Employ
RecruitHow to Hire a Finance Manager: A Comprehensive Guide
Hiring a finance manager is a big step for any business. This role isn’t just about balancing the books—it’s about keeping the company on solid ground, spotting trends, and helping leadership make smart decisions. Whether you’re a startup looking for your first finance expert or a growing company needing someone to take charge of budgets, cash flow, and reporting, the right person can make a huge difference.
Finance managers bring structure to the numbers. They track where money is coming from and where it’s going, helping businesses plan ahead. Without them, it’s easy for expenses to get out of hand or opportunities to be missed. In short, this position is at the core of a company’s financial well-being.
Finding the right candidate, though, can take time. The job market is packed with professionals, each with different backgrounds, experiences, and skills. That’s where our team at Remote People can help. By connecting businesses with highly skilled finance managers from around the globe, We take the guesswork out of hiring. Instead of sifting through endless resumes, you get access to top talent ready to step in and help your business grow.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hiring a finance manager—from defining the role to interviewing candidates and making the right offer. Let’s get started.
What Does a Finance Manager Do?
Many businesses have several roles with “finance” in the title, but not all of them serve the same purpose. A finance controller, for example, oversees financial reporting and compliance, making sure everything follows regulations and company policies. A finance analyst digs into data, looking at trends and forecasting future performance. Meanwhile, an investment director focuses on managing assets, identifying opportunities, and maximizing returns.
A finance manager, however, sits in the middle of all these responsibilities. This person not only manages financial reports and analysis but also plays a strategic role in shaping a company’s financial health. They oversee budgets, cash flow, and risk assessment, helping businesses make informed decisions.
This all said, at its core, a finance manager helps a company maintain stability and plan for the future. Their work includes:
- Budgeting and Forecasting: Creating annual budgets and financial projections to guide business decisions.
- Financial Reporting: Preparing statements that give leadership a clear picture of company performance.
- Cost Management: Identifying areas to cut expenses or improve efficiency without sacrificing growth.
- Risk Assessment: Reviewing financial risks, such as market changes or debt, and providing strategies to manage them.
- Team Collaboration: Working with executives, accountants, and department heads to align financial goals with company strategies.
- Regulatory Compliance: Making sure financial practices follow local laws and industry standards.
- Investment Planning: Advising leadership on profitable investments or expansion opportunities.
The Work Environment: Remote, Hybrid, or In-Person?
Finance managers can work in many settings, depending on the company’s needs. Some roles are entirely remote, giving professionals the flexibility to manage finances from anywhere. Others follow a hybrid model, splitting time between home and the office. In more traditional industries, such as banking and corporate finance, the role may still be in-person, especially when working with large teams or handling sensitive financial matters.
No matter the setting, finance managers often work closely with leadership teams, financial analysts, and accountants to create strategies that keep businesses financially strong.
Industries That Rely on Finance Managers
Finance managers are in demand across many industries. Some of the biggest employers include:
- Banking and Investment Firms: Managing assets, overseeing loans, and helping businesses grow their wealth.
- Insurance Companies: Evaluating risks, setting premium prices, and ensuring policies remain profitable.
- Healthcare: Overseeing financial planning for hospitals, clinics, and private medical practices.
- Manufacturing: Controlling costs, managing supply chain expenses, and forecasting market trends.
- Retail and E-Commerce: Tracking sales performance, managing inventory costs, and setting pricing strategies.
- Business Services: Helping consulting firms, marketing agencies, and other service-based businesses maintain healthy cash flow.
What Skills Are Needed for a Finance Manager?
Financial acumen is one of the most important skills a finance manager can have. But here’s the thing—not everyone has it. According to a Pew Research Center study, only 21% of U.S. adults feel confident in their ability to handle a wide range of financial tasks. That confidence varies based on income, with 40% of upper-income earners expressing financial confidence, compared to just 20% of middle-income and 13% of lower-income earners. This gap shows why finance managers play such a valuable role in businesses—most people aren’t trained to fully understand financial data, let alone use it to make decisions that impact an entire company.
A finance manager needs a combination of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills to be successful. Below are the most important skills needed for this role:
Technical Skills
A finance manager works with data, reports, and forecasting tools daily. To succeed in this role, they need:
- Financial Analysis: Ability to interpret financial statements, analyze trends, and provide insights on revenue, expenses, and profitability.
