Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Gyanesh Changlani, a Fractional CFO on Toptal.com.
In 2021, after spending 15 years of his career in the UAE and India he transitioned as a full-time fractional CFO.
Now, you might wonder, ‘How can he sustain himself as a freelance CFO?’
Well, it turns out that Gyanesh is a CFO to 6 clients in the US and Canada which makes his revenue nearly five times what he previously received in the UAE.
If you’re curious about how you can become a Freelance Finance Expert on Toptal, a global freelance platform that exclusively hires the top 3% of professionals, you are in the right place.
Here is how to go about it.
Step-by-step guide on joining Toptal as a Finance Expert
While discussing how he registered on Toptal, Gyanesh Changlani, said “I had to go through almost 10 rounds of interviews before being onboarded to the platform.”
Here is the process.
1. Assess your skills and experience
- Ensure that you have the necessary expertise and experience in finance.
- Toptal prides itself on its high-quality talent pool, so having a strong background in finance is essential along with 2-3 years of experience, and a mindset to take on challenging projects.
2. Set up your profile
- If you are certain that you have the necessary skill sets, the next obvious step is to create a Toptal account.
- This is a straightforward process. You simply need to submit your profile through their website using the ‘Apply as a Freelancer’ option.
- When setting up your profile, make sure to choose Finance as your primary expertise so that you can be matched with relevant projects and clients.
- Fill out your Toptal profile thoroughly, highlighting your relevant education, work experience, and any notable achievements in the finance industry.
- Be sure to mention what sets you apart from other finance professionals.
3. Toptal interview process
Once your application has been approved, Toptal will contact you and their HR team will promptly start the interview process.
Since Toptal exclusively hires the finest talent, their interview process consists of multiple stages and typically takes a few weeks to complete.
A. Screening Call
The Toptal Screening Call is a phone/video call interview that is used to assess the skills and experience of potential Toptal freelancers.
The purpose of the Toptal Screening Call is to determine if you are a good fit for the Toptal network:
- Assess your skills and experience in accounting, finance, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and financial analysis.
- Learn more about your work style and availability. The interview will focus on your experience working in businesses, and your ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Test your English-speaking skills. They will look at your ability to communicate effectively with both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
B. Skills assessment (MCQ format mostly):
If you successfully pass the initial screening, the next step would be the Toptal Skills Assessment, a multiple-choice test.
It is tailored to assess your knowledge and expertise in your chosen field, showcasing to potential clients that you possess the necessary qualifications they seek.
Moreover, clearing this assessment enhances your chances of securing interviews with Toptal clients and opens doors to various valuable resources, including training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
If you have a minimum of two years of experience in the finance sector, preparing for the assessment should be a breeze. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you prepare beforehand.
C. Case Interview with a recruiter
The recruiter will give you a hypothetical financial problem and ask you to solve it. You will be expected to use your knowledge of financial analysis, problem-solving, and communication to come up with a solution.
The case interview typically follows this format:
- The recruiter will give you a brief overview of the problem.
- You will have some time to ask questions and clarify any points that you are not sure about.
- You will then have 30-60 minutes to work on the problem.
- Once you have finished, you will present your solution to the recruiter.
D. Live Project based interview
The project involves working on a real-world financial problem with a Toptal client
Phase 1: You will be given a brief overview of the project and the client’s needs. You will then have the opportunity to ask questions and clarify any points that you are not sure about.
Phase 2: You will revive a set of tasks to complete. These tasks will involve analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and making recommendations. You will have the opportunity to work with the client to get feedback on your work and make sure that you are meeting their needs.
E. You may have another interview round
After completing your case material deliverables, you schedule a presentation call and submit your work to your Toptal representative.
F. Onboarded
You’ll get an onboarding email from Toptal once you pass all the interviews. Congratulations! You have now become a member of Topttal’s exclusive network.
Check out another extensive Toptal interview guide – https://freelancemvp.com/toptal-finance-interview/#step-2-complete-the-online-multiple-choice-test
Outsourced CFO firms have been operating in India for quite some time now. Traditional CA firms have also set up dedicated CFO Advisory teams.
For instance, Grant Thornton Bharat CFO Advisory currently boasts a dedicated workforce of over 650 employees and plans to hire 400-500 more professionals for its CFO advisory practice in FY24.
However, Fractional CFOs or Remote CFOs gained significant traction in the post-pandemic era.
Startups, SMEs, and even large businesses in the US, Canada, Australia, UK, and UAE are now seeking seasoned finance professionals for part-time roles.
But despite this growing demand, the market remains largely untapped.
Why Toptal is better than other platforms
If you are a finance expert considering venturing into the world of Fractional CFOs, Toptal can be the perfect platform for you to consider.
While other freelancing platforms like Upwork and Freelancer, get most of the limelight, Toptal stands out with its high-paying projects and personalized matchmaking.
One significant advantage of Toptal is that you can set your own rates, with Toptal not deducting any portion from your earnings.
In contrast, Upwork charges freelancers a service fee ranging from 5% to 20% on all client contracts.
As a freelancer, regardless of the platform you choose, don’t forget to maintain diligence, integrity, and ethics. Building a strong reputation and fostering trust with your clients are essential for long-term success.
Please note: The mention of any company names in the article does not imply endorsement or promotion. This is all as per our research, kindly conduct your own research.
