How to Answer Common Interview Questions for Accountancy and Finance Roles

Interviews can be a daunting part of the recruitment process.

But with thorough preparation and a clear understanding of what employers are looking for, you can set yourself apart from the competition.

At Sharp Consultancy, we support part-qualified, qualified, and senior finance professionals across Yorkshire and the North to secure their next opportunity. Based on our extensive experience working with employers across sectors, here’s a guide to handling the most frequently asked finance interview questions.

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1. Tell Me About Yourself

What the interviewer is looking for:

A concise summary of your background, experience, and suitability for the specific finance role.

Best approach:

Keep your answer focused and relevant to the position. Start with your current role (e.g., “I’m a Management Accountant with 4 years’ experience in manufacturing”), highlight key achievements (cost-saving initiatives, improved reporting cycles, etc.), and briefly explain why you're seeking a new challenge.

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✅ Tip: Link your experience to the job spec—highlight your commercial awareness, technical capabilities, and desire to contribute to the wider finance function.

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2. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

What the interviewer is looking for:

Self-awareness and an honest, constructive reflection on your development.

Best approach:

Choose strengths that are key to the role—such as financial analysis, stakeholder engagement, or systems implementation—and back them up with examples. For weaknesses, choose something honest but not detrimental (e.g., “I used to struggle with delegation but I’ve developed this through leading projects”).

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✅ Tip: Employers value finance professionals who are always looking to improve—especially those stepping into Finance Manager or Business Partnering roles.

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3. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?

What the interviewer is looking for:

Ambition and commitment, and whether your career path aligns with the role and the company.

Best approach:

Discuss your career goals in the context of the employer’s structure and opportunities. For example, a newly qualified accountant might aspire to become a Finance Business Partner or step into a more commercially focused role.

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✅ Tip: Show that you're committed to growing within the business rather than just viewing the role as a stepping stone.

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4. Are You a Team Player?

What the interviewer is looking for:

Your ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, particularly across finance and non-finance teams.

Best approach:

Give a specific example—perhaps working alongside operations to produce accurate budgets or assisting sales teams with margin analysis. Demonstrate how your input supported wider business goals.

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✅ Tip: Teamwork is essential for roles in FP&A, commercial finance, or shared service environments.

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5. Why Should We Hire You?

What the interviewer is looking for:

Someone who understands the role and can demonstrate real value to the team and business.

Best approach:

Highlight your technical capabilities (e.g., month-end reporting, forecasting, audit preparation), commercial insight, and personal attributes such as reliability or drive. Emphasise how your previous success can translate into tangible results for their finance team.

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✅ Tip: Be specific—mention systems knowledge (Sage, SAP, Excel), sector experience (FMCG, construction, not-for-profit), or management experience if applicable.

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6. Why Are You Leaving Your Current Role?

What the interviewer is looking for:

A positive and professional reason for wanting to move on.

Best approach:

Focus on progression, seeking a new challenge, or a change in business culture. Avoid criticising your current employer—finance is a close-knit market and professionalism matters.

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✅ Tip: If you've had several short stints, be ready to explain them constructively—such as contract work, restructuring, or clear development steps.

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7. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?

What the interviewer is looking for:

Evidence that you’ve researched the company and thought seriously about the opportunity.

Best approach:

Ask about the future of the finance function, potential development opportunities, or how the role contributes to the business strategy. Avoid focusing too heavily on salary or benefits at this stage.

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✅ Tip: Ask about systems used, team structure, and how finance supports commercial decision-making.

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Let Sharp Consultancy Help You Prepare for Your Next Interview

Whether you're an Assistant Accountant, Finance Analyst, Financial Controller, or CFO, the right preparation can make all the difference in securing your next opportunity.

At Sharp Consultancy, our experienced consultants in Leeds and Sheffield support finance professionals across Yorkshire and the North with tailored interview advice, CV guidance, and market insights to help you succeed.

​Download our Interview Guide

Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to usTODAYand let's chart your career path together.

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