Mastering Competency-Based Finance Interview

Why a Strong CV is Non-Negotiable for Finance Professionals in 2025

As a Senior Resourcer at Sharp Consultancy, I’ve reviewed thousands of CVs...From those just starting out to seasoned professionals with decades of experience. One thing remains consistent: in today’s competitive market, a strong CV isn’t optional—it’s essential. Today, South Yorkshire’s finance landscape is more dynamic than ever. With growing demand across sectors like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and tech, accountancy and finance professionals are expected to bring more than just technical skills to the table. Your CV is your first opportunity to prove you’re up to the challenge. This blog marks the start of a three-part series focused on helping you craft a standout CV tailored to your career stage and goals. In this first post, we’ll cover general CV tips relevant to all finance professionals. In the next two instalments, we’ll dive deeper into: Transactional Finance CVs – how to highlight your experience in roles such as purchase ledger, sales ledger, and credit control. Part-Qualified Finance CVs – how to position yourself for progression while studying towards your qualifications. Stay tuned for practical advice and real-world insights to help your CV rise to the top of the pile. 🕒 First Impressions MatterRecruiters and hiring managers typically spend less than 30 seconds scanning a CV. That means your CV needs to immediately communicate relevance, professionalism, and potential. A clean layout, clear structure, and tailored content can make the difference between landing an interview or being passed over. 🔍 Specialist Skillsets Are in DemandFinance roles today go far beyond number-crunching. Employers want professionals who understand how finance supports wider business goals. Whether it’s streamlining reporting, implementing new systems, or driving cost efficiencies, your CV should highlight the tangible impact you’ve made. This is your chance to showcase your value-add—what makes you different from the next candidate. Use metrics where possible to quantify your achievements and make them memorable. 📍 Standing Out in YorkshireYorkshire is home to a diverse range of industries, from advanced manufacturing and engineering to professional services and digital tech. This diversity creates exciting opportunities—but also fierce competition. To stand out, your CV should reflect sector-specific experience and transferable skills. Whether you’ve worked in a fast-paced SME or a large corporate environment, highlight how your background aligns with the needs of the region’s employers. 📊 Business Acumen is a MustFinance professionals are increasingly expected to contribute to strategic decision-making. Roles in FP&A, commercial finance, and business partnering are on the rise, and employers want candidates who can offer insight—not just information. Your CV should reflect your ability to influence outcomes. Have you helped drive revenue growth? Supported investment decisions? Improved forecasting accuracy? These are the stories that resonate with hiring managers. 📈 Show a Clear Story of ProgressionRecruiters look for signs of growth and development. A strong CV doesn’t just list job titles—it explains the “why” behind each move. Did you step into a leadership role? Take on a new challenge? Gain exposure to a different sector? Even lateral moves can be powerful if they show a deliberate effort to build your skillset. Make sure your CV tells a cohesive story of your career journey. 🔑 Final ThoughtsIn Yorkshire’s fast-moving industries, a sharp, well-crafted CV is your key to unlocking new opportunities. It’s not just about listing experience—it’s about showing impact, adaptability, and commercial value from the very first glance. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just exploring your options, now is the time to invest in your CV. Visit Our Candidate Advice Pages HereLooking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAY and let's chart your career path together.

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When interviewing for roles in accountancy and finance—from Assistant Accountant to Finance Director—it’s common to face competency-based or behavioural interview questions.

These questions help employers understand how you’ve handled real-life situations and assess your ability to succeed in their finance team.

They’re typically phrased as:

“Tell me about a time when you…”
“Give me an example of…”
“Describe a situation where you had to…”

Answering these effectively requires structure and preparation. That’s where the STAR technique becomes an essential tool.

What is the STAR Technique?

Diagram illustrating the STAR technique for job interviews, highlighting Situation, Task, Action, and Result steps.

The STAR method provides a clear and concise way to structure your answers:

S – Situation: Describe the scenario you faced. Include relevant details such as the department, project, or financial challenge you were addressing.
T – Task: Explain the task or responsibility you were given. For example, improving month-end reporting accuracy or leading a budgeting process.
A – Action: Outline the steps you personally took to resolve the issue or achieve the objective. Highlight your technical finance skills (e.g., forecasting, variance analysis, system improvements).
R – Result: Conclude with the outcome. Quantify your success where possible—cost savings achieved, efficiency gains, successful audits, or revenue growth influenced by your actions.

Preparation is Key

Competency-based questions often focus on areas such as:

Working under pressure to meet reporting deadlines
Resolving discrepancies during audits
Managing conflict within finance teams
Influencing non-finance stakeholders with data-driven insights
Leading projects such as ERP implementations or process improvements

Preparing examples ahead of your interview is crucial. Think of 3–4 scenarios from your career that demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and technical expertise. Practising these using STAR will help you answer confidently without losing track or omitting key details.

Focus on “I”, Not “We”

A bunch of wooden scrabble letters thrown onto a purple table with the word 'interview' shown.

Finance and accountancy interviews are about your individual contribution, not the wider team. When using STAR, speak in the first person and clearly define your role in achieving the result.

Example:

✅ “I redesigned the monthly management reporting pack, which reduced month-end close by two days.”
❌ “We updated the reports…”

Always end on a positive note and, where relevant, quantify your results—such as improving forecasting accuracy by 15% or reducing departmental spend by £50k annually.

Secure Your Next Finance Role

By mastering the STAR technique, you’ll be prepared to handle even the toughest competency-based questions and demonstrate your ability to add value to an organisation’s finance function.

Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAY and let's chart your career path together.

Mastering Competency-Based Finance Interview Questions with the STAR Technique