- Budgeting and Forecasting: Knowledge of financial modeling techniques to predict future income and expenses.
- Accounting Principles: Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), depending on the company’s location.
- Tax Knowledge: Familiarity with corporate tax laws and regulations to help the company remain compliant.
- Financial Software Proficiency: Experience using tools like QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle Financials, or Microsoft Dynamics.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Ability to use Excel, Power BI, or Tableau to create detailed financial reports.
- Risk Management: Understanding of financial risks and how to mitigate them through insurance, investment strategies, or other financial planning techniques.
Soft Skills
Numbers are important, but a finance manager also needs strong interpersonal skills to lead teams and communicate financial insights effectively. Some of the most valuable soft skills include:
- Communication: Translating complex financial information into clear, actionable advice for leadership and team members.
- Problem-Solving: Identifying financial challenges and coming up with creative, data-driven solutions.
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring financial reports are accurate and free of costly errors.
- Leadership: Managing finance teams and working across departments to align financial goals.
- Decision-Making: Making smart financial recommendations that impact business growth and stability.
- Negotiation: Working with vendors, banks, and internal stakeholders to get the best financial deals and contracts.
- Adaptability: Working through economic changes, industry regulations, and company priorities.
Certifications and Advanced Qualifications
While experience is important, certain degrees and certifications help set finance managers apart from other professionals. Some of the most recognized qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Typically in finance, accounting, business administration, or economics. Some companies may prefer candidates with a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): While not required for all finance managers, a CPA credential can be helpful for those overseeing accounting functions.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): Recognized worldwide, this certification is beneficial for finance managers in investment-related roles.
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Focuses on financial planning, analysis, and decision-making, making it a strong choice for finance managers.
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM): Ideal for professionals who specialize in risk management and investment strategies.
How to Write a Finance Manager Job Description
Writing a job description isn’t just a routine step in the hiring process—it’s the first impression your company makes on potential candidates. A well-crafted description does more than list responsibilities; it sets expectations, showcases company culture, and helps attract the right professionals.
Here’s the thing. While not all adults have strong financial skills, there’s still a large, competitive talent pool for finance managers. In fact, employment for financial managers is projected to grow by 17% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. With an estimated 75,100 job openings per year, businesses looking to hire must create compelling, well-structured job descriptions that make their opportunity stand out.
So, how do you write a job post that attracts qualified candidates? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Start with a Strong Job Title
A clear and specific job title helps potential applicants immediately understand the role. Avoid generic titles like “Finance Guru” or “Accounting Wizard.” Instead, use straightforward terms such as:
- Finance Manager
- Senior Finance Manager
- Corporate Finance Manager
- Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Manager
If hiring for a remote position, include “Remote” in the title to reach the right audience.
Write an Engaging Job Summary
The opening paragraph should briefly introduce the role, explain why it matters to the company, and highlight what makes your workplace unique. Keep it concise but engaging.
Example:
“Are you passionate about financial strategy and helping businesses grow? We’re looking for an experienced Finance Manager to take charge of budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
This role is key to shaping our company’s financial future, and you’ll work directly with leadership to drive smart decision-making. If you’re ready to step into a role where your insights make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.”
Outline Key Responsibilities
Use action-oriented language to describe what the finance manager will do on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This helps candidates visualize themselves in the role.
Example:
- Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting to support company goals.
- Prepare financial reports and present findings to senior leadership.
- Analyze financial data to identify opportunities for cost savings and revenue growth.
- Manage financial risks and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Collaborate with department heads to align financial strategies with business objectives.
List the Required Skills and Qualifications
Separate must-have qualifications from preferred skills to avoid discouraging strong candidates who may not check every single box.
Required Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in financial management or corporate finance.
- Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
- Proficiency in financial software (SAP, QuickBooks, Oracle, etc.).
- Ability to interpret and communicate financial data to non-finance stakeholders.
Preferred Skills
- Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or related field.
- CPA, CFA, or CMA certification.
- Experience in [industry-specific finance] (e.g., banking, healthcare, retail).
Highlight Salary and Benefits
Candidates appreciate transparency. If possible, include a salary range to attract serious applicants. Also, highlight benefits such as:
- Flexible work arrangements (remote/hybrid options).
- Performance-based bonuses.
- Health, dental, and retirement benefits.
- Professional development opportunities.
