Group FD - Interview Questions?
Discussion
Hi folks
I've been shortlisted for an interview for the above role. It's with a Housing Association with an approximate annual turnover of £65m. As part of my preparation I'm thinking about all the possible questions I might be asked and, given the preponderance of Company Directors on PH, I am hoping to be able pick some brains. AIUI 1st interview is with Chief Exec and 2 Directors.
Basically what sort of questions would you ask if you were recruiting for the above role ?
Thanks in advance.
I've been shortlisted for an interview for the above role. It's with a Housing Association with an approximate annual turnover of £65m. As part of my preparation I'm thinking about all the possible questions I might be asked and, given the preponderance of Company Directors on PH, I am hoping to be able pick some brains. AIUI 1st interview is with Chief Exec and 2 Directors.
Basically what sort of questions would you ask if you were recruiting for the above role ?
Thanks in advance.
PugwasHDJ80 said:
doubt it'll be alot different than Qs for an everyday FD role- which can't be far from your previous role.
FC role at the moment. This role would be perfect for me (for various reasons) but I understand theyve had a fair few applications. I'm just trying to think of EVERY possible Question.that's a big step! But go for it.....
guess competency will be core for this- first group FD role will always be a risk to an employer.
am presuming that your technical skillls are up to scratch (and lets be honest the difference between FC/FD/Group Fd are very small), then you will be into influencing, staff management, change etc.
might we worth trying to work out what sort of organisiation they are- wil they be looking for an entreprenuerial accoountant or a very straight "SOX" type of accountant! that should guy you as to what sort of group FD role you need to fulfill!
guess competency will be core for this- first group FD role will always be a risk to an employer.
am presuming that your technical skillls are up to scratch (and lets be honest the difference between FC/FD/Group Fd are very small), then you will be into influencing, staff management, change etc.
might we worth trying to work out what sort of organisiation they are- wil they be looking for an entreprenuerial accoountant or a very straight "SOX" type of accountant! that should guy you as to what sort of group FD role you need to fulfill!
Hi folks - thanks for all your advice so far.
Pugwash - think you've hit the nail on the head there. From what I can see "strategic influencing" is going to be a big factor. (Thankfully no sarBox to worry about
)
So, my next question is to all the PH company directors (preferably those that sit on a Board of Directors as opposed to "Owner manager" Directors);
In your opinion What makes a Group FD a "star"?
What do you expect from your FD?
Once again any and all advice/suggestions appreciated
Pugwash - think you've hit the nail on the head there. From what I can see "strategic influencing" is going to be a big factor. (Thankfully no sarBox to worry about
)So, my next question is to all the PH company directors (preferably those that sit on a Board of Directors as opposed to "Owner manager" Directors);
In your opinion What makes a Group FD a "star"?
What do you expect from your FD?
Once again any and all advice/suggestions appreciated
PugwasHDJ80 said:
am presuming that your technical skillls are up to scratch (and lets be honest the difference between FC/FD/Group Fd are very small), then you will be into influencing, staff management, change etc.
might we worth trying to work out what sort of organisiation they are- wil they be looking for an entreprenuerial accoountant or a very straight "SOX" type of accountant! that should guy you as to what sort of group FD role you need to fulfill!
Just to add - things that I think they're looking formight we worth trying to work out what sort of organisiation they are- wil they be looking for an entreprenuerial accoountant or a very straight "SOX" type of accountant! that should guy you as to what sort of group FD role you need to fulfill!
Drive the business to next level
Develop strategic relationships
Influencing key stakeholders (the Board, Auditors, Bankers)
Strong dynamic personality (I'm fooked
)i'm the owner manager type, but know a few FDs and MDs of larger Sme and mid-market types.
It really depends on what level oof FD they expect- is it purely strategic (ie FC looks after Man Accounts, Fin Accounts, VAT etc and FD developes business plans, ROCE analysis, purchasing analysis, assesses strategy etc), or is it a more hands-on where you run the department and only get involved in strategy at board meetings.
I've seen both extremes, and you really need to know what you strengths are- ifyou think you are the former "strategy" type, do you have enough b
ks to defy the MD if required, and can you influence people to you viewpoint. This is really critical to getting an efficient job done.
If you feeel you are the latter more hands-on, are you granular enough to get the small things correct.
