67+ real-life interview questions for Financial & Accounting roles

If you find yourself grappling with uncertainty about which questions can genuinely unveil a candidate’s skill set, picture having access to a curated compilation of authentic queries directly sourced from the trenches of hiring managers within the financial realm.

This comprehensive guide unfolds an entire spectrum of real interview questions, meticulously designed to align with the nuances of various financial and accounting roles. 

From the meticulous eye of an Accountant to the strategic insights of a Finance Manager, from the analytical prowess of a Financial Analyst to the managerial finesse of a COO or CFO – we’ve got you covered. 

This resource is tailored for positions spanning from Finance Controller and Staff Accountant to Finance Administrator, Financial Manager, and even the specialized domain of an Insurance Broker.

Real-life accountant interview questions

An Accountant manages financial records, prepares financial statements, and ensures accurate financial reporting. They possess expertise in accounting software, understand financial statement relationships, and may specialize in tax, audit, or advisory services.

Here are 7 questions from real hiring managers: 

1. How do you tie a balance sheet and a P&L to make a cash flow statement?

This question evaluates the candidate’s understanding of financial statement interconnections.

Sample answer: 

“To create a cash flow statement, I reconcile changes in balance sheet accounts over a period with items on the income statement. For example, I’d adjust net income for non-cash expenses and track changes in working capital to derive cash flow from operating activities.”

2. How much is 12 cubed?

This question assesses the candidate’s mathematical knowledge.

Sample answer:

 “12 cubed equals 1,728.”

3. What software are you most familiar with?

This question explores the candidate’s proficiency in accounting software.

Sample answer: 

“I am most familiar with accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and Microsoft Excel for financial analysis and reporting.”

4. What service area are you interested in? (tax, audit, or advisory)

This question assesses the candidate’s career interests within the accounting field.

Sample answer: 

“I am interested in tax services, as I enjoy navigating complex tax regulations, optimizing tax strategies, and helping clients minimize their tax liabilities.”

5. What office location do you want to be in?

This question identifies the candidate’s preferred work location.

Sample answer: 

“I am open to working in any location where your firm has opportunities, but I have a preference for the [City Name] office due to its proximity to my current residence.”

6. What are you looking for in a company?

This question explores the candidate’s expectations and preferences in an employer.

Sample answer: 

“I am looking for a company that values professional growth, provides opportunities for ongoing training and development, promotes a collaborative work environment, and encourages work-life balance.”

7. What do you know about our firm, if anything?

This question assesses the candidate’s research and knowledge about the prospective employer.

Sample answer: 

“I’ve researched your firm extensively and am impressed by your reputation for excellence in accounting services. Your commitment to client satisfaction, innovative solutions, and community involvement aligns with my career aspirations, making me excited about the possibility of contributing to your team.”

Real-life financial analyst interview questions

A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data to provide insights for decision-making. They create and interpret financial statements, model revenues, evaluate valuation metrics, and play a crucial role in financial reporting and forecasting.

Here are 17 interview questions from real hiring managers that can help you choose the right candidate:

1. What are the four financial statements used to monitor a company’s finances?

This question evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of fundamental financial statements.

Sample answer: 

“The four financial statements are the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement, and Statement of Shareholders’ Equity.”

2. How would you define a cash flow statement?

This question assesses the candidate’s ability to define a key financial statement.

Sample answer: 

“A cash flow statement tracks the inflow and outflow of cash within a specific period. It shows how operational, investing, and financing activities impact a company’s cash position.”

3. Can you explain the difference between budgeting and forecasting?

This question evaluates the candidate’s understanding of budgeting and forecasting concepts.

Sample answer: 

“Budgeting involves setting financial goals and creating a detailed plan for revenue and expenses. Forecasting, on the other hand, involves predicting future financial outcomes based on historical data and current trends without the same level of detail as a budget.”

4. How do you model revenues for a company?

This question assesses the candidate’s approach to revenue modeling.

Sample answer: 

“I use historical data, market research, and industry benchmarks to create revenue models. These models consider factors like growth rates, market demand, pricing strategies, and seasonality to project future revenues.”

