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.
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.
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.
✅ Tip: Link your experience to the job spec—highlight your commercial awareness, technical capabilities, and desire to contribute to the wider finance function.
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”).
✅ Tip: Employers value finance professionals who are always looking to improve—especially those stepping into Finance Manager or Business Partnering roles.
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.
✅ Tip: Show that you're committed to growing within the business rather than just viewing the role as a stepping stone.
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.
✅ Tip: Teamwork is essential for roles in FP&A, commercial finance, or shared service environments.
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.
✅ Tip: Be specific—mention systems knowledge (Sage, SAP, Excel), sector experience (FMCG, construction, not-for-profit), or management experience if applicable.
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.
✅ Tip: If you've had several short stints, be ready to explain them constructively—such as contract work, restructuring, or clear development steps.
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.
✅ Tip: Ask about systems used, team structure, and how finance supports commercial decision-making.
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.
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.