Include a Call to Action
End the job post by telling candidates exactly what to do next.
Example:
“If you’re ready to bring your financial expertise to a growing company, apply today! Submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and why you’d be a great fit.”
Tailoring the Job Description for Remote Finance Managers
If hiring for a remote finance manager, highlight the flexibility of the role while setting clear expectations.
- Work Environment: Specify whether the role is fully remote, hybrid, or requires occasional travel.
- Collaboration Tools: Mention tools used for communication (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
- Time Zones: Indicate if candidates must work in a specific time zone or be available for certain hours.
Example:
“This is a fully remote position, with team members collaborating across different time zones. We use Zoom, Slack, and Asana to stay connected, and we expect availability for key meetings during EST business hours.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Finance Manager Job Description
Even a great company can lose strong candidates if the job description isn’t well thought out. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Being too vague: A job post that simply says “Manage finances” without details won’t attract serious candidates.
- Overloading with buzzwords: Avoid jargon like “rockstar” or “ninja.” Keep the language professional yet engaging.
- Not mentioning salary range: Transparency can lead to better applicant matches and reduce wasted time in negotiations.
- Listing unrealistic qualifications: If the requirements are too rigid, great candidates might self-select out of applying.
- Ignoring company culture: Including a sentence or two about workplace values helps candidates determine if they’d be a good fit.
- Not proofreading: Spelling and grammar mistakes can make the company look unprofessional. Do your due diligence and proofread your work before posting the job description to any job boards.
How to Screen Resumes for a Finance Manager
Interviewing every candidate who applies for a finance manager role is neither practical nor a good use of time. Instead, the goal is to narrow the pool to about 10 strong candidates before moving forward with phone screenings. This approach helps focus time and effort on applicants who are truly qualified while minimizing the risk of overlooking great talent.
But how do you sort through a stack of resumes efficiently without missing out on top candidates? Here’s how to screen resumes effectively to find the right finance manager for your team.
A strong finance manager resume should highlight a mix of experience, technical knowledge, and leadership ability. Key elements to watch for include:
Step 1: What to Look for in a Resume
- Relevant Work Experience: Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in finance, accounting, or a related field. Look for roles where they’ve managed budgets, created financial reports, and advised leadership on financial strategy.
- Industry-Specific Knowledge: If hiring for a niche industry like healthcare, retail, or banking, check for experience in that field. Some financial practices vary by industry.
- Technical Skills: A good finance manager should be proficient in tools like Excel, QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle Financials, or Power BI for financial modeling and reporting.
- Certifications: Credentials like CPA, CFA, CMA, or MBA indicate deeper financial expertise. While not always required, they show a strong commitment to the field.
- Leadership and Communication: Since finance managers often work with executives and cross-functional teams, their resume should show experience leading projects or mentoring junior team members.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business is typically required. A master’s degree can be a plus, especially for senior finance manager roles.
Step 2: Spotting Red Flags or Inconsistencies
Even well-crafted resumes can contain warning signs that a candidate might not be the best fit. Be mindful of these red flags:
- Unexplained Employment Gaps: Gaps in employment aren’t always bad, but they should have a clear explanation. If multiple long gaps exist without a reason, it’s worth asking about.
- Job-Hopping: If a candidate has frequently switched jobs every 1-2 years, it could indicate a lack of commitment or difficulty staying in roles long-term.
- Vague Descriptions: Strong candidates provide specific achievements, such as “Reduced costs by 15%” or “Managed a $10M budget.” If a resume is full of generic phrases like “handled finances” without details, it may suggest a lack of experience.
- Overloaded with Buzzwords: Phrases like “financial guru” or “money mastermind” without concrete data to back them up can be a sign of fluff.
- Lack of Career Progression: If someone has held the same entry-level finance role for 10 years with no promotions, it could indicate limited growth potential.
Step 3: Tips for Evaluating Resumes Quickly but Thoroughly
Screening resumes efficiently doesn’t mean rushing through them blindly. Here’s a process to review applications quickly while ensuring quality:
- Start with a First Pass: Begin by eliminating candidates who don’t meet the basic requirements, such as education or years of experience. Focus on identifying the required technical skills and certifications that are non-negotiable for the role. Any resumes with multiple typos or formatting issues should be set aside—attention to detail is especially critical in finance positions.
