One round with an HR representative. The conversation quickly revealed that the company is severely understaffed and the role combines three positions into one — payroll, FP&A, and corporate accounting - all under a single controller. The finance team consists of only four people: a Senior Accountant (this role), Controller, Director, and CFO, with no staff accountant support.
The interview felt less like an evaluation of skills and more like a screening for someone willing to absorb an unsustainable workload. There was a heavy emphasis on hours and availability.
Additional concern: the role is listed as a backfill, but it’s unclear whether the current employee has given notice or will be let go once a replacement is found.
On compensation: the role pays $90k, which is in line with what staff accountants are making in today’s market - not a Senior Accountant handling three functions. The company claims to offer competitive pay, but the number doesn’t reflect the scope of the role.
Pros:
Interview process was quick and straightforward. Workload expectations were at least made clear upfront
Cons:
One role doing the work of three with no support staff. Heavy focus on hours and availability over qualifications. Compensation is below market for the actual scope of work. Lack of transparency around the backfill situation
Advice to candidates: Go in with eyes open. Ask directly about current headcount, why the role is open, and what a typical week looks like. The answers (or lack thereof) will tell you a lot. And don’t let “competitive pay” go unchallenged - get the number before you invest time in the process.