5. What does NPV stand for and why is it important?

This question tests the candidate’s knowledge of financial acronyms and their understanding of NPV’s significance.

Sample answer: 

“NPV stands for Net Present Value. It’s crucial because it helps assess the profitability of investments by calculating the present value of expected cash flows, considering the time value of money.”

6. What process do you use to create accurate financial reports? Do you have any favorite tools you use?

This question explores the candidate’s financial reporting process and tools.

Sample answer: 

“I follow a structured process, ensuring data accuracy and consistency. My favorite tools include Excel for data manipulation and visualization, and financial software like QuickBooks or Oracle for generating reports.”

7. Do you have experience in benchmarking? When have you used it?

This question assesses the candidate’s experience with benchmarking and its applications.

Sample answer: 

“Yes, I’ve used benchmarking to compare our company’s financial performance against industry peers. It helps identify areas for improvement and opportunities to enhance competitiveness.”

8. If you could only choose one valuation metric when reviewing a company stock, which would you pick and why?

This question tests the candidate’s understanding of valuation metrics and their ability to prioritize.

Sample answer: 

“I would choose Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio because it provides insight into a company’s earnings relative to its stock price, helping assess its valuation and growth potential.”

9. Please read the financial statements of our company. What, if anything, caught your attention?

This question evaluates the candidate’s ability to analyze financial statements and identify noteworthy items.

Sample answer: 

“Upon reviewing your financial statements, I noticed a significant increase in operating expenses compared to the previous year. It would be interesting to understand the drivers behind this change.”

10. Have you ever found inconsistencies in a company’s finances? How did you handle the situation?

This question assesses the candidate’s experience with identifying financial inconsistencies and their problem-solving skills.

Sample answer: 

“Yes, in a previous role, I identified a discrepancy in accounts receivable. I immediately investigated, reconciled the accounts, and reported the findings to management to rectify the issue.”

11. Why do you want to become a financial analyst?

This question explores the candidate’s motivation for pursuing a career in financial analysis.

Sample answer: 

“I am passionate about analyzing financial data, uncovering insights, and making informed decisions. Becoming a financial analyst allows me to leverage my analytical skills to contribute meaningfully to an organization’s success.”

12. What do you think it takes to be a successful financial analyst?

This question assesses the candidate’s perception of key traits for success in the role.

Sample answer: 

“To be a successful financial analyst, one needs strong analytical skills, attention to detail, adaptability, and the ability to communicate complex financial insights effectively. Staying updated on industry trends and regulations is also essential.”

13. What opportunities are you hoping to pursue after becoming a financial analyst?

This question explores the candidate’s career aspirations and goals.

Sample answer: 

“After gaining experience as a financial analyst, I aspire to take on more strategic roles such as Senior Financial Analyst or Finance Manager. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to financial strategy and decision-making at a higher level.”

14. Why do you like being a financial analyst? What is your favorite part of being a financial analyst?

This question assesses the candidate’s passion for their role and the aspects they find most fulfilling.

Sample answer: 

“I enjoy being a financial analyst because it allows me to uncover insights from data, solve complex financial challenges, and contribute to the success of an organization. My favorite part is the satisfaction of translating numbers into actionable recommendations that drive positive outcomes.”

15. Do you have any industry licenses or certifications? If so, why did you pursue them?

This question explores the candidate’s certifications and their rationale for obtaining them.

Sample answer: 

“I hold a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, which demonstrates my commitment to professional excellence and ethical standards in financial analysis. It also provides a broader knowledge base and enhances my credibility in the field.”

16. What’s your greatest weakness?

This question assesses the candidate’s self-awareness and ability to acknowledge areas for improvement.

Sample answer: 

“My greatest weakness is that I tend to be overly critical of my work, which can sometimes lead to perfectionism. However, I’ve learned to balance this by setting realistic expectations and focusing on continuous improvement.”

17. Why our firm over others?

This question evaluates the candidate’s alignment with the prospective employer and their reasons for choosing them.

