Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for General Manager Finance & Accounts – 2025

Preparing for a job interview for the position of General Manager Finance & Accounts? Here is a list of 20 up-to-date interview questions and answers to help you stand out and showcase your skills, experience, and knowledge in financial management, accounting, and team leadership.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience in the finance and accounts field.
  

  As a seasoned finance professional with over 10 years of experience, I have extensive knowledge in financial management, accounting, and team leadership. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and I am a certified public accountant. In my career, I have held various roles in financial planning, analysis, and reporting, and have successfully led finance teams in achieving company goals.

• 2. What made you interested in this role?
  

  I have always been passionate about finance and numbers, and I believe this role aligns perfectly with my skillset and career goals. I am also drawn to the challenge of managing the financial health of a company and driving growth and profitability.

• 3. What do you think are the key skills required for a general manager finance & accounts?
  

  In my opinion, a general manager finance & accounts should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and a strategic mindset. They should also be proficient in financial software and have a thorough understanding of accounting principles and regulations.

• 4. How do you stay updated on the latest developments in the finance and accounts industry?
  

  I make it a point to attend industry conferences and seminars, read relevant publications and articles, and network with other finance professionals. I am also a member of professional organizations such as the Association of Financial Professionals and regularly participate in their events and webinars.

• 5. What do you consider to be your biggest achievement in your finance career so far?
  

  I have led my finance team in implementing a new financial reporting system that streamlined and automated processes, resulting in a 30% increase in efficiency and accuracy. This contributed to significant cost savings for the company and received positive feedback from upper management.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you tell us about a time when you had to solve a complex financial problem?
  

  In my previous role, the company faced a significant decrease in revenue due to the unexpected closure of one of our key clients. I analyzed the financial data and proposed a cost-cutting plan that helped us reduce expenses and offset the loss of income. This allowed us to maintain our profitability and avoid any layoffs.

• 7. Describe a situation where you had to handle a difficult team member.
  

  I had a team member who was consistently underperforming and causing friction within the team. I addressed the issue by having a one-on-one meeting with them to understand their challenges and provide support and guidance. I also involved HR to develop a development plan that helped the team member improve their performance and become an integral part of the team.

• 8. How do you prioritize and delegate tasks to your team?
  

  I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and impact on the company’s goals and delegate them to team members based on their strengths and workload. I also regularly check in and provide guidance to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and on time.

• 9. Have you ever faced a situation where you disagreed with upper management’s decision?
  

  Yes, there was a situation where the company wanted to make a significant investment that I believed would not provide a good return. I presented my analysis to upper management, and after a discussion, we were able to find a more suitable and successful investment opportunity.

• 10. Can you give an example of a time when you had to adapt to change in a fast-paced environment?
  

  In my previous role, the company implemented a new financial software, which required us to learn and adapt to a new system quickly. I took proactive steps to learn the software, provided training to my team, and streamlined our processes to ensure a smooth transition. This helped us to continue meeting our deadlines and avoid any disruptions in our work.

Situational Questions

• 11. If you noticed a discrepancy in the financial reports, how would you handle it?
  

  I would immediately investigate the issue by checking the data and consulting with relevant team members. I would then correct the error and take steps to prevent it from happening in the future. I would also report the discrepancy to senior management and discuss solutions to prevent any negative impact on the company.

• 12. What would be your approach to reduce the company’s financial expenses by 10%?
  

  I would first review the company's expenses and identify areas where we can cut costs, such as renegotiating contracts with suppliers, reducing business travel expenses, or implementing cost-saving initiatives. I would then create a plan with specific targets and involve my team in implementing the cost-cutting strategies.

• 13. How would you handle a situation where there is a conflict between the finance and sales departments?
  

  I would first listen to both sides and understand their perspectives. Then, I would try to find a compromise or a win-win situation for both departments. If necessary, I would involve other relevant stakeholders to find a solution that aligns with the company's goals and values.

• 14. Imagine the company is facing financial difficulties. How would you address this issue?
  

  I would first analyze the root cause of the problem and develop a plan to address it. This could include implementing cost-cutting measures, negotiating with creditors, or finding alternative sources of funding. I would also keep upper management informed and collaborate with them to find the most effective solutions.

• 15. If you noticed a fraudulent activity in the company, how would you handle it?
  

  I would follow the company's internal policies and procedures for reporting and investigating any fraudulent activity. I would also involve legal and HR departments, if necessary, and work with them to prevent and address any potential legal or ethical implications.

Technical Questions

• 16. Can you explain the difference between accrual and cash accounting?
  

  Accrual accounting records revenues and expenses when they are earned or incurred, regardless of when they are actually received or paid. Cash accounting, on the other hand, records revenues and expenses when cash is received or paid. Accrual accounting provides a more accurate representation of a company's financial health, while cash accounting is simpler and more straightforward.

• 17. What is the purpose of a balance sheet?
  

  A balance sheet is a financial statement that provides a snapshot of a company's financial position at a specific point in time. It shows the company's assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity, and helps assess the company's financial health and performance, and its ability to meet its financial obligations.

• 18. How would you handle a situation where the company's financial statements do not balance?
  

  I would first check for any errors or omissions in the financial data and correct them. If the issue persists, I would consult with relevant team members and conduct a thorough investigation to identify the cause. Once the issue is resolved, I would implement measures to prevent it from happening in the future.

• 19. Can you explain the concept of depreciation?
  

  Depreciation is an accounting method that reflects the decrease in the value of an asset over time. It is used to allocate the cost of an asset over its useful life, and it helps match the cost of the asset with the revenue it generates. There are various methods of calculating depreciation, such as the straight-line method, declining balance method, and units of production method.

• 20. What is your experience with financial reporting software and systems?
  

  I am proficient in using popular financial software such as QuickBooks, SAP, and Oracle. I am also experienced in developing financial reports using Excel and other tools. In my previous role, I led the implementation of a new financial reporting system and provided training to my team on how to use it effectively.