Accounting and Financial Management Interview Experiences

Two interviews both chill. First one the guy had me walk through my resume then we chatted about why tax for like 20 minutes. Second was more structured but still conversational. Questions about strengths and weaknesses and it was the least stressful interview I did this cycle

Know your sector going in, they asked about a recent deal in the mining space. Two rounds on Teams, first mostly behavioral (why IB, why BMO, teamwork stuff), second was technical with a VP who covered valuation multiples and how you'd think about synergies in an acquisition. Process opened 14 months before start date which felt strange but that's their cycle.

First screening with HR was basic background questions. Second with a manager covered what I know about life insurance products and financial reporting. Review recent insurance accounting changes if you're applying here.

Recruiter screen then a 30 min interview. Didn't get it two days later.

Phone screen two problems on CoderPad one easy arrays one medium heaps, solved both but apparently not fast enough. Recruiter said I'd move to onsite then emailed a week later saying no, never got a clear reason and the recruiter ghosted my follow up.

Transfer pricing team, hireVue 5 questions all behavioral then two zoom interviews first asked why tax over audit and about my hobbies kind of random and second was STAR questions about handling stress.

Fairfax runs a co-op program for Waterloo students so the process felt specifically tailored. Applied through WaterlooWorks. Single interview with someone from Northbridge Financial, one of their subsidiaries. went through my resume and basic finance knowledge about the insurance holding model. Very friendly and relaxed.

Superday yesterday. Two behavioral and one technical, had to pitch a Canadian stock. Waiting on decision fingers crossed

Assessment was pattern matching and situational stuff, 1 on 1 was behavioral CAR format and panel round was a lot but manageable.

Wasn't expecting Python on top of SQL and the mini case. Got through to the final round but didn't make it through after that.

Wonderlic aptitude test first through my university co-op office, then an interview for those who passed. Interview was behavioral and situational, not technical accounting theory. About 25 minutes. Questions about working independently and handling competing priorities

Networking dinner the night before. Two interviews, one resume deep dive and one where they asked what an audit opinion means and when you'd issue a qualified one. More technical than typical Big 4.

Half day virtual Launchpad event with presentations and group exercises then two 1 on 1 interviews. Standard behavioral and a simple case. CPA plans came up both times. Offer by end of week.

Second round they gave me the case the morning of and I had to present same day. I underestimated how much they expected on the valuation side and they pushed hard on cap rates and my assumptions. Didn't make it past that.

On campus interview had behavioral questions about internal audit plus a case study given 24 hours in advance (clutch). Thought I presented well but they picked someone else.

Games assessment first, then Hirevue, then two final interviews with a partner and senior manager. Partner asked about influencing without authority. they offered me the position. but declined for better culture elsewhere.

Two person panel caught me off guard.My answer wasn't structured enough, didn't move forward

Quick phone screen with behavioral stuff then a second call with three managers. Why Toyota, leadership examples, resume deep dive. Cambridge plant role. Offer came fast, about two weeks.