Finance Interview Tips: The Do’s and Dont's for

FRS 102 Revised Seminar Brings South Yorkshire Finance Leaders Together

In collaboration with Shorts Chartered Accountants, we recently hosted a seminar for senior finance professionals from across the region.The event brought together a number of Finance Directors, Financial Controllers and senior leaders from across the region for a morning of insight, discussion and networking over breakfast. It was a pleasure to welcome so many familiar faces, alongside new contacts, reflecting the strength and depth of the Yorkshire finance community. The seminar was presented by Howard Freeman, Audit & Accounts Partner, and Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts. We are extremely grateful to both speakers for sharing their time and expertise, and for delivering a clear, practical overview of the forthcoming changes to FRS 102, which came into effect on 1 January 2026 and are expected to impact a significant number of UK businesses. The session explored what is changing and why, particularly in relation to lease accounting and revenue recognition, and considered what the updates mean in practice for finance teams and business leaders. The speakers also addressed the new reporting requirements under FRS 102, the potential impact on EBITDA and valuation methodologies, and the key considerations for organisations as they prepare for implementation. Rather than focusing purely on technical detail, the seminar encouraged broader discussion around readiness, communication with stakeholders and the commercial implications of the changes. This led to a highly engaged Q&A session, with attendees sharing perspectives and experiences from their own organisations. At Sharp Consultancy, we are committed to supporting the finance community beyond recruitment alone. Events such as this form part of our ongoing effort to create opportunities for connection, knowledge-sharing and professional development among senior finance professionals. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Shorts for partnering with us on this event, and in particular to Howard and Andy for delivering such an informative and thought-provoking session. We are also grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. We look forward to hosting further events in the coming months and continuing to work closely with our network of finance leaders across the region.If you would like to discuss how these changes may impact your finance team, or if you are considering strengthening your leadership function, please contact us for a confidential conversation.

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Finance Interview Tips: The Do’s and Dont's for Success

Securing your next role in accountancy and finance can hinge on how well you perform during the interview stage. From Assistant Accountant positions to Finance Director opportunities, the fundamentals of making a strong impression remain the same.

Our expert finance recruitment consultants in Leeds and Sheffield have pulled together this essential interview guide to help you stand out and put yourself firmly in pole position for your next career move.

✅ DO’s – How to Excel in Your Finance Interview

Research the Employer Thoroughly

Before attending your interview, take time to understand the organisation. Read their annual report, explore their website, and review their presence on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. For finance roles, focus on understanding their financial performance, recent mergers or acquisitions, and any industry trends affecting their sector.

A woman, an accountant, and a man, a recruitment consultant, are seated together, deep in discussion about job opportunities.

Know the Role and Recruitment Process

Understand the responsibilities of the finance position you’re interviewing for, whether it’s Management Accountant, Financial Controller, or CFO. Clarify the format of the interview and prepare for potential assessments, such as technical finance tests or psychometric evaluations.

Prepare Your CV Knowledge

Revisit your CV and the job description in detail. Be ready to discuss your experience in budgeting, forecasting, month-end reporting, or strategic finance projects, and link these to the specific requirements of the role.

Dress Professionally and Make a Positive First Impression

Appear polished and professional while staying comfortable. Strong eye contact, a confident handshake, and a natural, friendly demeanor can help establish rapport from the outset.

Show Enthusiasm and Business Value

Finance employers want candidates who are technically capable and commercially astute. Demonstrate enthusiasm for the role and explain how your skills—such as process improvements, cost savings, or system implementations—can add measurable value to their finance function.

Communicate Clearly

Give concise, well-thought-out answers to questions. Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide structured, impactful responses, particularly when discussing achievements or challenges you’ve overcome.

❌ DON’T’s – Mistakes to Avoid

Be Negative About Past Employer

Keep your responses professional and positive. Instead of criticising, explain your motivation for seeking new opportunities, such as career progression or a desire for broader commercial exposure.

Arrive Late

Punctuality is crucial. Plan your journey in advance, particularly for interviews in city centres like Leeds or Sheffield where parking or public transport delays may occur. Aim to arrive 10 minutes early.

Scrabble letters spell "don't be late" beside an alarm clock on a bright yellow background.

Lead with Salary Discussions

Avoid raising salary or benefits until the interviewer brings it up. Finance hiring managers are more likely to progress candidates who show genuine interest in the role and business objectives rather than solely remuneration.

Provide Inaccurate Information

Honesty is essential. With our in-depth market knowledge, we know that most employers are well-informed about finance salary benchmarks. Be transparent about your current package and career history to build trust.

Hide Career Gaps

If you’ve had breaks due to studying for ACA/ACCA exams, maternity leave, or redundancy, address these openly. Demonstrate how you’ve maintained or developed your finance skills during these periods.

Appear Overconfident or Arrogant

Confidence is key, but balance it with humility and a collaborative approach. Employers value finance professionals who are capable leaders and approachable team players.

Your Finance Recruitment Partner

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 us TODAYand let's chart your career path together.