Read their accounts before you go

If the company files accounts at Companies House, download the latest set. Look at turnover, profitability, cash position and any year-on-year movements. Asking an informed question about their numbers is one of the quickest ways to stand out.

Talk about impact, not just process

Anyone can say they ran the month-end close. Explain what you improved. Did you shorten the timetable, tighten controls, automate a reconciliation or deliver insight that changed a decision? Put a number on it wherever you can.

Be ready for technical questions

Depending on the level of the role, expect questions on:

• Month-end and year-end processes, accruals, prepayments and reconciliations
• Management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis
• Audit preparation and working with external auditors
• Relevant accounting standards and recent changes that affect the business
• Tax, VAT and statutory reporting where the role touches them

Know your systems

Be specific about the ERP and accounting software you have used, how deeply, and your Excel ability. If you have led or supported a system implementation, prepare that example in detail. It is often a deciding factor.

Prepare for a test

Many finance interviews include an Excel exercise, a case study or a set of accounts to analyse. Ask your consultant what format to expect, and brush up on lookups, pivot tables and building a clear summary.

Show you can communicate with non-finance people

The strongest finance professionals explain the numbers in plain English to operations, sales and the board. Have an example of when you did this and what it changed.

For senior and leadership roles

Expect the conversation to move towards strategy, commercial partnering, funding, stakeholder management and leading a team through change. Prepare examples of the decisions you influenced and the people you developed.