How to recognise the perfect controller: an overview of the best interview questions

Controlling is at the heart of successful corporate management. A competent controller ensures that financial resources are used efficiently, risks are identified early on and strategic decisions are based on solid data. Finding the right person for the job is therefore crucial: the ideal candidate not only has the necessary technical expertise, but also fits in with the company culture and can adapt flexibly to change.

But how do you find the perfect candidate? Structured interviews help you fill this key position in the best possible way. In this article, Christian Taube, Finance & Accounting Consultant at Robert Walters, shows which interview questions for controllers focus on the desired skills and how you can integrate them into your interviews in a meaningful way.

Identifying the perfect controller in the interview

The interview questions for selecting a controller should aim to test the candidate's various areas of expertise, while also gaining insights into their personality and working style. First, it is important to shed light on the applicant's previous experience in controlling to ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge. Questions can also be asked about the tools and systems they have already used to assess their technical expertise.

Analysis & evaluation

A key aspect is understanding the budgeting process. Here, the candidate should demonstrate their ability to plan and successfully implement this process. Equally relevant is the ability to analyse and evaluate a company's financial performance. This provides insight into how well the applicant can interpret complex data. In addition, it should be examined how the candidate deals with deviations between actual and target values and whether they are able to initiate appropriate corrective measures.

How would you implement a budgeting process in your company?

In addition to professional expertise, communication skills also play a decisive role. Applicants should be able to convey complex financial information in an understandable way, especially to people without a financial background. It is also important to assess how flexibly and adaptably candidates respond to changes within the company. Their conflict resolution skills can be tested by asking questions about internal tensions between departments.

Innovation & optimisation

An ideal controller not only has analytical skills, but also an innovative spirit. "After all, it is essential to know whether the candidate is willing to develop further and continuously learn new things. This demonstrates not only their motivation, but also their long-term perspective within the company," Christian Taube explains. You should ask the applicant for suggestions for improvement to find out whether they can contribute creative ideas for optimising processes or increasing effectiveness.

The use of new technologies through artificial intelligence and business intelligence also presents new challenges for controlling. AI tools such as predictive analytics and automation through RPA simplify routine tasks, while applications such as Power BI also enable real-time analysis and interactive dashboards. Controllers must therefore actively engage with new technologies in order to make data-based decisions and shape companies for the future. These requirements should be specifically taken into account when filling positions.

Can you describe how you have worked with real-time analytics or interactive dashboards?

Practical examples from everyday life in finance

By asking specific questions, you can assess candidates more accurately in the respective areas, but it is particularly important to include practical examples. Not only will you learn how the candidate has dealt with certain situations in the past and how they perceive their own working methods, but the candidate will also have a better opportunity to convince you of their qualifications: you achieve a win-win situation for everyone involved. Example:

Describe a situation in which you successfully helped to identify potential cost savings. How did you proceed and what results did you achieve?

You can find more sample questions for your next interview in our free german e-guide "Die 10 wichtigsten Interviewfragen für Controller".

Customise interviews with controllers

Every finance department has different structures, processes and priorities, which are reflected in the tasks of a controller. You should therefore tailor your interview questions to take these specific characteristics into account.

• What tools and systems do you use?
• What challenges exist in your industry?
• What values are particularly important to you?

By tailoring interview questions to your company's specific requirements, you will not only gain deeper insights into the candidate's skills, but you will also be better able to assess whether they can contribute to the long-term success of your company. This tailored approach significantly increases the likelihood of a successful hire and ensures that the new controller is a perfect fit for your team, both professionally and culturally.

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