Finance Director Onboarding Checklist

Finance Director Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Finance Director starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Finance onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Finance Director, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Finance Director onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Finance Director Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The finance director should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, mission, values, organizational structure, and key stakeholders. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a senior executive.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The finance director should be given access to the company’s policies and procedures manual, which outlines important guidelines related to finance, accounting, budgeting, and reporting. The task of providing this information is usually handled by the finance or compliance department.

3. Review of financial systems and tools: The finance director should be given a thorough overview of the financial systems and tools used by the company, such as accounting software, budgeting tools, and reporting platforms. This task is typically performed by the finance or IT department.

4. Introduction to the finance team: The finance director should be introduced to the members of the finance team, including their roles and responsibilities. This task is usually coordinated by the finance department or a senior finance manager.

5. Review of financial goals and objectives: The finance director should be provided with a clear understanding of the company’s financial goals and objectives, including revenue targets, profitability targets, and cost reduction initiatives. This task is typically performed by the CEO or CFO.

6. Training on financial reporting requirements: The finance director should receive training on the financial reporting requirements specific to the industry and regulatory environment in which the company operates. This task is usually conducted by the finance or compliance department.

7. Review of budgeting and forecasting processes: The finance director should be familiarized with the company’s budgeting and forecasting processes, including the timeline, key stakeholders involved, and the tools used. This task is typically performed by the finance department or a senior finance manager.

8. Introduction to key external stakeholders: The finance director should be introduced to key external stakeholders, such as auditors, tax advisors, and financial institutions, who play a crucial role in the company’s financial operations. This task is usually coordinated by the finance or executive team.

9. Review of financial controls and risk management procedures: The finance director should be provided with an overview of the company’s financial controls and risk management procedures to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations. This task is typically performed by the finance or compliance department.

10. Collaboration with other departments: The finance director should be encouraged to collaborate with other departments, such as sales, operations, and human resources, to gain a holistic understanding of the company’s financial operations and support cross-functional initiatives. This task is usually facilitated by the CEO or CFO.

11. Performance evaluation and goal setting: The finance director should participate in a performance evaluation process to set goals and expectations for their role within the company. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a senior executive.

12. Ongoing professional development: The finance director should be provided with opportunities for ongoing professional development, such as attending industry conferences, workshops, or training sessions, to stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in finance. This task is usually coordinated by the finance or HR department.

13. Succession planning: The finance director should be involved in succession planning discussions to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities in the event of their absence or promotion. This task is typically facilitated by the CEO or CFO in collaboration with the HR department.

14. Performance feedback and coaching: The finance director should receive regular performance feedback and coaching sessions to enhance their skills, address any areas of improvement, and align their goals with the company’s objectives. This task is typically performed by the CFO or a senior finance manager.

15. Networking opportunities: The finance director should be encouraged to participate in networking events, both within the company and externally, to build relationships with industry professionals and stay connected with the broader finance community. This task is usually facilitated by the finance or HR department

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Finance Director checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Finance Director up to speed and working well in your Finance team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.