director of finance Job Interview Questions & Answers

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Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a director of finance? No worries! Listed below, you’ll find some of the most common director of finance interview questions along with sample answers. Check them out below (and good luck!)

What experience do you have (if any) as a director of finance?

A straightforward question that requires an honest answer – list experience you have as it pertains to the position you’re applying for. What happens if you don’t have any experience? By thinking about the question ahead of time, you can have a reply at your fingertips. In this way, you can turn a simple ‘no’ into an opportunity to demonstrate your awareness of related skillsets.

Answer Sample:

While my experience with x is limited, while working under y at my last job I really got to learn the ropes about z

Things are changing quickly in our industry. What do you feel are the biggest challenges within the role of director of finance?

To be certain, a wide range of answers are acceptable here. These days, mentioning Artificial Intelligence, software, and related items should do well. However, be prepared to explain why you answered the way you did – and do some research ahead of time.

Answer Sample:

Its hard to know for sure with industry factors such as x and y changing so many things – all I can say is that Im excited for the challenges that come with that

What do you to ensure error free work?

While we all make mistakes, accountants can afford no such luxury. No, the company you are applying to isn’t expecting their employees to be flawless. What they’re looking for here is some sort of system of checks and balances.

Answer Sample:

While it may sound funny, Ive developed my own system for quality control that I call the x – its never let me down yet!

Describe a situation you needed to use data to prove a point?

While it may be the epitomy of ‘nerdery’, story telling through data is a critical skill for those in the financial profession. The key to answering this question is focusing on the outcome of data you furnished – and why it mattered.

Answer Sample:

Our department had been struggling for years, but by clearly illustrating the relationship between x and y, we corrected and showed record improvements in the next quarter

Tell me about a time when you received difficult feedback. How did you react?

One of the most difficult things to dispense – and receive – is critique of work. Anyone who has spent enough time in this industry realizes that human error is part of the job, and no one is perfect. What you’re going to want to do here is be sure to let the interviewer know what you did in reaction to this feedback. How accountable were the parties involved? Your ability to navigate though difficult situations will place you high on just about any accounting employer’s list.

Answer Sample:

No one likes these situations, but Ive found that dealing with it factually and without predjudice tends to be the best approach

Would those that know you describe you as a detail oriented person? Why might they describe you that way?

Always with the details! As an accountant, this is a serious requirement. Like many non-valid responses, your statement ‘yes I am a detail oriented person’ is not going to cut it.

Answer Sample:

A careful review of x revealed that y and z were out of order, ultimately preventing a costly audit

Which software and/or applications are you proficient in?

You’d be hard pressed to find an accounting firm these days where software isn’t at the cornerstone of how they operate. In the event that you don’t have experience with popular software, familiarize yourself with industry standards ahead of time. Take some time to ensure you are able to to name popular applications, and have a solid idea of their purpose.

Answer Sample:

Im proficient in x and y, but ive ready tons of good things about z and would love to learn more about it

Regarding culture, what environment do you feel you do your best work in?

Work culture is huge and for good reason these days. It’s more than simply ‘the way things are done’, it’s how things are done and why. While you may be a lone wolf, be careful how you answer this question should it fall out of alignment with the organization.

Answer Sample:

I succeed when given clear, consise direction and find a balance of solo effort and working alongside a team is when Im most productive

Without revealing too much info – why are you leaving your last job?

An innocent question, but deadly if answered improperly. Seeking more money or mentioning the ‘terrible management’ at your last job may leave your interviewer with the wrong impression of you. Even if you were let go, keep it short and concise, and avoid drama at all costs.

Answer Sample:

Working at x was a great experience for a vareity of reasons, but now its time to seek out new challenges

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