FP&A Manager at Fortis Recruitment - Interview Preparation Plan | RealPrep

FP&A Manager at Fortis Recruitment - Interview Preparation Plan | RealPrep

Interview Process

Fortis Recruitment's interview process is designed to be a comprehensive, two-way exchange of information. It typically begins with an online application, followed by a phone screening. Shortlisted candidates can expect multiple interviews, which may include behavioral and situational questions. Depending on the role, assessments, and pre-employment checks may also be part of the process. The company emphasizes that interviews are an opportunity for candidates to assess their fit with the role and company culture, as well as for Fortis to evaluate the candidate's skills and competencies. For executive roles, the process is particularly detailed, involving interviews with key stakeholders and cultural fit evaluations. Some roles may also include technical assessments.

Expected Timeline: The typical timeline from application to offer can range from six to eight weeks, with follow-ups to shortlisted candidates usually occurring within two to three weeks of applying.

Initial Application & Phone Screening

Not specified

Candidates submit an online application, which is reviewed by the recruitment team. Successful applicants may be invited for an initial phone interview to assess basic qualifications and fit.

What to expect: Be prepared to discuss your resume and career aspirations. The recruiter will assess your suitability for the role and provide an overview of the next steps.

Interviews

Varies

This stage typically involves multiple interviews, which may be conducted by hiring managers, team members, or senior leadership. Interviews will assess both technical skills and behavioral competencies.

What to expect: Expect a mix of behavioral and situational questions, competency-based assessments, and questions related to your understanding of financial planning and analysis. Be ready to provide specific examples from your past experience. Prepare questions to ask the interviewers about the role, team, and company culture.

Assessments/Pre-employment Checks

Varies

For some roles, candidates may be required to complete technical assessments, skills tests, or background checks.

What to expect: Depending on the assessment, this could involve problem-solving exercises, case studies, or background verification.

Offer & Onboarding

Varies

Upon successful completion of all stages, a job offer will be extended. Fortis Recruitment emphasizes a smooth onboarding process.

What to expect: Review the offer details carefully. Be prepared for background checks and reference verification if not already completed.

Interview Types & Description

Behavioral Interviews

These interviews assess how candidates have handled past situations to predict future behavior. They focus on competencies and experiences relevant to the FP&A Manager role.

Preparation Tips

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
Prepare specific examples demonstrating leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and financial acumen.
Be ready to discuss times you've managed competing priorities or identified significant variances.

Sample Questions

Tell me about a time you identified a significant variance in financial forecasts versus actual results. How did you approach the analysis, and what actions did you recommend?
Describe a time when you had to manage competing priorities during a critical financial close or reporting period.
Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with IT or data teams to improve financial data integration or reporting capabilities.
Describe a time when you had to develop and present a long-term financial plan or forecast that supported the company's strategic objectives.

Quick Practice - Behavioral Interviews

Technical Interviews

These interviews evaluate a candidate's technical skills and knowledge related to financial planning and analysis, including financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and data analysis.

Preparation Tips

Brush up on financial modeling techniques, including building revenue and expense models.
Be prepared to discuss your approach to budgeting and forecasting, including different methodologies.
Understand key financial concepts such as the three financial statements, ratio analysis, and cash flow.

Sample Questions

How do you approach budgeting in your current role?
How do you ensure accuracy and reliability in financial forecasts?

Situational Interviews

These interviews present hypothetical scenarios to gauge how a candidate would respond to specific challenges they might face in the FP&A Manager role.

Preparation Tips

Think through common FP&A challenges and how you would address them.
Emphasize your analytical process, decision-making framework, and communication strategy.
Consider how you would collaborate with different departments to resolve issues.

Sample Questions

If you discovered a material misstatement in a financial forecast, how would you handle it?
How would you partner with a sales team that is consistently missing its targets?

Preparation Plan

To prepare for the FP&A Manager role at Fortis Recruitment, focus on understanding the company, refining your technical and behavioral skills, and practicing your ability to articulate your experience with specific examples. Thorough research into Fortis Recruitment's operations, values, and recent activities will be crucial. Align your experience with the key responsibilities and required skills outlined in the job description.

Focus Areas

High

Company Research

Deeply understand Fortis Recruitment's business model, culture, values, and recent news, especially regarding their financial services sector expansion. Prepare to articulate why you are a good fit for their specific needs.

High

FP&A Technical Skills

Review and practice financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial statement analysis. Be ready to discuss your proficiency with relevant financial software and tools.

High

Behavioral Competencies

Prepare compelling examples using the STAR method that demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills, particularly in financial contexts.

Medium

Role Alignment

Tailor your resume and talking points to highlight experiences and skills directly relevant to the FP&A Manager role at Fortis Recruitment, emphasizing strategic impact and business partnership.

Medium

Questions for Interviewers

Develop insightful questions about the role, team dynamics, company strategy, and FP&A team's contribution to business decisions. This demonstrates engagement and critical thinking.

Timeline Suggestion

Begin preparation at least 1-2 weeks before the first interview. Dedicate specific time slots for company research, technical skill review, and practicing behavioral answers. Allocate more time for complex financial modeling scenarios and case studies if applicable.

Key Advice

Emphasize your ability to act as a strategic business partner, not just a number cruncher. Showcase how you leverage financial data to drive informed business decisions and contribute to the company's growth and profitability. Be prepared to discuss your experience in the recruitment or financial services industry, if any, and how it aligns with Fortis Recruitment's recent expansion.