Highlights
5 key objectives
8 position requirements
9 competencies
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a critical role in the organization, responsible for guiding financial strategy and decision-making. This role requires a strategic leader who can balance capital investment with expenditure, and leverage company performance data to guide future decisions.
The CFO will lead the acquisition of capital from investors, develop strategic plans for scaling, and build out financial infrastructure and processes. They will also assess potential risks, ensure compliance with tax authorities, and prepare the company for an IPO if necessary.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in strategic financial planning, data-driven decision-making, capital acquisition, and investor relations.
*This hiring scorecard is AI-generated, and is based on the insightful work of leading venture capital firm, a16z.
Key objectives
Key objectives describe the objectives that the new employee has to achieve to be considered successful and help create the context for basic requirements and competencies.
The organisation has shifted its focus from mere financial tracking to strategic financial planning. A well-defined business strategy is in place, and informed decisions are consistently made regarding where and how to allocate capital or control spending.
The company effectively leverages performance data to guide future decisions. Insights and analysis are shared across the management team and throughout the organisation, ensuring decisions are made using sound financial data.
Capital is secured from the right investors at the right price, considering the company's stage of development. This includes raising capital through private rounds, an IPO, or other suitable means.
Position requirements
Position requirements include the required experiences, qualifications, and skills needed to achieve the key objectives of the role.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage company performance data to guide future decisions. Experience in sharing insights and analysis across the organization to ensure decisions are made using sound financial data.
- Can you describe a time when you used company performance data to guide a significant decision? What was the impact of that decision?
- Tell me about a time when your analysis of financial data led to a change in business strategy or operations.
Look for examples where the candidate used data to inform decisions and drive change. They should be able to explain how they analyze data, share insights, and influence decision-making.
Strategic Financial Leadership
Proven experience in leading strategic financial planning in a high-growth environment. The candidate should have a track record of defining business strategy and making informed decisions about capital investment and expenditure.
- Can you share an example of a strategic financial plan you developed and implemented in a previous role? What was the outcome?
- Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision about capital investment or expenditure. How did you approach it and what was the result?
Look for specific examples where the candidate demonstrated strategic thinking and decision-making skills. They should be able to articulate their approach to financial planning and how they used data and analysis to inform their decisions.
Capital Acquisition and Investor Relations
Demonstrated success in securing capital from investors at various stages of company development. The candidate should have excellent communication skills to articulate the company's vision to investors and experience in managing investor relations.
- Can you share an example of a successful capital acquisition you led? How did you approach the investors and what was the outcome?
- How have you managed investor relations in the past? Can you provide an example of a challenging situation you navigated?
Look for examples where the candidate successfully secured capital and managed relationships with investors. They should be able to articulate their approach to investor relations and how they handle challenges.
Competencies
Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform a job successfully. They help to distinguish superior performance from the average.
Business Acumen
Understands the business and the competitive situation, evaluates the impact of business decisions, and is quick to take advantage of new business opportunities.
Analytical Thinking
Understands a complex and ambiguous problem by breaking it apart into smaller pieces, analyses information in a logical and methodical manner.
Strategic Thinking
Understands industry trends, develops future-oriented scenarios, articulates a compelling vision, and links strategic goals to daily work.
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