Problem-Solving
Learning how to interview a CFO candidate is all about determining whether they would be a good fit for your company. Therefore, give them a real or hypothetical scenario from your business. Ask how they’d handle it.
For example:
- “If our cash flow dips by 30% next quarter, what would your first steps be?”
- “How would you evaluate whether we’re ready to open a second location?”
You’ll learn how quickly they assess risk, what questions they ask, and how their thinking aligns with yours.
How to Evaluate a CFO’s Communication and Leadership Style
Strong financial skills are only one part of the job. A great CFO also needs to explain complex ideas in simple terms. They must lead a team, communicate with investors, and collaborate with department heads.
Ask:
- “How do you communicate financial results to a non-financial audience?”
- “What’s your approach to mentoring finance staff?”
Listen for clarity, confidence, and the ability to build trust.
Hiring a Strategic CFO Who Can Support Long-Term Growth
A good CFO is forward-thinking. They shouldn’t just report what’s happened; they should help guide what comes next. Look for signs that the candidate understands how finance is connected to the broader business strategy.
They should be comfortable talking about:
- Financial forecasting
- Risk management
- Budgeting for future growth
Their insights should help shape business decisions, not just support them.
Why Cultural Fit Matters When Hiring a CFO
Even a highly skilled financial officer can cause friction if they don’t align with your values or team culture. Use part of the interview to talk about how they approach leadership, ethics, and company dynamics.
You might ask:
- “How do you make sure your team stays aligned with company values?”
- “Have you ever disagreed with a CEO? How did you handle it?”
You want someone who shares your values and communicates respectfully, even when there’s tension.
How to Identify Red Flags When Interviewing a CFO
As you continue to learn how to interview a CFO, be sure to watch for warning signs during the interview process. These include:
- Avoiding direct answers
- Overusing jargon
- Blaming others for past failures
- Struggling to explain financial terms clearly
If a candidate seems defensive or vague when asked hard questions, that may reflect how they’d handle stress or disagreement on the job.
Use a Practical Exercise to Evaluate CFO Candidates
A hands-on exercise can be one of the best ways to evaluate how a CFO thinks and works. Give them a mock problem to solve or a set of numbers to review. Ask them to present their thinking and recommendations.
This shows:
- How they handle pressure
- How clearly they explain ideas
- Whether they ask the right questions
You’ll also get a preview of what working with them might feel like day to day.
Final Tips for Interviewing a CFO with Confidence and Clarity
Hiring a CFO is not just about finding someone with experience. It’s about choosing a strategic partner. Look for someone who understands your goals, brings clarity to your finances, and fits into your leadership team.
Take time to prepare the right questions. Focus on real-world thinking. And trust your instincts, especially when it comes to communication, trust, and long-term alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Interview a CFO
What should I include in a CFO interview panel?
It’s a good idea to include more than just the CEO in the interview process. You might involve board members, department heads, or someone from HR. This provides a more well-rounded view of how the candidate communicates across roles and handles various types of questions.
How long should a CFO interview process take?
While timing depends on your urgency and company size, most searches for chief financial officers involve multiple rounds over a few weeks. Begin with a screening call, then proceed to in-depth interviews, followed by a presentation or a working session with your team.
Is it normal to ask a CFO candidate for a financial presentation?
Yes. It’s common to ask final-round candidates to present a financial strategy, budget plan, or analysis. This helps you evaluate their thinking, communication skills, and how they’d operate in your business environment.
What’s the difference between interviewing for a full-time CFO and a fractional CFO?
How to interview a CFO varies depending on what type of financial officer you need. For instance, full-time CFOs often need to be deeply embedded in company operations and culture. Fractional CFOs are usually more project-based or advisory. Your questions should reflect these differences. In interviews, focus more on availability, communication style, and relevant past experience for fractional candidates.
Can I use a recruiter or outside firm to help interview CFOs?
Yes. A financial recruiter or an accounting firm like TGG can help define the role, vet resumes, and even participate in the interview process. This can help you avoid common mistakes and speed up the hiring process with expert input.
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Matt Garrett is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TGG. He is a regular speaker across the country on behalf of Vistage educating business owners on the need for sound financial practices, and is Vice President of the Board of Directors of FINACA. Under Matt’s leadership, TGG has received the following recognition: INC. 5000 top companies in the U.S. five years in a row; one of “San Diego’s Fastest Growing Companies” the past four years; and is among San Diego’s “Best Places to Work.”
