Questions to Ask a Controller in an Interview
Strategic questions to evaluate financial controllers, understand their expertise, and assess their fit for your organization.
1What is your approach to financial reporting and how do you ensure accuracy and compliance?
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What is your approach to financial reporting and how do you ensure accuracy and compliance?
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Why this works
Reveals their technical expertise and shows their commitment to maintaining high standards in financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
2How do you handle month-end and year-end closing processes, and what strategies do you use to meet deadlines?
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How do you handle month-end and year-end closing processes, and what strategies do you use to meet deadlines?
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Why this works
Shows their organizational skills and reveals their approach to managing complex financial processes under time pressure.
3What is your experience with financial systems and what ERP systems have you worked with?
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What is your experience with financial systems and what ERP systems have you worked with?
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Why this works
Reveals their technical proficiency and shows what systems and tools they're familiar with for financial management.
4How do you approach budgeting and forecasting, and what methods do you use to develop financial projections?
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How do you approach budgeting and forecasting, and what methods do you use to develop financial projections?
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Why this works
Shows their analytical skills and reveals their approach to financial planning and strategic decision-making.
5What is your experience with internal controls and how do you ensure financial integrity?
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What is your experience with internal controls and how do you ensure financial integrity?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of risk management and shows their commitment to maintaining financial controls and preventing fraud.
6How do you handle cash flow management and what strategies do you use to optimize working capital?
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How do you handle cash flow management and what strategies do you use to optimize working capital?
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Why this works
Shows their liquidity management skills and reveals their approach to maintaining healthy cash flow and working capital.
7What is your approach to cost management and how do you identify opportunities for cost reduction?
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What is your approach to cost management and how do you identify opportunities for cost reduction?
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Why this works
Reveals their cost optimization skills and shows their ability to analyze expenses and identify savings opportunities.
8How do you handle financial analysis and what metrics do you use to evaluate business performance?
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How do you handle financial analysis and what metrics do you use to evaluate business performance?
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Why this works
Shows their analytical capabilities and reveals what key performance indicators they prioritize for business evaluation.
9What is your experience with tax compliance and how do you ensure accurate tax reporting?
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What is your experience with tax compliance and how do you ensure accurate tax reporting?
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Why this works
Reveals their tax expertise and shows their understanding of tax regulations and compliance requirements.
10How do you handle financial audits and what is your approach to working with external auditors?
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How do you handle financial audits and what is your approach to working with external auditors?
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Why this works
Shows their audit management skills and reveals their approach to preparing for and managing external audits.
11What is your experience with financial modeling and what tools do you use for financial analysis?
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What is your experience with financial modeling and what tools do you use for financial analysis?
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Why this works
Reveals their technical skills and shows what analytical tools and methods they use for financial modeling.
12How do you handle financial risk management and what strategies do you use to mitigate financial risks?
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How do you handle financial risk management and what strategies do you use to mitigate financial risks?
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Why this works
Shows their risk management approach and reveals their strategies for identifying and managing financial risks.
13What is your approach to team management and how do you develop and mentor your finance team?
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What is your approach to team management and how do you develop and mentor your finance team?
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Why this works
Reveals their leadership skills and shows their approach to team development and talent management.
14How do you handle financial communication with senior management and what reporting do you provide?
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How do you handle financial communication with senior management and what reporting do you provide?
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Why this works
Shows their communication skills and reveals their approach to presenting financial information to executives.
15What is your experience with financial software and what systems have you implemented or managed?
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What is your experience with financial software and what systems have you implemented or managed?
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Why this works
Reveals their technical implementation skills and shows what financial systems they've worked with or implemented.
16How do you handle financial planning and what is your approach to long-term financial strategy?
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How do you handle financial planning and what is your approach to long-term financial strategy?
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Why this works
Shows their strategic thinking and reveals their approach to developing and implementing financial strategies.
17What is your experience with regulatory compliance and how do you stay current with financial regulations?
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What is your experience with regulatory compliance and how do you stay current with financial regulations?
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Why this works
Reveals their compliance expertise and shows their commitment to staying current with regulatory requirements.
18How do you handle financial decision-making and what factors do you consider in financial analysis?
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How do you handle financial decision-making and what factors do you consider in financial analysis?
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Why this works
Shows their decision-making process and reveals what factors they prioritize in financial analysis and decision-making.
19What is your approach to financial training and how do you ensure your team stays current with best practices?
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What is your approach to financial training and how do you ensure your team stays current with best practices?
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Why this works
Reveals their commitment to professional development and shows their approach to keeping their team updated with industry best practices.
20What are your career goals and how do you see yourself contributing to our organization's financial success?
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What are your career goals and how do you see yourself contributing to our organization's financial success?
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Why this works
Shows their career aspirations and reveals their vision for contributing to the organization's financial performance and growth.
Best Practices for Controller Interviews
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Ask for Specific Examples
Request concrete examples of their financial achievements and how they've handled specific challenges in previous roles.
Assess Technical Skills
Evaluate their technical proficiency with financial systems, reporting, and analytical tools.
Consider Cultural Fit
Evaluate whether their values and approach align with your organization's culture and financial management philosophy.
Question Sequences
The Technical Skills Assessment
The Leadership and Management Evaluation
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Technical Skills
While technical competence is important, also evaluate their leadership skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit.
Avoid Accepting Vague Answers
Push for specific examples and concrete details rather than accepting general statements about their approach.
Don't Ignore Soft Skills
Consider their ability to communicate financial information, work with teams, and adapt to changing business needs.