Panel Interviews: How Finance and Accountancy

Sharp Consultancy’s Salary Survey 2026/27: Finding the Best Talent in a Competitive Yorkshire Finance Market

Over the past 12 months, the Yorkshire finance and accountancy employment market has entered a relatively stable period following several years of volatility and rapid salary inflation.Hiring activity remains consistent across most finance disciplines, however employers are adopting a more cautious and measured approach to permanent recruitment, likely borne from the economic uncertainty businesses are navigating. As a result, there has been a wider increase across interim hires and salary movement has become more controlled with recruitment processes taking longer than in previous years. Despite this stabilisation, skills shortages continue to be a defining feature of the market. This is particularly evident between the qualified and senior level, where replacement hiring in key roles continues to exceed the available candidate pool and the data reflected in this salary survey aligns closely with what we are seeing daily across the Yorkshire finance market. While hiring volumes have levelled out, the underlying challenge remains unchanged: demand for high-quality finance professionals continues to outweigh supply. What the data does not always fully capture, but we have seen consistently across the market, is the increasing complexity behind each hire. Employers are no longer simply recruiting for technical capability; they are seeking finance professionals who can influence, adapt and add value, often in uncertain trading conditions. This has resulted in longer recruitment timelines, narrower shortlists and a growing reliance on trusted market insight to secure the right individuals. Across the candidate market we are seeing a more selective approach to new opportunities. Job seekers are making increasingly considered career decisions, weighing role scope, leadership quality, flexibility and long-term opportunity alongside salary. Many of the strongest candidates are not actively applying for roles, which means traditional, employer led recruitment strategies are no longer sufficient. Employers are no longer simply recruiting for technical capability; they are seeking finance professionals who can influence, adapt and add value, often in uncertain trading conditions.This is where a relationship-driven recruitment partner becomes vital. At Sharp Consultancy, and through our work with our executive division - The CFO Partnership - our long-standing relationships across the South Yorkshire finance community allow us to engage with high-performing talent that is not always visible to the wider market. Our understanding of both client environments and individual career motivations enables us to make introductions that are aligned not just on skills, but on culture, ambition and long-term fit. In a market where salary growth is increasingly controlled and competition for talent remains intense, our ability to advise, challenge and guide both clients and candidates is vital. Recruitment partnerships built on trust, transparency and deep market knowledge are what ultimately ensure the best outcomes - securing the right talent for our clients, and the right opportunities for the candidates we represent.

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Whether you're interviewing for an Accounts Assistant position, a Finance Business Partner opportunity, a Financial Controller role or a senior leadership appointment, interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience. Preparing to discuss your technical expertise, commercial impact and career achievements is challenging enough, but what happens when you're being interviewed by two, three or even more people at the same time?

Panel interviews are increasingly common across the finance and accountancy sector, particularly for senior appointments and roles where collaboration across departments is essential. Whilst the prospect of facing multiple interviewers can feel daunting, the right preparation can help you approach the process with confidence and showcase your skills effectively.

Find Out Who You'll Be Meeting

A group of interviewers gathered around a table, engaged in a panel interview while using laptops for notes.

Before the interview, ask who will be sitting on the panel and take time to understand their role within the organisation.

For finance and accountancy positions, you may be meeting with a combination of Finance Directors, CFOs, HR professionals, operational managers and key stakeholders from other departments. Each person is likely to assess different aspects of your suitability.

For example:

A Finance Director may focus on your technical expertise and leadership capabilities.
A hiring manager may want to understand your day-to-day experience and problem-solving skills.
An operational stakeholder may be interested in your ability to communicate financial information to non-finance colleagues.

Researching the panel in advance will help you anticipate the types of questions you may be asked and prepare relevant examples from your experience.

Prepare Thoroughly

Successful interview preparation is about more than rehearsing answers.

Review the job description carefully and identify where your skills, qualifications and achievements align with the role requirements. Consider examples that demonstrate:

Financial analysis and reporting expertise
Business partnering experience
Process improvement initiatives
Cost-saving achievements
Systems implementation projects
Leadership and team management capabilities
Stakeholder engagement skills

Use specific examples and measurable outcomes wherever possible. Employers want to understand not only what you have done, but the impact you have made.

Stay Positive and Engaged

A paper displaying a check mark and multiple smiley faces, representing a theme of positivity and active involvement.

Remember, you've been invited to interview because your experience has already impressed the employer.

Approach every question positively and use each opportunity to demonstrate your value. Even challenging questions are designed to help interviewers understand how you think, solve problems and approach complex situations.

Finance professionals are often expected to work under pressure and make informed decisions, so maintaining a calm, composed and positive approach can leave a strong impression.

Build a Connection with the Entire Panel

One of the biggest challenges in a panel interview is engaging with multiple people at once.

It's natural to focus on the person asking the question, but make an effort to involve the entire panel through eye contact and body language. Whilst responding, acknowledge the wider group and maintain engagement across the room.

This is particularly important for finance professionals, as strong communication skills are increasingly valued alongside technical expertise. Employers want to see that you can confidently present information and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

Demonstrate Confidence Through Your Body Language

Your communication extends beyond the answers you give.

Maintain good posture, make appropriate eye contact and show genuine interest in the discussion. A confident and professional presence can reinforce the credibility of your experience and expertise.

For senior finance appointments in particular, employers are assessing how you would represent the finance function, influence decision-makers and communicate with colleagues across the business.

Remember: A Panel Interview Is a Two-Way Conversation

Whilst the panel is assessing your suitability, this is also your opportunity to evaluate whether the organisation is the right fit for your next career move.

Three arrows on a brown background, each pointing in distinct directions, illustrating the concept of a two-way conversation.

Prepare thoughtful questions about:

The finance team's structure
Business growth plans
Current challenges facing the organisation
Career progression opportunities
Company culture and leadership style

Demonstrating curiosity and commercial awareness can help set you apart from other candidates.

At Sharp Consultancy, we support finance and accountancy professionals across Yorkshire with expert career advice, interview preparation and access to temporary, interim and permanent opportunities ranging from transactional finance through to qualified and executive-level appointments. Whether you're actively seeking a new challenge or simply exploring your options, speaking to a specialist recruiter can help ensure you're fully prepared when the right opportunity arises.