Sample answer: 

“I chose your firm because of your excellent reputation for financial analysis, your commitment to professional development, and your diverse client base. I believe your organization aligns with my career goals, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team’s success.”

Real-life finance manager interview questions

A Finance Manager oversees financial operations, manages budgets, and provides financial guidance to organizations. They create and present financial reports, optimize reporting processes, mitigate risks, and ensure accuracy in financial data.

These eight interview questions are the most popular among hiring managers:

1. Are you comfortable advising clients on financial decisions?

This question assesses the candidate’s comfort level and competence in providing financial advice.

Sample answer: 

“Yes, I am comfortable advising clients on financial decisions. I have a strong background in financial analysis and strategic planning, enabling me to offer informed and valuable guidance.”

2. Tell me about a time you’ve created and presented a financial report.

This question evaluates the candidate’s experience in creating and communicating financial reports.

Sample answer: 

“In my previous role, I created a comprehensive quarterly financial report that included income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections. I presented the report to the executive team, highlighting key financial insights and recommendations for improvement.”

3. What reporting templates have you created in the past?

This question explores the candidate’s expertise in developing reporting templates.

Sample answer: 

“I have created various reporting templates, including monthly budget variance reports, financial statement templates, and cash flow forecast models. These templates streamline reporting processes and enhance data accuracy.”

4. Have you onboarded new software?

This question assesses the candidate’s experience with software implementation and adaptability.

Sample answer: 

“Yes, I have experience onboarding new financial software to improve data analysis and reporting. I collaborated with IT teams and conducted user training to ensure a smooth transition.”

5. How do you catch mistakes?

This question evaluates the candidate’s attention to detail and quality control methods.

Sample answer: 

“I catch mistakes by conducting thorough reviews of financial data, reconciling accounts regularly, and performing data validation checks. I also encourage a culture of accuracy within the finance team.”

6. How have you improved time to close?

This question assesses the candidate’s efficiency in financial closing processes.

Sample answer: 

“I improved time to close by implementing streamlined workflows, automating repetitive tasks, and enhancing collaboration among team members. These measures reduced the closing cycle by 20% in my previous role.”

7. What has been your experience with risk management?

This question explores the candidate’s familiarity with risk management practices.

Sample answer: 

“I have extensive experience in risk management, including identifying financial risks, developing risk mitigation strategies, and monitoring risk exposure. This includes managing interest rate, currency, and market risks to safeguard financial stability.”

8. Have you ever found inconsistencies in a company’s finances? How did you handle the situation?

This question assesses the candidate’s experience with identifying financial inconsistencies and their approach to addressing such issues.

Sample answer: 

“Yes, I once identified discrepancies in accounts payable during a financial audit. I immediately conducted a detailed audit, reconciled accounts, and collaborated with the finance team to rectify the errors. Transparency and thorough documentation were key in resolving the situation.”

Real-life staff accountant interview questions

A Staff Accountant is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial statements. They ensure accounting accuracy, investigate discrepancies in physical inventory, and use appropriate documentation for invoice processing.

Here are the top three questions to ask in the next interview:  

1. What do you do to ensure accounting accuracy?

This question assesses the candidate’s methods for maintaining precision in accounting.

Sample answer: 

“To ensure accounting accuracy, I perform regular reconciliations, cross-check data entries, and maintain organized financial records. I also stay updated on accounting standards and conduct periodic audits.”

2. If you’re doing a physical inventory account and you find a big difference, what do you do?

This question evaluates the candidate’s response to identifying significant discrepancies in physical inventory.

Sample answer:

“If I encounter a substantial difference during a physical inventory count, I would double-check the count, investigate the cause of the discrepancy, and reconcile the inventory. It’s crucial to maintain accurate records and resolve any issues promptly.”

3. What documentation do you use when sending invoices?

This question explores the candidate’s familiarity with documentation practices in invoicing.

Sample answer: 

“When sending invoices, I use detailed billing statements that include the invoice number, itemized charges, payment terms, and any relevant purchase order or contract information. Clear and accurate documentation helps facilitate the payment process for clients.”

