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

From Leading Shared Services to Supporting SEND Families – Meet Samantha Ryan

When it comes to shared service management, Samantha knows her stuff.With a career built on navigating fast-paced change, leading high-performing teams, and staying two steps ahead of the next big thing in business ops, she’s seen (and solved) it all. But Sam’s talents don’t stop at spreadsheets and strategy—she’s also the author of SEND Help!, a heartfelt and practical guide for parents navigating the world of Special Educational Needs.In this Q&A, Liam O'Flaherty sat down with Samantha to chat about the reality of leadership in shared services—what it takes to thrive, what’s changing fast (spoiler alert: AI is knocking at the door), and why staying human in the digital age might just be the most powerful skill of all.Whether you're eyeing your first step into a shared services role or already deep in the trenches, Samantha’s insights are refreshingly honest, full of warmth, and packed with practical takeaways. Let's dive in.What do you think future leaders should prioritise or focus on most in order to successfully make themselves appointable as a shared service manager?I think it’s less about ticking off qualifications and more about showing you can actually lead people through mess and change. You need to be someone who stays calm under pressure, communicates clearly, and isn’t afraid to get stuck in. If you’re the kind of person who sees a knot and wants to untangle it, you’re probably halfway there already. When leading a shared services team, you need to have one eye on how your operation is running right now and the other eye on what’s coming down the pipeline - the next new technology or shared services operating strategy. Curiosity is key to ensuring you always stay abreast of emerging technology and ways of working.What are both the best and the most challenging aspects of being a shared service manager of a fast paced business?The best bit is the variety - you’re never bored. You get to fix things, improve how stuff works, and genuinely help people. I have always found great joy in my work and being of service to others, whether that’s leading a shared service team, a purchase to pay department or as a global process owner. The hardest part? There’s always something going on. Priorities change quickly, and you have to juggle a lot without dropping the ball. It can be exhausting some days, but also really rewarding when you get it rightWhat are your opinions about the relationship between a shared service manager and the CFO and CEO? What is critically important in building a successful partnership and providing the right support to the CEO/CFO?Trust is everything. They need to know you’ve got the detail covered, that you’ll flag issues early, and that you’re not sugar-coating anything. It’s also about understanding what keeps them up at night and making sure the shared service function isn’t adding to that. You’ve got to be steady, honest, and clear with no fluff.What new key skills or attributes do you think the next generation of shared service managers are going to need to develop?Flexibility and digital confidence. Things move quickly now, and you’ve got to be open to learning new systems, new ways of working, and even letting go of old ways that aren’t cutting it anymore. People skills still matter too, probably more than ever. This current generation expect a work/life balance and flexibility – neither of which are bad things. So, ensuring you understand the needs of your team and the culture of your workforce is essential.Are new technologies like Artificial Intelligence having much of an impact on your role as shared service manager yet? What impact do you think they will have over the next few years?Absolutely, AI has arrived. The key is to understand it, leverage it and not be afraid. AI can be really useful to shared service teams. Some of the repetitive stuff is getting automated, which is a win if it means teams can focus on the work that really needs a human brain. Over time, I think we’ll lean on AI more and more. It’ll still need people who understand the bigger picture and can spot when something doesn’t feel right. Shared Service leaders need to embrace AI and make it work effectively for their business.Is it possible to maintain a reasonable work life balance at shared service manager Level or do you have to accept that there will be personal sacrifices in order to progress to that level?Honestly? There are busy seasons and tough patches where balance goes out the window. But I do think it’s possible overall, you just have to be clear with yourself (and others) about what’s non-negotiable. I’ve learned not to feel guilty about switching off, because you can’t pour from an empty cup.Away from core knowledge, what personality traits have been critical to your success as a shared service manager? Are these natural or have you worked on developing them?Patience, humour, and the ability to stay calm when things get chaotic. Some of that’s just who I am, but I’ve definitely had to work on things like not taking things personally and learning to pick my battles. It’s a people-heavy role, so you need thick skin, but also empathy. What is the one single best piece of advice you were given early in your career that still holds true today?“Don’t wait to feel ready - just start” and “dress for the job you want, not the job you’ve got” (I actually think I first heard that on a Jennifer Aniston movie years ago!). I’ve learned that you grow into roles, not the other way round. Don’t wait to be asked to step forward in your role. Go that extra mile. Say yes, even if your voice trembles as you say it. Most people are winging it to some degree anyway. In ConclusionSamanthas’s approach to leadership is the kind we all wish we worked with—real, grounded, and refreshingly human. From embracing AI to keeping empathy at the centre of decision-making, she reminds us that successful leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about staying curious, stepping up, and staying calm when things get chaotic.Whether you're at the start of your shared services journey or eyeing your next big promotion, there’s something in Samantha’s story for everyone. And if you’re juggling a demanding role with life outside of work (who isn’t?), her reflections on balance, boundaries and being brave even when you’re not 100% ready hit just the right note.If you want to explore more of Samantha’s world beyond shared services, check out her brilliant book SEND Help!—a thoughtful, empowering guide for parents supporting children with Special Educational Needs. Because just like in business, when we work together, support each other, and lead with heart, amazing things happen.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.

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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.