- Use the 30-Second Rule: Spend about 30 seconds skimming each resume for key qualifications. Look for relevant job titles, notable achievements, software proficiency, and leadership experience. If these core details aren’t immediately visible, the resume likely doesn’t warrant a deeper review.
- Look for Impactful Achievements: Strong candidates highlight measurable outcomes in their work. Prioritize resumes that showcase specific results, such as “Increased revenue by 12% through financial planning optimization” or “Led a team of five to restructure the company budget, reducing waste by 20%.” These details demonstrate the candidate’s ability to drive real value.
- Match with Company Needs: Finally, consider how well the candidate aligns with your company’s specific requirements. For remote roles, look for evidence of remote work experience or strong independent problem-solving skills. If the position is industry-specific, prioritize candidates with relevant sector experience in finance to ensure a smoother transition.
Interview Questions to Ask a Finance Manager
This is where many hiring processes start to fall apart. Even after carefully screening resumes and selecting top candidates, companies often make avoidable mistakes during interviews, such as:
- Bringing too many people into the process: Having too many interviewers leads to mixed feedback and delays decision-making.
- Dragging out the hiring process: A slow process can cause candidates to accept other offers before you even get to a final decision.
- Ghosting candidates: Not following up after an interview damages your company’s reputation and makes it harder to attract top talent in the future.
Taking the time to create a structured interview plan before you start the hiring process can save you from these pitfalls. Decide who will be involved, what role each person will play, and what questions will be asked at each stage. Keeping the process organized and efficient will not only help you make a better hiring decision but also create a better experience for candidates.
Below are strong interview questions broken down by category to help you assess a finance manager’s skills, experience, and fit for your team.
Behavioral Questions
These questions focus on past experiences and how the candidate has handled challenges. They help assess problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability.
- Tell me about a time you had to make a difficult financial decision. What was the outcome?
- Describe a situation where you had to manage competing financial priorities. How did you handle it?
- Can you share an example of a time you identified a financial risk and took steps to address it?
- Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult stakeholder. How did you manage the relationship?
- Give an example of a budgeting challenge you faced. How did you solve it?
- What’s the biggest financial mistake you’ve seen in a company, and how would you have handled it differently?
- Describe a situation where you improved a financial process or system. What impact did it have?
Technical Questions
These questions test a candidate’s proficiency in financial tools, analysis, and reporting.
- What financial software and tools are you most comfortable using?
- How do you approach financial forecasting? What methods do you prefer?
- Can you walk me through how you would analyze a company’s financial health?
- What steps do you take to prepare financial statements and reports for leadership?
- How do you calculate and interpret key financial ratios?
- Tell me about a time you used financial modeling to support a business decision.
- How do you ensure compliance with financial regulations and tax laws?
- What’s your experience with managing financial audits?
- How do you approach cost reduction without negatively impacting operations?
Role-Specific Questions
These questions address day-to-day responsibilities and challenges specific to the finance manager role.
- What do you see as the most important role of a finance manager in a growing company?
- How do you handle cash flow management and ensure a company stays financially stable?
- What strategies do you use for creating and managing budgets?
- How do you balance financial risk and growth opportunities?
- What’s your approach to working with cross-functional teams, such as marketing or operations?
- If the company’s revenue dropped unexpectedly, what steps would you take to assess and address the situation?
- What’s your experience managing a finance team? How do you delegate tasks and ensure accuracy?
- How do you handle resistance when implementing new financial policies or cost-cutting measures?
What Is the Average Salary for a Finance Manager in the United States?
Finance managers are well-compensated professionals, reflecting the high level of expertise and responsibility required for the role. According to salary estimates, the total annual pay for a finance manager averages $189,983, with a base salary of approximately $122,596 per year. The remaining compensation often comes from bonuses, profit-sharing, and other financial incentives.
However, not all finance manager roles pay the same. Salaries vary by industry, location, and company size.
Top-Paying Industries for Finance Managers
Certain industries offer higher salaries due to the complexity of financial management within their sectors. The top five highest-paying industries for finance managers in the U.S. are:
| Industry | Median Total Pay |
|---|---|
| Information Technology | $165,777 |
| Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology | $164,694 |
| Agriculture | $155,356 |
| Retail & Wholesale | $152,667 |
| Energy, Mining & Utilities | $150,128 |
Industries that involve high-value transactions, large-scale budgeting, and strict financial regulations tend to offer higher salaries for finance managers.
