The Best Interview Techniques for Accountants
“What makes a candidate stand out in an interview?”
In the competitive world of accountancy, having the right skills and qualifications is essential – but when it comes to landing a new role, how you perform in the interview is often the deciding factor. At ProTalent, we’ve seen firsthand what makes candidates shine (and stumble) during interviews for accountancy roles at all levels. Whether you're going for your first industry move or a Financial Controller role in a leading London firm, mastering interview technique is critical.
Here’s what truly makes a candidate stand out in today’s interview landscape - and how you can apply it.
1. Preparation That Goes Beyond the Basics
Yes, you need to research the company - but standout candidates take it a step further. Understand the firm’s values, culture, service lines, and client base. If you're interviewing for a Financial Controller role in London, be ready to talk about market trends affecting that sector, how you’d drive efficiencies, and how you align with the firm’s strategic goals.
Top Tip: Review the job spec and prepare examples that directly relate to each requirement. Don’t just say, “I’m detail-oriented.” Say, “In my previous role, I implemented a new reconciliation process that reduced month-end closing time by 25%.”
2. Technical Confidence with Commercial Awareness
Strong technical knowledge is expected - but pairing it with commercial insight will set you apart. Hiring managers want to see you understand the bigger picture: How does your work impact cash flow, investor confidence, or compliance risk? How do you balance cost control with business growth?
Standout example: “I noticed one of our business units had a declining gross margin. I worked with the ops team to identify rising supplier costs and negotiated better terms, improving the margin by 4% over two quarters.”
3. Clear, Structured Communication
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) remains one of the most effective ways to structure your responses. It ensures your answers are concise but impactful, especially for behavioural and competency-based questions.
Example:
Q: “Tell me about a time you improved a process.”
A: “In my previous role (S), our month-end process took 10 days (T). I redesigned our accrual tracking system and introduced automation (A), which cut the close time to 6 days and improved reporting accuracy (R).”
4. Cultural Fit + Professionalism
In accountancy roles, especially leadership positions like a Financial Controller, cultural alignment matters. Clients and team collaboration are at the heart of the role. Be ready to speak about your leadership style, your approach to team development, and how you contribute to a positive working culture.
Hiring managers are asking themselves: Will this person work well with our stakeholders, clients, and wider team?
5. Handling Tough Interview Questions Like a Pro
Some interview questions are designed to test more than just your knowledge; they test your composure, self-awareness, and critical thinking.
Common tough questions include:
- “What’s your biggest professional failure and what did you learn from it?”
- “How would you handle a disagreement with a senior stakeholder?”
- “What would you do in your first 90 days here?”
- “How do you explain complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders?”
What’s the toughest interview question you’ve ever faced – and why? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments or over on our Facebook Group!
💼 This Week’s Job Spotlight: Financial Controller - London
Looking for your next leadership step in a dynamic finance environment? We're recruiting for a Financial Controller role based in London with a progressive and growing business.
It’s a chance to lead strategic financial decisions, manage a high-performing team, and make real impact.
✨ Final Thoughts
Great interviews don’t just happen - they’re built on preparation, insight, authenticity, and confidence. As recruiters, we can spot candidates who’ve done the groundwork and are ready to shine. Want help preparing for your next big interview? Get in touch with the ProTalent team, we’re here to guide you through every step.