When it comes to interviews the finance industry remains in a league of its own with expectations that are some of the highest.
If you have an interview in investment banking, retail banking, insurance, MBA finance, corporate finance or a number of other financial services means you should be prepared for financial interview questions.
Common Interview Questions and Answers for Finance Jobs
While interview questions for finance jobs will vary slightly from one interviewer to the next, the following are some of the most commonly asked corporate finance interview questions you can expect to be asked.
Corporate finance related questions:
- Tell me about any recent financial reports you have analyzed. What were the outcomes and the different financial strategies you have recommended accordingly?
- Have you worked on (or created) finance procedures for monitoring your corporate assets and properties?
- Tell us about documentation process you followed for reports related to monetary flow? How have you managed accounting reports, investments and project analysis?
- Have you guided finance people in creating annual financial statements to present in management meetings
- Have you directed the financial planning of organization? Tell us about your involvement in business development activities, change management operations and in forecasting the business financial results.
- Have you measured company’s overall performance and industry-competitive analysis (such as – making pricing and cost decisions)? Tell us about that.
What do you feel motivates you?
When an interview question about your motivation is asked it’ designed to determine whether you have the right motivation to be a good fit for the company and the position offered.
Make sure you make you describe your motivation in manner that’s relevant to the job.
Please name one major achievement in your career
Choose one of your most notable achievements and why you felt it was important.
Keep it relevant to the finance position you are applying for. Discuss the challenges you faced and tell the interviewer how your achievement can help you succeed in your new position.
Can you describe how you approach teamwork and what your plan would be to adapt so you could effectively work with the team?
Finance interviewers are looking for team players who can build strong relationships and play an integral role in the team’s success.
In the financial industry it’s imperative that you can successfully work in a team environment, and that you are highly adaptable.
How do you persuade others to see your point of view?
In the finance industry financial professionals often have to persuade influential people to count on their expertise, follow their advice, and use their services.
Your interviewer will want to make sure you are able to determine the best approach to achieve what you want by influencing clients.
What is a good example of a recent win-win situation you successfully negotiated?
Think carefully before you answer, because the object of this question is to explore whether you are capable of communication information and whether you have the ability to communicate in a way that will gain the acceptance and agreement you are seeking.
What is a high stress situation you found yourself in and how did you handle it?
The finance industry is always under pressure and the interviewer is looking to see if you are able to perform under pressure, that you can stay calm, and defuse a stressful situation.
What can you do to add value to our organization?
Your answer to this question needs to highlight your knowledge of the company, that you understand the company’s goals, achievements, and the challenges it faces.
What are the biggest opportunities and the biggest challenges that financial professionals face in today’s market?
Make sure the interviewer knows you understand the current economic times, the financial sectors issues relating to reputation issues, regulatory changes, cost reduction, industry innovations, and credit availability. If you want to increase your likelihood of getting the position, give this question the attention it deserves.
The Importance of Interview Questions for Finance Jobs
The financial industry demands a great deal from those in the industry.
Prior to hiring, the interviewer will use a serious of strategic questions to ensure the best man/woman for the job is hired.
“Give the same thought to your finance interview answers as you do to your career.”