You are asked to lead a search for a new CFO while the current CFO is still in place. How would you run it?
What the interviewer wants to hear
- Agree confidentiality, stakeholders and decision-makers
- Define the profile with the CEO and board
- Map the market and approach discreetly
- Use rigorous assessment and referencing
- Plan the offer, transition and communication
Model answer
First I would agree with the CEO and board who is involved, who decides and how confidential the search is, and whether we use a retained search firm. Then I would define the profile: the company's next three years, such as fundraising, IPO readiness or cost control, determines the experience we need. I would map target companies and potential candidates, approaching them discreetly without naming the company until there is mutual interest, and sharing details only under NDA. Assessment would include structured interviews with the CEO, board members and the audit committee chair, a case discussion on a real financial challenge, and deep referencing, including off-list references with consent. Finally I would plan the offer and a respectful transition for the current CFO with leadership, since how that is handled matters greatly for trust inside the company.
Can you answer it under time pressure?
Take a timed hard round and get scored on every answer.
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