If you need more of these questions visit our complete guide here. 

Real-life financial controller interview questions

A Financial Controller is responsible for overseeing an organization’s financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, risk management, and ensuring compliance. They manage financial projects, address credit issues, handle outstanding debts, and optimize budget development processes.

Check out these four questions provided by real hiring managers to ask:

1. If you know a customer has had past issues with credit, and you see an order from that customer for $10 million, what do you do?

This question assesses the candidate’s approach to managing credit risks.

Sample answer: 

“I would conduct a thorough credit analysis, considering the customer’s credit history, payment patterns, and financial stability. If there are concerns, I may request payment upfront, require a letter of credit, or implement stricter payment terms to mitigate potential risks.”

2. A customer owes you $5 million, and you have a $10 million backlog to deliver: how do you think about handling this situation?

This question evaluates the candidate’s strategy for managing outstanding debts and prioritizing deliveries.

Sample answer: 

“In this situation, I would prioritize deliveries to customers with a history of timely payments. I’d also engage with the customer who owes $5 million to negotiate a payment plan, ensuring that our cash flow remains healthy while fulfilling our backlog commitments.”

3. What’s your first consideration in budget development?

This question explores the candidate’s primary focus when developing budgets.

Sample answer: 

“My first consideration in budget development is aligning financial goals with the organization’s strategic objectives. Understanding the company’s priorities and ensuring the budget supports these goals is crucial for effective financial planning.”

4. How have you reduced expenses at previous roles?

This question assesses the candidate’s ability to manage and reduce expenses.

Sample answer: 

“I’ve reduced expenses by identifying cost-saving opportunities, renegotiating vendor contracts, implementing efficient processes, and promoting cost-consciousness among team members. Additionally, I regularly review budget variances to pinpoint areas for improvement.”

5. What was the most challenging financial project you’ve worked on?

This question explores the candidate’s experience with complex financial projects.

Sample answer:

“One of the most challenging financial projects I worked on involved a company restructuring that required optimizing cost structures, managing debt, and maintaining stakeholder confidence. It demanded strategic financial planning and effective communication to ensure successful implementation.”

Real-life CFO interview questions

A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for overseeing an organization’s financial activities, including financial strategy, budgeting, risk management, and financial reporting. They connect finance to business strategy, collaborate with the CEO and board, manage relationships with external partners, and ensure sound financial decision-making.

Eager to find out 12 interview questions that could assist you to choose the right candidate? 

1. How do you consider connecting finance to strategy, how do you make numbers tell a story relevant to the business?

This question assesses the candidate’s ability to align financial data with the organization’s strategic objectives.

Sample answer: 

“I believe in translating financial data into a narrative that highlights its relevance to the business. By identifying key financial drivers and their impact on strategic goals, I can convey how financial decisions contribute to the organization’s success.”

2. What do you think about roles and needs to augment your existing strengths? If you were to serve as CFO of an organization, what would your ideal support organization look like both in terms of people and budget? Why would you set the organization up in this way? Who would you add to your team?

This question evaluates the candidate’s strategic thinking regarding team composition and budget allocation.

Sample answer: 

“In building my ideal support organization, I would prioritize a mix of financial experts and data analysts to enhance financial planning and analysis. Budget allocation would reflect technology investments and talent development to drive innovation and agility.”

3. Discuss past experiences with a Board and how to interact as a CFO. Perhaps walk through conversations around budget, unit economics, or capital (debt/equity) considerations.

This question assesses the candidate’s experience in engaging with a Board of Directors and their ability to navigate financial discussions.

Sample answer: 

“In past roles, I’ve collaborated with Boards to present budget proposals, discuss unit economics, and evaluate capital allocation decisions. Effective communication, transparency, and aligning financial strategies with the organization’s goals are key in these interactions.”

4. Discuss your relationship with the CEO. Discuss the relationship with the executive team. How do you help the CEO and board of directors make the strategic decisions for your company?

This question explores the candidate’s ability to work closely with the CEO and executive team to drive strategic decisions.