For me i always wanted to know if the FD is a problem solver- ie "i can't see the way to accomplish what we want do do, but i'll find the way", or more of a process person- ie "you can't do this becuase if won't be compliant with SOX/VAT/HMRC etc etc.
It really depends on what level oof FD they expect- is it purely strategic (ie FC looks after Man Accounts, Fin Accounts, VAT etc and FD developes business plans, ROCE analysis, purchasing analysis, assesses strategy etc), or is it a more hands-on where you run the department and only get involved in strategy at board meetings.
I've seen both extremes, and you really need to know what you strengths are- ifyou think you are the former "strategy" type, do you have enough b
ks to defy the MD if required, and can you influence people to you viewpoint. This is really critical to getting an efficient job done. If you feeel you are the latter more hands-on, are you granular enough to get the small things correct.
For me i always wanted to know if the FD is a problem solver- ie "i can't see the way to accomplish what we want do do, but i'll find the way", or more of a process person- ie "you can't do this becuase if won't be compliant with SOX/VAT/HMRC etc etc.
When I worked in recruitment, I'd tell my candidates to ask a quesion right at the end of the interview, thus:
"Ok, one last question if I may - is there any reason why you don't think I would be perfect for this role?"
It is a stunningly effective question - and I've used it myself twice, both times when I was being interviewed for Senior Management positions.
It usually elicits a smile or a laugh from the interviewer - as it's a little cheeky...but it's worked for me both times, as I got the job!
I was also subsequently told once I started my new job, that both my interviewers liked the pro-active nature of the question, and it's the sort of thing that puts you in a positive, inquisitive light, which is the kind of personality that I'd imagine they would want in an FD.
After they giggle and have a think (as usually they're well un-prepared for a question like that ) it then gives them two options, which are both good for you.
1st option - they might say something like 'well, there is one thing I am a little unsure about - your experience in this / that...' which then gives you the chance to explain and expand on something to put their minds at rest.
2nd option - they say 'um, well, no, not really - I'm very happy with all your skill and experience for this role'. Which doesn't necessarily nail it for you there and then (although I have been known to push my luck even further and say 'great - in that case, I take it I'll be starting on Monday?' To which on one occasion the reply was 'er, yes, I guess you are! Let's do the contracts now!') but at least you'll leave the interview with an idea of whether you're in with a shot or not.
Before I started telling my candidates to use this question, so often I'd ask them how it went and whther they thought they might get an offer, and the reply was 'seemed to go ok, but don't know...'
Try it!
Oh, and the best of luck
"Ok, one last question if I may - is there any reason why you don't think I would be perfect for this role?"
It is a stunningly effective question - and I've used it myself twice, both times when I was being interviewed for Senior Management positions.
It usually elicits a smile or a laugh from the interviewer - as it's a little cheeky...but it's worked for me both times, as I got the job!
I was also subsequently told once I started my new job, that both my interviewers liked the pro-active nature of the question, and it's the sort of thing that puts you in a positive, inquisitive light, which is the kind of personality that I'd imagine they would want in an FD.
After they giggle and have a think (as usually they're well un-prepared for a question like that
) it then gives them two options, which are both good for you.1st option - they might say something like 'well, there is one thing I am a little unsure about - your experience in this / that...' which then gives you the chance to explain and expand on something to put their minds at rest.
2nd option - they say 'um, well, no, not really - I'm very happy with all your skill and experience for this role'. Which doesn't necessarily nail it for you there and then (although I have been known to push my luck even further and say 'great - in that case, I take it I'll be starting on Monday?' To which on one occasion the reply was 'er, yes, I guess you are! Let's do the contracts now!') but at least you'll leave the interview with an idea of whether you're in with a shot or not.
Before I started telling my candidates to use this question, so often I'd ask them how it went and whther they thought they might get an offer, and the reply was 'seemed to go ok, but don't know...'
Try it!
Oh, and the best of luck
I would do a bit of research to see what, if any, restrictions there are on Housing Assocs - do they have any special reporting requirements, issues that may prevent you doing things that would be perfectly acceptable in private co - any special covenants with respect to borrowings etc.
Basically, anything that would stop you implementing any efficient practices you would think of introducing - whether that be to back office operations, or securitising the rent roll etc.
Basically, anything that would stop you implementing any efficient practices you would think of introducing - whether that be to back office operations, or securitising the rent roll etc.
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