Best States for Finance Managers
Geography also plays a role in how much finance managers earn. Some states have a higher demand for financial professionals and offer better salaries to attract top talent. The best-paying states for finance managers include:
- New York
- Connecticut
- Washington
- Massachusetts
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- California
These states often have a higher cost of living, but they also provide strong career opportunities in financial hubs like New York City, San Francisco, and Boston.
Factors That Affect Finance Manager Salaries
Several factors can influence how much a finance manager earns, including:
| Factor | Impact on Salary |
|---|---|
| Company Size | Larger organizations tend to pay more due to the complexity of their financial operations. |
| Years of Experience | More experienced finance managers can negotiate higher salaries. |
| Certifications | Holding credentials like CPA, CFA, or CMA can boost earning potential. |
| Industry Specialization | Niche industries with complex financial needs often offer better compensation. |
Challenges in Hiring a Finance Manager
Hiring a finance manager comes with its own set of challenges. While the demand for financial experts is growing, finding someone with the right mix of technical expertise, leadership skills, and industry experience can be tough. A competitive job market and shifting work preferences—such as the rise of remote work—mean companies need to rethink how they attract and hire top finance talent.
Common Hiring Challenges for Finance Managers
- High Demand, Limited Talent Pool: With finance manager roles expected to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033, competition for skilled candidates is intense. Many top professionals already have well-paying positions, making it harder to recruit them.
- Long Hiring Processes: Companies that take too long to make decisions risk losing strong candidates to faster-moving competitors.
- Salary Expectations: Compensation for finance managers varies by industry and location. If your offer isn’t competitive, candidates will likely look elsewhere.
- Industry-Specific Experience: Some industries, such as pharmaceuticals or technology, require finance managers with specialized knowledge, narrowing the candidate pool even further.
- Remote vs. In-Person Work Preferences: Some businesses still prefer on-site finance managers, while many professionals are now seeking remote or hybrid roles. This disconnect can make hiring more difficult.
Tips for Overcoming These Challenges
Businesses can improve their hiring success by making small adjustments to their recruitment strategy. Here are some ways to tackle common hiring roadblocks:
- Speed Up the Hiring Process: A structured, efficient hiring timeline helps secure top candidates before they accept other offers.
- Offer Competitive Compensation: Research salaries in your industry and location to make sure your offer aligns with market expectations. Consider bonuses and professional development perks to stand out.
- Be Open to Remote Talent: Expanding your search beyond a single geographic location can help access a larger talent pool.
- Look Beyond Job Titles: A candidate without “Finance Manager” on their resume may still have the right skills and leadership experience to succeed in the role.
- Use Strong Employer Branding: Candidates want to work for companies with a clear mission, growth opportunities, and positive culture—make sure your job posting reflects this.
- Leverage Specialized Hiring Platforms: General job boards can lead to unqualified applicants. Using finance-specific hiring platforms or working with specialized recruiters can improve results.
How Remote People Can Simplify the Process
Instead of spending weeks sorting through resumes and conducting multiple interviews, Remote People connects businesses with pre-vetted finance managers from around the world.
Whether you need on-site, hybrid, or remote talent, Remote People makes it easier to find professionals with the right expertise and experience—helping you hire faster and with confidence.
Why Choose Remote People to Find the Right Finance Manager for Your Company?
Finding the right finance manager isn’t just about filling a position—it’s about bringing in a trusted financial expert who can help guide your business forward. With finance professionals in high demand, competition for top talent is fierce. That’s where Remote People comes in.
With deep experience in international staffing and executive search, Remote People connects companies with highly qualified finance managers worldwide. Whether you need an on-site leader, a remote expert, or a hybrid professional, our network makes it easy to find the right fit—without the lengthy hiring process.
The Right Finance Manager Can Transform Your Business
A strong finance manager protects your company’s financial health, drives smart decision-making, and helps plan for long-term growth. Hiring the right person requires:
- A clear, well-written job description that sets expectations.
- A structured resume screening process to identify top candidates efficiently.
- Targeted interview questions to assess technical and leadership skills.
- A competitive compensation package to attract and retain the best talent.
- A simplified and well-organized hiring process to prevent delays and missed opportunities.
