Your Guide to Navigating Finance Job Interviews in Ireland

In this guide, we break down exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and how to stand out — whether you’re interviewing for a commercial finance analyst role in Dublin, a group reporting position in Galway, or a financial controller opportunity in Cork.

 

Understand the Irish Finance Hiring Landscape

Ireland’s finance sector is broad and fast-evolving. Interview expectations can vary significantly depending on the size of the company and the role type –  but most follow a structured format and place strong emphasis on both technical knowledge and commercial awareness.

Key Trends:

• Hybrid and remote interviews are now standard practice, even in later stages
• Many companies are adopting behavioural competency frameworks
• Candidates are expected to show data literacy and an understanding of financial systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
• ESG, automation, and business partnering are increasingly part of the conversation

 

Prepare for Role-Specific Technical Questions

Finance interviews in Ireland will almost always include a technical component. The depth of this will depend on the level of the role, but hiring managers will want to test your accounting knowledge, attention to detail, and practical experience with systems and reporting.

Common Technical Topics:

• Accounting standards (IFRS, FRS 102, US GAAP)
• Month-end processes, year-end close, and audit preparation
• Budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Use of Excel functions (VLOOKUP, PivotTables, Index-Match, etc.)
• Familiarity with reporting tools (Power BI, Tableau, or ERP systems)
• For senior roles: managing teams, implementing controls, board-level reporting

Be ready to walk through your CV with examples. Focus on the impact you made – not just your duties.

 

Master Competency-Based Questions

Competency-based interviews are now standard across Irish finance roles, particularly in regulated or multinational firms. These questions assess how you’ve demonstrated certain behaviours or skills in the past.

Use the STAR Method:

• Situation – set the scene
• Task – what was required
• Action – what you did
• Result – the outcome

Common Questions:

• Tell me about a time you improved a process.
• Describe a situation where you had to meet a tight deadline.
• How do you handle working with non-finance stakeholders?
• Give an example of a financial error and how you resolved it.

Prepare 4–5 solid examples you can flexibly apply across different questions.

 

Research the Company and Sector

Employers in Ireland place high value on cultural fit and sector interest. Candidates who show they’ve researched the company – especially its financials, recent growth, or strategy – tend to stand out.

What to Look Into:

• The company’s recent financial performance or news coverage
• Their accounting systems and internal structure (if public)
• Industry trends (e.g. ESG, fintech regulation, fund structures)
• The role’s place in the broader finance team
• Shared values or D&I initiatives (e.g. Women in Finance Charter signatories)
• Prepare 2–3 questions that show genuine curiosity about the business – not just the job.

 

Be Ready for the “Why” Questions

Irish hiring managers often assess motivation and intent – particularly in interviews for permanent roles. Expect to be asked:

• Why this role?
• Why this company?
• Why now?

Whether you’re moving from practice to industry, returning to work after leave, or looking to relocate, be clear and positive about your reasons.

Practice a concise, confident career story that connects your past experience to your future goals.

 

Virtual Interview Etiquette Still Matters

Many first-round interviews are now virtual, especially for multinationals or cross-border teams. Treat video interviews with the same level of preparation and professionalism.

Best Practices:

• Test your tech (camera, mic, background, lighting)
• Dress professionally — even remotely
• Maintain eye contact and positive body language
• Use notes only as light prompts, not scripts

Close all notifications and tabs before the call. Distractions = disengagement.

 

The Second (and Third) Round: It Gets Strategic

Later-stage interviews in Ireland often shift toward commerciality, culture fit, and stakeholder alignment. You may meet with a CFO, MD, or even non-finance leaders – especially in business partnering roles.

Expect discussions around:

• How you add value beyond the numbers
• Working with operations, sales, or IT
• Leading or mentoring finance teams
• How you interpret and present data for decision-making

Frame yourself as a strategic advisor, not just a technical accountant.

 

Ask Smart Questions

Asking thoughtful, relevant questions shows confidence and engagement. Avoid asking about salary or annual leave in early rounds (unless prompted). Instead, consider:

• How does this role support wider business goals?
• What’s the structure of the finance team?
• What are the key challenges facing this department over the next 6-12 months?
• How does the business support professional development (e.g. CPD, exam leave)?

Show you’re thinking like a team member already – not just a candidate.

 

Follow Up With Purpose

After your interview, always follow up with a short, professional thank-you note or message. If you’re working with Elevate Partners, we’ll debrief with you and liaise directly with the client.

Even if you don’t get the job, a strong impression can lead to future opportunities.

Use feedback to your advantage. Elevate always aims to secure post-interview feedback to help you continuously improve.

 

Partner with the Right Recruiter

Elevate Partners works closely with leading employers across financial services, industry, and the public sector – and we know what they’re looking for. When you interview through us, we ensure you’re:

• Properly briefed and prepped
• Matched to roles that align with your skills and career goals
• Given honest, constructive feedback throughout the process

Whether you’re newly qualified or seeking your next CFO role, our specialist team helps you navigate interviews with clarity and confidence.

 

Conclusion: Interviews Are a Two-Way Conversation

The best finance interviews in Ireland aren’t interrogations — they’re conversations. They’re your chance to show not just what you can do, but how you think, how you lead, and how you’ll add value.

With the right preparation and support, your next interview could be the gateway to the opportunity you’ve been working towards.

Looking for your next role in accounting or finance?

Contact the Elevate Partners team today to find out how we can help you prepare and succeed.