The interview is the most crucial part of the recruitment process. Your resume can only do so much to advertise your skills, ability, and experience. Face-to-face interaction with a potential employer gives them a chance to assess your strengths and weaknesses and gives you the chance to showcase your skills, passion, experience, and work ethic.
- How do you keep up to date with changes in financial sector trends? …
- What size budgets have you worked with, and what do you find challenging about budgeting? …
- What are the key elements to successful financial planning and budgeting?
Top 20 Director of Finance Interview Questions and Answers for 2022
3. Consider the Interviewer’s Point of View
One way to turn the odds in your favor is to empathize with the interviewer. Put yourself in their shoes and consider what their main concerns are during the hiring process. Make sure to ask questions, demonstrate a genuine interest in the role, and show a willingness to learn about the company. Be prepared to answer follow-up questions that prove you can deliver as expected.
What skills help you perform in this role?
Employers ask this question to make sure your skillset aligns with the kind of candidate they are looking for. Successful financial directors tend to have strong leadership, problem-solving, critical-thinking, interpersonal and organizational skills. When preparing your response to this interview question, carefully read through the job description. Highlight several skills that the employer included in the job description that you have.
Example: “I would have to say my leadership skills can help me succeed in this role. I am someone who can motivate and support a team of financial professionals. I find that I have always volunteered to lead projects and work initiatives, making me ready to take on this leadership position. Another skill that helps me perform in this role is my extensive financial knowledge. Throughout my education and career, I have become an expert in financial planning and budgeting, making me the right candidate for this role.”
A financial director has a lot of responsibilities, from managing a team of financial professionals to overseeing the financial health of the company. Employers ask this interview question to see if you have some strategies to stay motivated while having many job duties to uphold. Use your answer to show that you are a highly motivated person. Share two or three ways you stay motivated, whether that be practicing healthy habits or creating your own reward system.
Example: “I find that my motivation comes from within, which is why I created a reward system for myself. For every goal I accomplish, I reward myself by purchasing a new book from my favorite bookstore. I am a life-long learner, so this reward system feeds my love for reading and knowledge. Another way I stay motivated is by ensuring I get enough sleep. By sticking to a consistent sleeping schedule, I can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to focus on my work.”
Answers to the Most Common Director of Finance Interview Questions
When you apply for a director of finance role, recruiters will want to assess your financial management abilities, your soft skills, and your overall compatibility with the company. We’ve compiled the most common technical, behavioral, and general interview questions with sample answers.
