Hiring a key financial person can be a challenge for some company presidents.  They aren’t sure just what to look for and may fall back on gut feel.  It is important to listen to your heart, but it helps to have your head in the game for a key recruit.

 

Here is one factor to consider, "Are they hands-on or hands-off?"

 

There is no right answer that fits all companies.  Some need one or the other or perhaps a combination. 

 

The trend is towards a more hands-on in many cases:

 

·         Support staffs have been cut.

·         There are emails and things to take care of that you didn’t have twenty years ago.

·         Computer tools are put more power in the hands of people.  You don’t have to rely on IT to get some things done like you used to.

 

However, at other firms, the head financial person is taking on a broader role, becoming a right-hand advisor to the president and being actively involved in strategy.

 

"What is wrong if a hands-off person in a hands-on role and vice versa?"  Each can spell disaster for the company as well as make the individual miserable too.

 

A hands-off person at a smaller company that requires them to do a lot of work themselves will struggle getting things done.  They will take longer to do things and may need to lean on others much more.  They might even want to bring in outside resources at an unnecessary expense.  They may get by, but will just be getting by, rather than getting into deeper insights.

 

At the other extreme, a very hands-on person can suffer as well in a larger company.  They might be very focused on tasks and not taking time for the strategic view.  They may not spend as much time needed to develop relationships with peers, suppliers and customers.  Their people might not as grow as much either, because they may take on too much themselves rather than letting others take on tasks that they should do even though they might be able to do it better themselves initially.

 

Know what fits your needs best.  Understand your candidates preferred style of operating in the past.  Marry the two together and you will have a good fit in a key quality.