Technical expertise is only part of the equation when you are going to evaluate finance candidates. Companies need finance professionals who can lead with strategy, adapt to change, and inspire high-performing teams. Identifying those leadership qualities during the hiring process requires a specific and intentional process.

Here’s how to evaluate finance candidates not just for what they can do today, but for the leadership impact they’ll make tomorrow.

1. Go Beyond the Numbers

Financial acumen is critical. But leadership potential requires candidates who:

• Take initiative in solving problems
• Communicate complex information with clarity
• Show a track record of influencing decisions or outcomes

Ask behavioral interview questions like:

“Tell me about a time when your financial recommendation changed the course of a project or strategy.”

This helps reveal a candidate’s ability to lead through insight, not just execution.

2. Assess Strategic Thinking

Finance leaders are often at the center of decision-making. They need to connect the dots between numbers and big-picture goals. During interviews, present real business scenarios and ask candidates how they would approach them.

Look for signs of:

• Forward-thinking mindset
• Understanding of broader business drivers
• Ability to weigh financial trade-offs with long-term implications

3. Look for Communication Skills

Leadership in finance is about guiding teams, communicating risk, and partnering across departments. Great finance leaders know how to translate data into action.

Evaluate evaluate finance candidates by:

• Presenting complex information in layman’s terms
• Asking how they influence non-financial stakeholders
• Finding out how they navigate difficult conversations

Don’t underestimate the power of a simple question like:

“How would you explain a budget variance to a non-financial department head?”

4. Examine Adaptability and Integrity

Finance roles today require agility. Regulations change, markets shift, and technology evolves. The best leaders stay grounded in their principles while adapting to what’s next.

Ask candidates:

• How they’ve navigated change in past roles
• What values guide their decision-making
• How they’ve handled ethical dilemmas or high-pressure situations

Leadership is often revealed in how someone handles adversity.

5. Partner with a Staffing Firm That Knows What to Look For

To evaluate finance candidates for leadership potential, it takes time, insight, and industry expertise. At ATHENA, we specialize in identifying high-impact professionals who meet the job description and are ready to lead.

Our vetting process looks at:

• Cultural and leadership alignment
• Long-term growth potential
• Communication and team-building skills

Ultimately, we help you make confident hires that grow with your business.

Hiring for the Future Starts Now

The finance professionals you bring in today could be your department heads tomorrow. By knowing how to evaluate finance candidates for leadership potential, you set your company up for long-term success and build a stronger team from the inside out.

Need help finding your next finance leader? ATHENA is here to help.