/VP of Finance/ Interview Questions
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How do you build and maintain a positive working relationship with auditors and external financial advisors?

VP of Finance Interview Questions
How do you build and maintain a positive working relationship with auditors and external financial advisors?

Sample answer to the question

Building and maintaining a positive working relationship with auditors and external financial advisors requires open and effective communication. It's important to establish regular meetings to discuss financial matters and provide relevant updates. By being transparent and responsive, trust can be built and maintained. Additionally, I would strive to understand their needs and requirements and ensure that I provide the necessary support and information in a timely manner. Regularly seeking feedback and addressing any concerns or issues promptly is also crucial in fostering a positive working relationship. By demonstrating professionalism, respect, and a willingness to collaborate, I believe that a strong partnership can be formed with auditors and external financial advisors.

A more solid answer

To build and maintain a positive working relationship with auditors and external financial advisors, effective communication is key. I would establish regular meetings to discuss financial matters and provide timely updates. By actively listening to their concerns and queries, I would strive to gain a thorough understanding of their needs and requirements. Additionally, I would ensure that I am well-prepared for these meetings by having all relevant information on hand. Being responsive to their requests and inquiries is crucial in maintaining a positive rapport. I would prioritize their deadlines and deliverables, promptly providing the necessary support and information. To foster collaboration, I would encourage open dialogue, seeking their input and feedback on financial strategies and decisions. Lastly, I would demonstrate professionalism by respecting their expertise and insights, and by addressing any concerns or issues that may arise in a timely and effective manner.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more specific details and examples. It addresses the evaluation areas in more depth and provides a comprehensive approach to building and maintaining a positive working relationship with auditors and external financial advisors. However, it could still benefit from further elaboration and real-life examples to strengthen the answer.

An exceptional answer

Effectively building and maintaining a positive working relationship with auditors and external financial advisors requires a proactive and collaborative approach. Firstly, I would establish regular communication channels to ensure ongoing dialogue. This could include weekly check-ins, quarterly meetings, and timely email correspondence. To actively listen and understand their needs, I would encourage open discussions and seek their perspectives on financial matters. By demonstrating expertise and providing valuable insights, I would contribute to their decision-making process. As a proactive measure, I would anticipate their inquiries by staying ahead of deadlines and ensuring all necessary documentation is readily available. By being responsive and delivering high-quality work, I would consistently exceed their expectations. Additionally, I would foster collaboration by inviting them to participate in strategy discussions and including their input in financial planning initiatives. Lastly, I would show appreciation for their expertise and dedication by constantly acknowledging and thanking them for their contributions.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond in providing a detailed and comprehensive approach to building and maintaining a positive working relationship with auditors and external financial advisors. It includes specific examples and highlights the candidate's expertise and proactive mindset. The answer demonstrates a deep understanding of the evaluation areas and showcases the candidate's ability to exceed expectations. However, it could still be further enhanced by providing real-life examples and showing a deeper understanding of the importance of trust and confidentiality in these relationships.

How to prepare for this question

  • Familiarize yourself with financial regulations and best practices to showcase your knowledge and expertise during discussions.
  • Practice active listening and effective communication skills to ensure clear understanding and mutual respect.
  • Research the backgrounds and qualifications of the auditors and external financial advisors you may be working with to demonstrate your commitment to building a strong working relationship.
  • Prepare examples of successful collaborations or problem-solving experiences with auditors and external financial advisors to showcase your ability to work effectively with them.
  • Stay updated on industry trends and changes in financial practices to anticipate and address any potential concerns or questions.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Communication
  • Professionalism
  • Collaboration
  • Responsiveness

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