Top 10 finance and accounting interview questions you must ask a candidate
Hiring the right finance or accounting professional is about more than verifying technical skills. The best candidates combine accuracy, judgment, ethical standards, and the ability to communicate clearly with stakeholders across the organization.
At Addison Group, we work closely with finance leaders every day and have seen firsthand how the right interview questions can uncover the difference between a capable candidate and an exceptional one.
Here are the top 10 finance and accounting interview questions you must ask a candidate—and why each one matters.
1. Can you walk me through your experience with financial reporting and compliance?
This question helps assess both technical knowledge and real-world application. You’re looking for familiarity with standards such as GAAP or IFRS, as well as hands-on experience preparing or reviewing financial statements.
What to listen for:
Clear explanations, relevant regulations, and an understanding of deadlines and accuracy requirements.
2. How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your work?
In finance and accounting, small errors can have major consequences. This question reveals a candidate’s processes and discipline.
What to listen for:
Specific systems, checks, reconciliations, or tools they use to prevent errors—not just “I’m very detail-oriented.”
3. Describe a time you identified a financial discrepancy or risk. What did you do?
Strong finance professionals don’t just report numbers, they interpret them. This question evaluates analytical thinking and initiative.
What to listen for:
Problem-solving skills, professional judgment, and the ability to escalate issues appropriately.
4. How do you handle tight deadlines, especially during month-end or year-end close?
Deadlines are a reality in finance roles, and pressure comes with the territory. This is one of the interview questions you must ask a candidate to understand how they perform under stress.
What to listen for:
Time management strategies, prioritization, collaboration, and resilience during peak periods.
5. What accounting or financial systems have you worked with?
From ERP platforms to spreadsheets and reporting tools, technology proficiency is critical.
What to listen for:
Experience with systems relevant to your organization and adaptability to learning new tools quickly.
6. How do you explain complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders?
Finance professionals often act as translators between numbers and business decisions. This question tests communication skills.
What to listen for:
Clear, simple explanations and examples of tailoring communication to different audiences.
7. Tell me about a time you improved a financial process or workflow.
This question uncovers candidates who think beyond their job description and look for efficiency gains.
What to listen for:
Process improvement mindset, measurable results, and collaboration with others.
8. How do you stay current with accounting standards, regulations, or industry trends?
Regulations and best practices evolve constantly. A strong candidate stays informed.
What to listen for:
Professional development efforts such as certifications, continuing education, industry publications, or networking.
9. How do you handle ethical dilemmas or sensitive financial information?
Trust and integrity are non-negotiable in finance and accounting roles. This is one of the most important interview questions you must ask a candidate.
What to listen for:
A clear ethical framework, respect for confidentiality, and confidence in doing the right thing—even under pressure.
10. What are you looking for in your next finance or accounting role?
While this may seem straightforward, it provides insight into motivation, career goals, and cultural fit.
What to listen for:
Alignment between the candidate’s goals and the role you’re hiring for, as well as long-term interest.
Why the right interview questions matter
At Addison Group, we know that successful finance and accounting hires are built on more than resumes. Asking thoughtful, targeted questions allows you to evaluate skills, mindset, and potential—reducing turnover and strengthening your team.
These interview questions you must ask a candidate are designed to go beyond surface-level qualifications and uncover how someone truly operates in a finance or accounting environment.
Looking to expand your finance and accounting teams in 2026? Addison Group can help. For more than 20 years, our expert recruiters have been placing top talent with innovative companies. Let’s talk about how we can find talent that’s the right fit for your team, not just who’s available.
For the latest finance and accounting trends and salary data, download Addison Group’s Workforce Planning Guide.
