Finance Manager Onboarding Checklist

Finance Manager Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Finance Manager 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 Accounting onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Finance Manager, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Finance Manager onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Finance Manager Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company policies and procedures: The finance manager should be provided with a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including financial reporting guidelines, expense management protocols, and compliance regulations. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated finance team member.

2. Familiarization with accounting software: As a finance manager, it is crucial to become proficient in the accounting software used by the company. This task involves providing access to the software, arranging training sessions, and assigning a mentor or IT specialist to guide the new hire through the software’s functionalities. The IT department and senior finance team members usually handle this task.

3. Understanding the organizational structure: To effectively navigate the company’s financial landscape, the finance manager should be introduced to the organizational structure. This includes understanding reporting lines, key stakeholders, and the roles and responsibilities of various departments. The HR department or a senior finance team member typically assists with this task.

4. Reviewing financial statements and reports: The finance manager should be given access to the company’s financial statements, reports, and budgets. This task involves providing the necessary documentation, explaining the format and content of each report, and highlighting any specific areas of focus. The finance team, particularly the controller or CFO, is responsible for performing this task.

5. Meeting with key stakeholders: It is essential for the finance manager to establish relationships with key stakeholders, such as department heads, executives, and external auditors. This task involves scheduling introductory meetings, facilitating introductions, and providing background information on each stakeholder. The finance manager’s supervisor or a senior finance team member typically assists with this task.

6. Understanding financial goals and objectives: The finance manager should be briefed on the company’s financial goals and objectives, including revenue targets, cost reduction initiatives, and profitability targets. This task involves providing relevant documentation, explaining the rationale behind each goal, and discussing the finance manager’s role in achieving them. The finance team, particularly the controller or CFO, is responsible for performing this task.

7. Reviewing internal controls and compliance procedures: As a finance manager, it is crucial to understand the company’s internal controls and compliance procedures to ensure financial integrity and regulatory compliance. This task involves reviewing internal control documentation, discussing compliance requirements, and providing training on relevant policies and procedures. The finance team, particularly the controller or CFO, is responsible for performing this task.

8. Participating in budgeting and forecasting processes: The finance manager should be involved in the company’s budgeting and forecasting processes to contribute to financial planning and decision-making. This task involves attending budget meetings, understanding the budgeting timeline, and collaborating with other departments to gather necessary information. The finance team, particularly the controller or CFO, is responsible for performing this task.

9. Familiarization with financial software and tools: In addition to accounting software, the finance manager may need to become familiar with other financial software and tools used by the company, such as financial modeling software or data analytics tools. This task involves providing access to the software, arranging training sessions, and assigning a mentor or IT specialist to guide the new hire. The IT department and senior finance team members usually handle this task.

10. Shadowing and learning from experienced finance team members: To gain a deeper understanding of the company’s financial operations, the finance manager should have the opportunity to shadow and learn from experienced finance team members. This task involves arranging shadowing sessions, encouraging knowledge sharing, and providing opportunities for the new hire to ask questions and seek guidance. The finance team, particularly senior finance team members, is responsible for performing this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Finance Manager checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Finance Manager up to speed and working well in your Accounting 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.