Controller Role Interview: Discussing Process, Transition, and Fit

March 02, 2026 at 03:01 PM|35 min|JD Busfield, Maria
Positive

Bottom Line

This was an interview for a Controller/Head of Finance role to replace an underperforming outsourced accounting team. The candidate (Maria) demonstrated relevant industry experience and a process-oriented mindset, and the interviewer (Speaker A) outlined the need for timely closes, detailed asset management, and process ownership.

Key Takeaways

Role Context:: The role is to replace an expensive, slow outsourced accounting team and bring financial closing, asset management, and process control in-house.

Candidate Fit:: Maria is a CPA with shared services, media/construction industry, and fixed asset management experience, seeking a structured, deliverable-oriented role with schedule flexibility.

Technical Challenge:: The company manages complex fixed assets across 6 entities using Excel, with plans to implement a new software layer on top of QuickBooks for consolidation and scheduling.

Process Goal:: The primary objectives are achieving consistent 10-business-day closes and creating reliable, visible financial schedules through improved processes and controls.
Your Action Items
Speaker A to review the shared work example and determine if further proof of competence or a formal technical exercise is needed.
Speaker A to continue building/implementing the new software layer on QuickBooks for consolidation and fixed asset management.
Other Action Items
Maria to share an example of her previous work on recalculating fixed asset depreciation (GAAP vs. tax) and asset reconciliation, after removing sensitive information. — Maria
Maria to send the work example to Nicole (recruiter/contact) for forwarding to Speaker A. — Maria
Both parties to consider the feasibility and transition plan for achieving a 10-business-day close with a new in-house hire.
Decisions
To proceed with a paid, 1-hour technical exercise for the candidate to demonstrate fixed asset depreciation and disposal workflow. — Speaker A
Topics
Role Background Candidate Experience Current Accounting Challenges Fixed Asset Management Process Improvement System Transition Team Structure Closing Timeline

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