How to use — four-stage process cards with timing at a glance
Level calibration — Manager / Director / Controller table before anyone reads a single question, because mis-leveling is where searches go sideways.
Stage 1: Technical screen — 6 domains (12 questions total), each with the question, what to listen for, and level notes flagging where Director/Controller answers should differ from Manager answers.
Scoring rubric — 8 dimensions, 4-point scale with behavioral anchors at every level, plus a summary scorecard with hire/pass thresholds (24+ for Director/Controller, 20+ for Manager).
Stage 2: Work samples — 3 scenario prompts (close readiness, note discipline, prescribed/permitted practice), each with evaluation criteria.
Stage 3: Controls and leadership interview — is about judgment under scrutiny, not technical knowledge. You're testing how this person thinks about preventing problems vs. fixing them, and how they lead when the pressure is on.
Stage 4: Reference checks — 9 targeted questions, numbered, with "listen for" notes on each. Question 9 (the conviction test) is the one to watch closely.
This kit is built for hiring managers running a statutory accounting search: CFOs, Controllers, CHRO teams, and search committees.
