Got an interview coming up where you’re applying for the role of a financial planning and reporting manager? We’ve got you covered! Here you can find some of the most often asked financial planning and reporting manager interview questions as well as some examples of how to answer. Check them out below (and good luck!)
What experience do you have as a financial planning and reporting manager?
This one’s pretty simple – discuss your experience as it relates to the job you’re applying for. Of course, on the off chance you don’t have any experience in the role, plan ahead and have some examples of tangentially related experience. Your interviewer will appreciate your ability to relate skills gained in one position to another.
Answer Sample:
I believe that in order to be an effective x you really require a great deal of y. In college, I worked with z for 2 years and really belive I gained a strong sense of what its like to succeed in x
Things are changing quickly in our industry. What do you feel are the biggest challenges within the role of financial planning and reporting manager?
No right or wrong answers here, but certainly an opportunity to demonstrate some foresight. These days, mentioning Artificial Intelligence, software, and related items should do well. No matter what you answer here, do some research ahead of time and be sure you can back up your answer.
Answer Sample:
Like many things, I belive that with change comes opportunity
How do you minimize the risk for errors in your 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:
Rain or shine, I always make sure that x is reviewed 3 times over and referenced against y before it goes out the door
Tell me about a time you used numbers to tell an effective story?
Numbers don’t lie. Here, it isn’t about you being right or a client being wrong, it’s about finding the facts through 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
Has there ever been a time you were required to deliver critical feedback?
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. Here, the important thing to do is let your interviewer know how you overcame this particular challenge. 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
Give me an example of when your attention (or lack of attention) affected the outcome of a project. Why?
Details, details, details! No matter what your role in the accounting industry, this one’s important. 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 online tools, cloud software, or other accounting specific platforms are you familiar with?
You’d be hard pressed to find an accounting firm these days where software isn’t at the cornerstone of how they operate. 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?
Culture is king these days, and for good reason. Many studies prove that hiring for culture first and ability second yields far superior results. You’ll want to be careful here, indicating that you are able to thrive in a variety of work enviornments.
Answer Sample:
I succeed when given clear expectations of me and my team, and find a balance of working individually as well as alongside a team is when Im most content
What made you leave your last job – and why are you choosing us?
This one can be leading, and must be answered carefully. Your need for better pay or indicating that your ‘old boss was an idiot’ may leave your interviewer with the wrong impression of you. Regardless of the reason your employment ceased to be, keep it on point and do not get negative here.
Answer Sample:
It was time for me to move on, and I feel as though I am ready for a new challenge