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Original poster

Finance Assistant interview - help!

29 replies

whoami24601 · 21/07/2023 12:32

So I've finally got an interview for the role of finance assistant. The advert says they're looking for someone to train and doesn't ask for specific experience, though I already have done my AAT Level 2 and 3. I've always worked in schools so feel like I could ace that interview but have no idea what to expect here! What sort of questions might they ask? Should I be revising my AAT stuff or will it be more general? Help!

OP posts:
buckingmad · 21/07/2023 12:36

It’ll likely be more about your knowledge of the company, the sector they are in, their client base, services they provide etc. then examples of competencies (tell us a time you dealt with multiple deadlines, how did you resolve a problem with a client/colleague, strengths and weaknesses). They’ll ask about your current/prior roles, what you liked/disliked, why are you looking to leave current job. I’m a tax advisor/accountant and have worked in big 4, local firms and in industry and have never been asked a technical question 😂

BorneoBound · 21/07/2023 12:37

If you've already got your aat and they are looking to train I doubt there will be anything you need to revise. Maybe a general, do you know the difference between debits and credits etc. Possibly be asking about your goals for the future - do you want level 4 / ACCA / CIMA etc? They will probably be mostly looking for if your personality will fit in with the office / if you are friendly and approachable for clients etc, and if you are motivated to study further. You have shown you know what the work would kind of entail by doing aat. Look for examples of transferable skills from your current work that you would take with you

Original poster
whoami24601 · 21/07/2023 13:01

So I need to be researching the company? Making sure I know exactly what they do? I'm so nervous!

OP posts:

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TTCAbroad · 21/07/2023 13:08

Yup - research as much about the company as you can! As well, have some questions prepared for the end of the interview (Google can give you ideas about what to ask).

I worked in audit and as a finance analyst across multiple company’s over 8 years and have been asked a technical question once. It was so easy (for the level of role I was interviewing for) I was almost offended.

TTCAbroad · 21/07/2023 13:09

*companies

Ssmiler · 21/07/2023 13:11

Is it public sector or private sector? If it’s the former the questions will be based around the essential requirements as outlined in the ad. Eg as PP said examples of meeting deadlines, balancing priorities etc

Original poster
whoami24601 · 23/07/2023 21:44

It's private. Does that make a difference to the types of questions they will ask?

OP posts:
Original poster
whoami24601 · 25/07/2023 16:04

Interview tomorrow am. Trying to prep as much as I can. I've been looking at the types of questions they might ask and making notes on any that an answer doesn't immediately pop into my head! Can't seem to find any examples of things to ask them though? Anyone got any tips on that?

OP posts:
YogaLite · 25/07/2023 16:14

Ask about the role and the team, eg what exactly you will be doing, is it sales or purchase ledger or general finance journals

Also, u could ask what are usual month close deadlines, some companies have very short time to close the month, others might have a week or so.

What system they use

Is there going to be a handover

Don't be nervous, u will ace it 💗

GMH1974 · 25/07/2023 16:15

I had a test with a basic reconciliation for a finance assistant role. I was asked questions to see if I had an understanding of the sector (charity) but they also didn't understand what was covered on level 2 and level 3. I had only done level 2 and they started asking me about non current assets.

Original poster
whoami24601 · 25/07/2023 16:52

GMH1974 · 25/07/2023 16:15

I had a test with a basic reconciliation for a finance assistant role. I was asked questions to see if I had an understanding of the sector (charity) but they also didn't understand what was covered on level 2 and level 3. I had only done level 2 and they started asking me about non current assets.

A test?! I feel like I've forgotten everything as I've not done it in a year! As it doesn't mention having experience or qualifications I'm hoping the questions will be more general 🤞

OP posts:
poorbuthappy · 25/07/2023 17:09

I always ask if they enjoy their job. The time it takes them to answer says a lot.

FireflyJar · 26/07/2023 08:55

@whoami24601
How did it go? I'm looking at a Finance Assistant job as a fresh job to do as I'm sick of my current job

FloydPepper · 26/07/2023 09:11

Finance director here. Hope the interview went well.

in recruiting for my teams there’s a bit of technical checking you know your stuff but it’s mainly about what you’re like as a person, attitude, work ethic etc. if you were just yourself and came across as enthusiastic and communicated well, that’s what would matter

I always tell people to recruit for attitude, train for skills.

Original poster
whoami24601 · 26/07/2023 13:58

I feel like it went pretty well. They didn't ask me hardly any interview type questions. It was just chatting about the role and the company. Who I am and where I want to go. It sounds absolutely perfect tbh. I don't think I could have done a better job but it just depends who else they are interviewing. One of the interviewers is on the same career trajectory as me (though obvs much further ahead!) So hope that goes in my favour! They said they'd let everyone know on Friday.

OP posts:
FloydPepper · 26/07/2023 15:49

Brilliant. If you feel you got over what you’re all about and who you are, then that’s all you can do. A “no” doesn’t mean you can’t do it, just that it’s not the right fit.

well done

Original poster
whoami24601 · 28/07/2023 14:24

How do I stay calm? I've been waiting in all day for the call (yes I have a mobile, but I also have 3 children so the chances of them keeping quiet and out of my way are much higher at home!) I'm a ball of anxious energy and I'm checking my phone about every 2 seconds. I need help!

OP posts:
Original poster
whoami24601 · 28/07/2023 17:07

I think I'm just chatting to myself now but I so excited - I got the job! Next question - if I've got the job offer in an email am I safe to hand my notice in my other job?

OP posts:
eleflump · 28/07/2023 19:12

Congratulations OP, that's great news!!!

No advice about when it's safe to resign but just wanted to say well done!!

Howdoesitworkagain · 28/07/2023 20:17

Congratulations!

I would normally wait for contracts before resigning.

HelenaJustina · 28/07/2023 20:22

Congratulations! I would say you could safely resign if the offer is in writing. We issue contracts in the few days before employment commences, though that may be weeks after the conditional offer is made.

Outerlimit · 28/07/2023 20:26

@whoami24601 Congratulations! Wait for the contract to arrive before you hand in your notice.
Good luck.

OhDoh · 28/07/2023 20:27

Congrats OP!! X

yumscrumm · 28/07/2023 20:34

Sounds obvious but I would try to prove your excel skills. Such as how would you deal with large amounts of data....create a pivot table and get info you need from there. Sumif & vlookup functions and what you would use it for.

yumscrumm · 28/07/2023 20:35

Just saw your post dates....I'm too late and glad I'm not being tested on my attention to detail skills.

Congrats, well done!

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