Sample Job Interview Questions for Accounting and Finance Jobs
By Annette Lewis
This article contains a sample of the types of questions you will encounter in Accounting and Finance jobs and for positions such as:
- Part Qualified Accountants,
- Qualified Accountants,
- Management, Financial and Project Accountants,
- Head of Finance,
- Finance Manager and Finance Director
What to Expect in Your Accounting and Finance Interview
Most interviews will follow a standard structure which includes:- Introduction
- Setting the Scene
- Exploration
- Selling
- Closure
Questions will vary depending on the employer, the level of job you are applying for, the amount of accounting experience you have, the recommended recruiting policy and the personal preference of the interviewer.
Training and Qualifications
You should expect questions exploring your accountancy training, study plans to become an accountant, qualifications and your understanding of accounting terminology and practice.
Skills and Experience
The interviewer will ask questions based on your experience as shown on your CV.
Core Competencies
This relates to key skills required such as your ability to have good analytical and numerical skills, ability to work to tight deadlines, to demonstrate effective communication and ability to deliver quality and accurate output.
Personality and Motivation
Your reasons for applying or for choosing the accounting and finance sector and this employer, how you see your accountancy career developing and the steps you will take to develop your finance skills.
For more senior Finance positions, you should expect questions exploring your ability to motivate and develop a team of accountants or clerical staff, your ability to build relationships and to generate income streams.
Sample Interview Questions for Accountant and Finance Jobs
How would you answer these questions?
Interview Question 2: 'Describe a time when you had to build a collaborative relationship either within your department or outside in order to achieve a particular goal. What steps did you take to ensure this was a success?'
Interview Question 3: 'What do you know about recent IAS changes and to what extent have you been involved with their implementation in your organisation?'
Interview Question 4: 'Describe a time when you had to work exceptionally hard to provide great service to a customer or client. What did you do and what was the outcome.'
Interview Question 5: 'Give me an example of the different approaches you have used when persuading your team, colleagues or manager to agree with your views.'
Interview Question 6: 'Talk me through an example of how you have used data to improve your teams productivity.'
* Questions taken from the InterviewGOLD™ Interview System. Click here for more.
How to Succeed in Your Accounting and Finance Interview
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About the Author
Annette Lewis is an accredited interviewer and has recruited for many organisations
within Healthcare, Education, Customer Services and Banking.
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To help you succeed in Accounting and Finance Interviews, I recommend the Online InterviewGOLD™ Interview System.
- Arrive Fully Prepared, calm and confident
- Know Exactly What to Expect
- Communicate Easily and Fluidly
- Answer Tough Questions Easily
- Avoid Common Mistakes
- Sell Yourself Effectively and Win