Sample answer: 

“I maintain a strong partnership with the CEO, providing financial insights and analysis to inform strategic choices. With the executive team, I foster collaboration, ensuring that financial strategies support our shared vision and goals.”

5. When you are unsure of a financial solution, who do you go to in your network?

This question assesses the candidate’s networking and problem-solving skills.

Sample answer: 

“When facing uncertainty, I tap into my network of financial experts, industry peers, and mentors. Collaborative discussions and seeking diverse perspectives often lead to innovative solutions.”

6. What are some of your hedging strategies?

This question evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of financial risk management.

Sample answer: 

“I’ve employed hedging strategies such as forward contracts to mitigate currency risk, interest rate swaps to manage interest rate exposure, and options to hedge commodity price fluctuations. The choice depends on the specific risk and market conditions.”

7. Have you taken on debt?

This question assesses the candidate’s experience with debt financing.

Sample answer: 

“Yes, I have managed debt financing in previous roles, including negotiating loan terms, optimizing debt structures, and ensuring debt covenants compliance. Debt can be a valuable tool when used strategically.”

8. Have you acquired any other companies? Which ones and what was the structure of the acquisition(s)?

This question explores the candidate’s experience with mergers and acquisitions.

Sample answer: 

“I have led several acquisitions, including [mention company names], structured as asset purchases and stock transactions. These acquisitions were part of our growth strategy to expand market presence.”

9. What do you think about LBO versus joint venture?

This question evaluates the candidate’s understanding of different corporate structures.

Sample answer: 

“LBOs and joint ventures serve different purposes. LBOs involve acquiring a company with leverage, while joint ventures involve collaborative partnerships. The choice depends on strategic objectives, risk tolerance, and the nature of the opportunity.”

10. Which insurance companies have you worked with?

This question assesses the candidate’s experience in managing insurance relationships.

Sample answer: 

“I have worked with insurance companies such as [mention company names] to optimize insurance coverage, manage risk exposure, and ensure compliance with insurance policies.”

11. Are you a CPA?

This question seeks to confirm the candidate’s professional certification.

Sample answer: 

“Yes, I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which has been instrumental in ensuring compliance, financial reporting accuracy, and upholding ethical standards in my roles.”

12. Tell me about your risk profile and how you’ve mitigated risk.

This question assesses the candidate’s approach to managing financial risks.

Sample answer: 

“I maintain a balanced risk profile, considering factors such as market conditions, industry trends, and regulatory changes. I’ve mitigated risks through diversification, effective hedging strategies, and robust risk management protocols.”

Real-life finance administrator interview questions

A Finance Administrator is responsible for supporting financial operations within an organization. They assist in budget management, financial analysis, and reconciling financial statements. They play a crucial role in maintaining financial accuracy and ensuring compliance.

These 3 interview questions have been selected by actual hiring managers:

1. What are the differences between scale and growth?

This question assesses the candidate’s understanding of the distinctions between scaling and growing a business.

Sample answer: 

“Scale refers to increasing operational efficiency, often by optimizing existing processes. Growth, on the other hand, pertains to expanding the business, typically by increasing revenue, market share, or entering new markets.”

2. What strategies would you use to monitor scale and growth in a rapidly growing business?

This question evaluates the candidate’s ability to develop strategies for tracking and managing business expansion.

Sample answer: 

“I would implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure growth metrics like revenue, customer acquisition, and market penetration. For scaling, I’d focus on process efficiency through continuous improvement and automation.”

3. What company’s budget have you foreseen before?

This question seeks to understand the candidate’s experience in budgeting for organizations.

Sample answer: 

“I’ve been involved in forecasting and managing budgets for [mention company names], where I collaborated with department heads to create and track budgets aligned with organizational goals.”

Check more real-life interview questions for this role here.

Real-life financial manager interview questions

Financial Managers play a vital role in an organization by overseeing financial operations, including budgeting and reporting, to ensure financial health and support growth. They possess expertise in financial modeling, resilience in addressing challenges, and a passion for strategic financial management.