Find the Right Finance Manager with Remote People
Instead of sorting through endless applications or risking a long, drawn-out hiring process, let Remote People help. Our expertise in finance hiring and global staffing means you get access to pre-vetted, highly skilled candidates—so you can hire with confidence.
Ready to build a stronger financial future for your company? Start your hiring journey today with Remote People. Contact us to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring a finance manager can bring up a lot of questions—after all, this role is a big deal for any company. Whether you’re hiring for the first time or looking to replace an existing team member, getting it right is a top priority.
Below, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions companies ask when searching for the perfect finance manager.
If your business is growing and you’re juggling budgets, forecasting, financial reports, and risk management without a dedicated expert, it’s time to hire a finance manager.
This role becomes even more important when your company reaches a point where cash flow, expenses, and profitability need constant oversight. A finance manager brings structure to your finances, helps with strategic planning, and ensures financial stability—so you can focus on running the business instead of crunching numbers.
While both roles involve financial oversight, a finance manager focuses on strategy, planning, and business growth, whereas a financial controller is more involved in accounting, compliance, and financial reporting.
The finance manager helps drive financial decision-making and long-term business goals, while the controller ensures the books are accurate and follows regulations and accounting standards. In larger companies, these roles work together, but in smaller businesses, a finance manager often takes on both responsibilities.
A strong finance manager should have at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business administration.
Many companies prefer candidates with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or certifications like Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Beyond education, look for 5+ years of experience in financial management, proficiency in financial software, and a proven track record in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning.
It depends on your business needs. If you require ongoing financial oversight, budgeting, and strategy development, hiring a full-time finance manager is the best choice.
However, if you need occasional financial guidance, help with audits, or short-term projects, a contract finance manager or fractional CFO may be a better fit. For startups and small businesses, outsourcing finance management until the workload justifies a full-time hire is a common approach.
Offering a competitive salary and benefits package is key, but it’s also important to create a compelling job description that highlights growth opportunities, workplace culture, and work-life balance.
Fast-moving hiring processes also make a difference—top finance professionals won’t wait around for weeks while a company makes up its mind.
If your business allows remote or hybrid work, be sure to mention that in the job posting to appeal to a broader talent pool.
The hiring timeline depends on how quickly you screen resumes, conduct interviews, and make an offer. On average, hiring a finance manager takes four to six weeks. The process moves faster when companies have a structured hiring plan, clear job description, and a streamlined interview process.
Working with Remote People can also speed things up by giving you access to pre-vetted candidates who are ready to step into the role.
The biggest challenges include finding candidates with the right mix of technical expertise and leadership skills, offering a competitive salary, and avoiding a drawn-out hiring process that causes top candidates to accept other offers.
Additionally, industry-specific experience can be hard to find—some sectors, like healthcare, tech, and retail, require finance managers with specialized knowledge.
Being open to remote talent, using efficient hiring methods, and working with specialized recruiters can help overcome these challenges.
The estimated total compensation for a finance manager in the U.S. is $189,983 per year, with an average base salary of $122,596. However, salaries vary by industry, location, and experience level.
The highest-paying industries include Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, Retail, and Energy, with salaries exceeding $150,000.
If hiring remotely, consider adjusting pay based on cost of living and market demand in different regions. Offering performance bonuses, stock options, or other perks can also attract stronger candidates.
A mix of behavioral, technical, and role-specific questions will help assess a candidate’s experience, problem-solving ability, and financial expertise. Some strong questions include:
- Tell me about a time you made a tough financial decision. What was the outcome?
- How do you handle cash flow challenges in a growing company?
- What financial software are you proficient in, and how have you used it in previous roles?
- How do you explain complex financial data to non-finance stakeholders?
- What strategies have you used to reduce costs without sacrificing growth?
Remote People specializes in finance and executive hiring, offering businesses access to pre-vetted, highly skilled candidates worldwide. Whether you need an on-site finance manager, a remote expert, or a fractional finance leader,
Remote People simplifies the hiring process by matching you with professionals who fit your needs and company culture. Instead of spending weeks sorting through resumes and conducting endless interviews, you get a curated list of top candidates—so you can hire faster and with confidence.
Related Page
Hire Anywhere.
We Handle the Rest.
- 150+ countries, fully compliant
- EOR from $199/, no hidden fees
- In-house recruiters included
- Real humans, not chatbots
- Rated 5/5 by 3,000+ companies
Switching from another EOR?
Get one year free.