Interview Top 10 Behavior Questions Flashcards
Why do you want this job?
After researching the company, reviewing the financials, and speaking with Tori to better understand the challenges, I genuinely believe this is a great opportunity for me. Scientific Industries is going through a major transformation and likely has a startup-like environment. I thrive in these situations—bringing stability, structure, and financial discipline to help drive long-term growth.
Beyond the numbers, this role is especially meaningful because it contributes to advancing science. If I can play even a small part in supporting that mission, it would be incredibly fulfilling for me.
Why should we hire you?
I believe I am an excellent fit for this role. Not only do I have the manufacturing and systems experience you’re looking for, but I also bring extensive expertise in transformation, budgeting, planning, and automation—areas that can drive real value for your organization. Additionally, I thrive in a startup culture, where agility, innovation, and problem-solving are key to success.
What are your career goals?
My career goal is to continue growing as a strategic financial leader, driving sustainable growth and operational excellence in an organization that values innovation and long-term success. I aim to leverage my expertise in financial strategy, data-driven decision-making, and team leadership to help a company scale efficiently while maintaining strong financial health. In the long term, I see myself as a key partner to the CEO and executive team, shaping business strategy and positioning the company for sustained profitability and market leadership
What is your leadership style?
My leadership style is strategic, collaborative, and results-driven. I believe in empowering my team with clear goals, data-driven decision-making, and continuous professional development to drive both individual and organizational success. I foster a culture of accountability and open communication, ensuring that finance is not just a support function but a strategic partner in business growth. I also adapt my leadership approach based on the situation—whether that means being hands-on during critical financial decisions or stepping back to let my team take ownership of key initiatives.
Tell Me About Yourself
Take them through my work experience..
At Archive360, highlight the start up environment and how I thrived in it.
All in all, I have a strong background in finance leadership, strategic planning, and operational efficiency and have proven myself over and over.
Additionally, I make it a point to keep up with the latest tools in finance and accounting and apply them to the role. Currently I am keeping my eye on AI agents as I think this is the next big thing for organizations. My goal is to reduce the manual work so the team can focus on value added activities.
What is Financial Leadership
- Develop long term financial strategies to align with company goals
- leading the annual budget and forecasting process
- implementing the rolling forecasts to adapt to market changes
- being the subject matter for all things finance
- being that resource that helps grow the company to new levels
What are key metrics you focus on as CFO?
- revenue growth
- gross margins
- operating cash flow
- working capital
How do you approach financial planning and forecasting?
first thing is to understand what the company’s objectives are.
I then build a top down model with input from the CEO that basically layouts out what the budget will look like.
This is a three statement model by department so we have the ability to adjust assumptions to see how it impacts margin, net income/loss, and cash flow.
Once we feel comfortable with the number I get to work on the bottoms up model
How do you ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards?
What strategies do you use to manage cashflow effectivly?
- regularly reviewing Working Capital and optimizing receivables and payables
- making sure we have financing available if we need it
- cost control. establishing budgets at a department and vendor level and performing variance analysis at the end of each month
- establishing a 13 week cashflow and reviewing it each week.
Have you led any cost saving initiatives?
Inventory Counts. After reviewing the policies and the performance of inventory counts I proposed to management a drastic change in our inventory count policy.
After automation of processes and reporting at Nestle allowed the supply chain accounting to get the job done with 3 people instead of 4
Process and financial model built for sales team led to accurate payments where in the past overages were very common
JE mess at Nestle
White Space Analysis
My ability to budget and hold people accountable to their numbers
My review of the reserves process at Nestle led to a million increase in EBITDA.
How do you support business growth and scalability as a CFO?
What is your greatest strength?
My greatest strength is my ability to quickly learn new information and processes, allowing me to provide immediate value to the organization and leadership team. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently been recognized for my ability to adapt, pick things up fast, and apply that knowledge effectively.
Describe a difficult work situation?
OR
going through the acquisition when i was on paternity leave. Having to work 40 to 50 hour weeks during this stretch on very little sleep with our first child. i got through it, with the help of coffee, without delaying the deal close date.
