Got a big interview where you’ll be applying as a director of financing and administration? Don’t sweat it! Listed below, you’ll find some of the most common director of financing and administration interview questions along with sample answers. Check them out below (and good luck!)
Do you have any experience working as a director of financing and administration?
This one’s pretty simple – discuss your experience as it relates to the job 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:
I believe the core requirement for x is y – and through my volunteer work I gained a ton of experience in how x fundamentally relates to y
As we move into the future, what challenges do you feel our industry is facing, especially the role of director of financing and administration?
There are a variety of ways to answer this one. Try discussing ‘buzzworthy’ topics like AI, software, and inexpensive labor. However, be prepared to explain why you answered the way you did – and do some research ahead of time.
Answer Sample:
Like many things, I belive that with change comes opportunity
What do you to ensure error free work?
To err is human, but not when it comes to accounting. While you may be a caped crusader with superhuman error-free work skills, your interviewer won’t buy it. What they’re seeking here is some method you deploy for QA.
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!
Tell me about a time you used graphs, charts, and data to drive home a point?
Numbers don’t lie. What’s being asked for here is an example of when you were able to prove a point by providing truth through the data. A great example here would be anything relating to a decision where your data made a difference.
Answer Sample:
A client had struggled with x for nearly a decade until I was able to clearly present the issue visually – a lightbulb went off, and the clients business is better than ever
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. The interviewer here is looking for one thing in particular: how you reacted in the situation. Was there denial? Deflection? By dealing with difficult situations calmly and with full accountability, you demonstrate qualities every employer loves.
Answer Sample:
Ive been on both ends of critical feedback, and clear, consice presnetation of facts is paramount, as is accountability
Would those that know you describe you as a detail oriented person? Why might they describe you that way?
The devil is in the details – and even more so with accounting! You’d be hard pressed to find any job in the accounting & finance industry where being detail oriented isn’t a major requirement. Once again, saying it is one thing, being able to prove it is another.
Answer Sample:
My careful attention to x and y prevented a major audit last year
Which software and/or applications are you proficient in?
These days, your mastery of accounting software is practically expected. If your experience lies in a single – or outdated platform, be sure you are familiar with the current standards. Spend a night and compile names of cutting edge platforms, and mention these along with their purpose to your interviewer.
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. Simply put, culture fit means that your values are in alignment with your prospective employer’s. While you may be a chatty extrovert, be mindful of your response here and how it may be perceived by the interviewer.
Answer Sample:
I succeed when expectations and accountability are in place, and equally enjoy a balance of working solo / working as a team”
Without revealing too much info – why are you leaving your last job?
This one can be leading, and must be answered carefully. Your desire for better compensation or venting about the ‘terrible leadership’ 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