Here are 6 questions based on real hiring managers’ notes:

1. [Pre-interview assessment] ]As part of our assessment process, we require candidates to complete a one-hour Excel-based test that evaluates financial modeling skills. Can you share your experience with financial modeling, particularly in Excel, and highlight any significant projects you’ve worked on?

Evaluate the candidate’s financial modeling skills and experience with Excel.

Here, candidates will be asked to create an Excel spreadsheet showcasing their knowledge of using this software and implementing specific formulas. 

2. In the dynamic environment of startups, financial challenges can arise unexpectedly. Could you describe a specific instance where you encountered a financial obstacle and how you demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness to address it?

This question assesses the candidate’s ability to navigate unexpected financial obstacles.

Sample answer: 

“At XYZ Inc, we faced a cash flow crisis due to unforeseen expenses. I demonstrated resilience by negotiating extended payment terms with suppliers and resourcefulness by identifying cost-saving measures, ultimately restoring our financial stability.”

3. What are your primary professional priorities, and what drives your passion for these priorities?

Explore the candidate’s career priorities and what drives their passion.

Sample answer: 

“My primary professional priority is contributing to a company’s financial success. I’m motivated by the opportunity to help organizations achieve their financial goals, aligning with my passion for strategic financial management and growth.”

4. During a panel interview, we aim to evaluate various skills and attributes. How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams to achieve financial objectives, and can you provide an example of a successful collaboration experience?

Assess the candidate’s approach to collaborating with diverse teams for financial objectives.

Sample answer: 

“I prioritize open communication and consensus-building in cross-functional collaborations. For instance, at LMN Corp, I led a project where we developed a unified financial strategy by collaborating closely with departments. This alignment resulted in a 12% increase in profitability.”

5. Tell us about a project where you had to work closely with different departments to develop a financial strategy. How did you ensure alignment among team members, and what was the outcome of the project?

Investigate the candidate’s experience in working with different departments to create financial strategies.

Sample answer: 

“I led a project at DEF Corporation, collaborating with various departments to develop a financial strategy. To ensure alignment, I conducted regular meetings and encouraged transparent communication. The project’s success was evident when we achieved a 20% increase in revenue.”

6. Discuss your expertise in financial statement analysis. How do you use financial statements to make informed business decisions, and can you share an example of how this analysis influenced a significant financial decision?

Evaluate the candidate’s proficiency in financial statement analysis.

Sample answer: 

“I use financial statements to identify trends and assess financial health. At GHI Corp, my analysis of income statements and balance sheets led to a strategic decision to diversify our product line, resulting in a 25% revenue boost and enhanced market position.”

Real life insurance broker interview questions

Insurance Brokers act as intermediaries between clients and insurance providers, advising on coverage options, policies, and risk management. They specialize in various lines of insurance, build and manage a client portfolio, and aim to meet sales targets.

These three interview questions will assist you in choosing the right candidate: 

1. How much did you sell at your previous firm and how much do you project to sell this year?

Assess the candidate’s previous sales achievements and sales projections.

Sample answer:

“In my previous role, I sold $2 million worth of insurance policies. This year, I project to sell $2.5 million by leveraging my network and focusing on tailored solutions.”

2. Do you specialize in a line of business? If so, which one(s)?

Inquire about the candidate’s specialization within the insurance industry.

Sample answer: 

“Yes, I specialize in commercial property and casualty insurance. I’ve developed expertise in this area over the years, allowing me to provide comprehensive solutions to clients.”

3. Do you currently have a book of business in play?

Determine if the candidate currently manages a portfolio of clients.

Sample answer: 

“I have an existing book of business comprising various clients from diverse industries. I actively manage their insurance needs, ensuring their coverage remains up to date.”

Check more real-life interview questions for this role here.

Utilizing these thoughtfully curated questions empowers you to approach interviews with a sense of assurance, equipped with the tools necessary to make well-informed hiring decisions.

This invaluable resource positions you to confidently pinpoint top-tier talent for your organization, offering a level of certainty in the hiring process.

Embark on the next phase of your hiring journey with a blend of confidence and precision, armed with the insights provided by this indispensable tool.