April 3, 2025

Interview Like a Pro: Game-Changing Tips for Accountancy Roles

Show Notes

Welcome back to Career Conversations, the podcast where we help you grow, thrive, and lead in the world of accounting and finance. I’m your host, Adrian, and today’s episode is all about interviews—how to nail them, how to stand out, and how to turn that opportunity into an offer.

If you’ve got an interview coming up—maybe it’s your first graduate scheme, a trainee accountant role, or a move into a new firm—this episode is for you.

We’ll also be diving into our brand-new resource at AccountancyCapital.co.uk/interview-tips, which is packed with expert advice, do’s and don’ts, and tips tailored for accounting roles.

So let’s jump in.

Segment 1: Why Interview Prep is Everything

You’ve got the CV. You’ve landed the interview. Now what?

The truth is, interview prep is where offers are won. Especially in accounting, where the difference between candidates often comes down to communication, clarity, and commercial awareness—not just exam results.

Here’s the thing: employers are looking for more than just technical skills. They want to see how you think, how you handle pressure, and how well you understand their firm and the clients they serve.

That’s why we created our Interview Tips Hub, a one-stop page to give you an edge. And we’ll be unpacking some of the best advice from it today.

Segment 2: Common Accounting Interview Questions (and How to Answer Them)

Let’s start with the questions you’ll almost definitely be asked:

🔹 “Why do you want to be an accountant?”
Don’t just say you like numbers. Talk about problem-solving, business impact, and long-term career development. Make it personal.

🔹 “Why this firm?”
Research is key here. On our Interview Tips page, we show you how to structure your answer using the “3 P’s”: People, Practice areas, and Progression.

🔹 “Tell us about a time you faced a challenge”
Use the STAR technique: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Be honest, but always focus on what you learned.

We also break down how to approach technical questions on our site—like explaining a set of financial statements or understanding basic tax principles. Even if you’re not a qualified accountant yet, showing curiosity and effort goes a long way.

Segment 3: What Makes You Stand Out?

We get it—a lot of applicants will have similar degrees or qualifications. So what separates you?

✔️ Commercial awareness. Can you talk about recent developments in the economy, or how accountancy is evolving with technology?

✔️ Soft skills. Are you a clear communicator? Do you ask good questions?

✔️ Mindset. Employers love candidates who show initiative, resilience, and the ability to learn fast. On our page, you’ll find example phrases and answers that demonstrate these traits without sounding rehearsed.

Segment 4: Quickfire Interview Do’s and Don’ts

Let’s hit a few rapid-fire tips straight from our guide.

✅ Do: