Finance Recruitment Process, Assessment Tests, Interviews and Assessment Centre Full Practice Guide 2026 

1. Introduction

Not sure if you should practice to prepare for finance assessment tests? Research shows 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.

In a nutshell:

How to prepare for the finance assessment process and get the job?

1. Complete Your Online Job Application

• Fill in your online job application for the organisation.
• Align your application with standard finance skills and competencies.
• Attach your CV and ensure it relates to the job description.

2. Practice for Finance Assessment Tests

Companies in the finance industry use different assessment tests to measure your cognitive abilities and behaviors. These tests may include the following:

• Numerical Reasoning Tests
• Verbal Reasoning Tests
• Logical Reasoning Tests
• Situational Judgement Tests
• Game Assessments 
• Personality Assessments 

These tests sift out 50-80% of candidates at this stage. Some finance organisations may send a report on your performance and areas where you need to improve.

3. Record Mock Video Interviews of Yourself

Prepare for your finance video  interviews by running mock interviews and answering typical bank interview questions. For finance interview practice, use the following:

• A smartphone to record yourself
• Zoom or
• Our reliable video interview platform

Use the STAR+R method for your answers and practice each answer several times. Review your responses and enhance your interview skills.

4. Prepare for the Finance Assessment Centre Exercises

Organisations in the finance industry typically use an assessment centre to measure your potential and compatibility with the company and the role. These exercises may include:

• Group Exercises
• E-tray Exercise
• Role-play Exercises
• Final Interviews

Before we break down the various finance job tests, let’s find out more about the finance industry!

What is the Finance Industry?

The finance industry, also known as the financial sector, encompasses businesses and institutions that manage money. This includes a wide range of services such as banking, investment, insurance, real estate, and financial planning. The industry plays a crucial role in supporting the economy by facilitating the flow of capital, enabling businesses to grow, and helping individuals manage their wealth.

What companies can you apply to in the finance industry? 

The various employers belonging to the finance industry are as follows: 

JP Morgan Chase	Bank of America	HSBC	Wells Fargo
Goldman Sachs	Barclays	Deloitte	PwC
EY	KPMG	McKinsey & Company	Deutsche Bank

To be a part of the finance sector, you must possess some basic skills. What are these? Let’s find out. 

2. What Does the Finance Industry Look For?

The finance industry seeks a range of skills and competencies to identify the most suitable candidates. Depending on the specific role, employers within the sector generally look for a combination of the following abilities:

Companies in the finance industry use assessment tests from well-known test providers to assess you for these various skills. 

Read on as we explore the top Finance assessment test providers below.

What Test Providers Does the Finance Industry Use?

The Finance industry relies on the following test providers for effective hiring of candidates:

SHL	AON	Cubiks
Kenexa	Pymetrics	Talent Q
Cappfinity	Talegent	Saville

Now let’s go ahead and cover the finance online assessment tests these test providers create for finance companies to use below.

3. Finance Assessment Tests

What are finance assessment tests? 

Finance assessment tests are pre-employment evaluations used to measure a candidate’s suitability for roles in the finance industry. They assess a range of skills relevant to financial tasks and decision-making. These tests may be used for experienced hires, or during early stages of the hiring process, especially for graduate and entry-level roles.

The various assessment tests you might be required to take when shortlisted by a finance industry employer are as follows: 

1. Numerical Reasoning Tests
2. Verbal Reasoning Tests
3. Logical Reasoning Tests
4. Situational Judgement Tests
5. Game Assessments
6. Personality Tests 

Practice with GF for your upcoming corporate finance assessment tests! 

Let’s understand each of these assessment tests in detail below, starting with the finance numerical reasoning test. 

Finance Numerical Reasoning Tests

What is a finance numerical reasoning test? 

A typical finance numerical reasoning test is an assessment designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to interpret and work with numerical data, an essential skill in financial roles. These tests typically present data in the form of tables, charts, and graphs, followed by multiple-choice questions that require mathematical calculations and logical analysis.

Watch our short video below to understand more about this type of finance online assessment!

What questions to expect in a finance numerical test? 

The finance test questions for the numerical reasoning tests will be related to the following: 

1. Data Interpretation: Candidates must analyse numerical data to identify trends or draw conclusions.
2. Mathematical Calculations: Questions may involve percentages, ratios, currency conversions, and profit/loss.
3. Time Pressure: Tests are usually timed, assessing both speed and accuracy.
4. Contextual Scenarios: Questions often relate to real-world financial situations, such as investment returns or budgeting.

Finance Numerical Reasoning Test Example 

Want some expert tips to level up your game in Finance assessment tests? Here are our top 5 tips to help you ace your way to Finance.

Top 5 Tips to Pass a Finance Numerical Test 

1. Revise Core Concepts: Ensure you’re confident with key math topics, including percentages, ratios, data interpretation, and basic algebra.
   
2. Practice with Timed Tests: Simulate real test conditions by working through numerical reasoning questions under time pressure to improve both speed and accuracy.
   
3. Use Reliable Practice Materials: Focus on test prep platforms that offer Finance aptitude test practice to become familiar with the format and difficulty level.
   
4. Read Questions Carefully: Avoid rushing. Take a moment to understand what’s being asked before solving, as misreading data is a common mistake.
   
5. Manage Your Time: Don’t get stuck on one question. Move on if needed and return to it if time allows.

Looking to further your Finance numerical test practice?

Next, let’s throw some light on a typical finance verbal reasoning test. 

Finance Verbal Reasoning Tests

What is a finance verbal reasoning test? 

A typical finance verbal reasoning test is an assessment used to evaluate a candidate’s ability to understand, interpret, and analyse written information, i.e., skills that are essential in financial roles. The test typically presents short passages of text followed by multiple-choice questions that assess comprehension

Our short video below explains more about this finance online assessment test.

What does a Finance verbal reasoning test measure? 

A verbal finance online test may require you to demonstrate the following skills:

1. Reading Comprehension: Understanding the main points, tone, and arguments within financial or business-related texts.
2. Critical Thinking: Drawing logical conclusions based solely on the information provided.

Finance Verbal Reasoning Test Example

Looking for the Finance online test answer? Check it out at the bottom of the page.

Not quite sure how to pass the Finance verbal test? We’ve covered you with these 5 top tips to help you ace the Finance online test questions.

Top 5 Tips to Pass a Finance Verbal Reasoning Test 

1. Practice Regularly: Complete Finance mock test to get used to the time pressure and question types asked in this Finance  online test. This helps build speed and accuracy.
2. Enhance Your Vocabulary: Read high-quality publications, such as newspapers and journals, to expand your vocabulary and comprehension skills before appearing for this Finance  online assessment test.
3. Read Carefully: Don’t skim through passages during this Finance test. Pay close attention to the details, as questions often test your understanding of specific statements.
4. Eliminate Wrong Answers: Use the process of elimination to narrow down choices and identify the best answer.
5. Manage Your Time: Allocate time effectively, spending more time on challenging questions only if it’s practical.

Looking for more Finance test practice? 

Another key assessment that you may be required to take as a part of the Finance online assessments, is a finance logical reasoning test. 

Finance Logical Reasoning Tests

What is a Finance logical reasoning test? 

A typical finance logical reasoning test is a type of assessment used to measure a candidate’s ability to identify patterns, analyse sequences, and solve problems using logical thinking. These skills are crucial in the finance industry, where professionals must assess data, evaluate risks, and make sound decisions based on evidence.

Discover more about this finance online test in under 1 minute with our short video:

What does a finance logical reasoning test measure?

A finance logical reasoning test measures the analytical thinking skills necessary for roles that require quick, data-driven decision-making and strategic analysis. 

Finance Logical Reasoning Question Example

Got the answer? Check it out at the bottom of the page to find the answer for the finance online test questions. 

Wondering how to practice for and pass the finance logical reasoning test? Check out our expert tips: 

Top 5 Tips to Pass a Finance Logical Reasoning Test

1. Practice Timed Tests: Train under time constraints to simulate actual test conditions and build the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
2. Keep Your Focus: Finance logical reasoning tests can require a lot of focus. Ensure you stay concentrated by taking the test in a quiet location where you won’t be distracted or disturbed.
3. Read Instructions Carefully: Sometimes the format may change mid-test or require a different approach, so pay attention to any instructions or examples provided.
4. Check All Options: When sitting for the finance online test even if you think you’ve found the correct answer, review all available options to ensure it’s the best choice. Some questions may have similar answers.
5. Use Diagrams: For finance online test questions involving logic puzzles or relationships, draw simple diagrams or charts to visually represent the information. This helps make complex data easier to interpret.

Looking for more finance logical reasoning test practice?

Next, let’s get into the details of another finance online test, i.e., the finance situational judgement test. 

Finance Situational Judgement Tests

What is a finance situational judgement test? 

During a finance situational judgement test, you’ll be presented with realistic workplace situations that may involve ethical dilemmas, client interactions, time management, teamwork, or dealing with pressure. For each scenario, you’ll need to choose the most effective and least effective response from a list of possible actions, or rank them based on their appropriateness.

What does a finance situational judgement test measure? 

A finance situational judgement test measures the following competencies: 

1. Problem-solving
2. Interpersonal skills
3. Teamwork and collaboration 
4. Ethical reasoning 

For even more depth on the finance situational judgement test, have a thorough review of our video below.

Now that you know all about this finance assessment test, let’s see some easy tips and tricks you can use to ace this finance online test. 

Top 5 Tips to Pass a Finance Situational Judgement Test 

1. Prioritize Ethics and Compliance: Finance sector employers emphasize ethical behaviour and regulatory compliance. Choose responses that uphold high moral and ethical standards, showing that you can act responsibly under pressure.
2. Balance Forcefulness with Teamwork: Avoid responses that are too aggressive or overly passive during this finance test. Demonstrating the ability to assert your ideas while collaborating effectively with others is key.
3. Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills: Opt for answers that show you can think critically and provide practical solutions. Emphasize logical decision-making and strategic thinking.
4. Demonstrate Adaptability: Show that you can handle changing circumstances well. Consider which options best display your ability to identify key challenges, make adjustments and show resilience. 
5. Avoid Extreme Answers: Typically, very extreme answers (e.g., ignoring the issue entirely or micromanaging) are less favourable during this finance online test. Choose balanced, practical approaches that show good judgment.

Want to practice situational judgement questions for the Finance online assessment tests? 

Another key assessment you might be required to take at a finance firm recruitment are the finance game assessments. 

Finance Game Assessments

What is a finance game assessment? 

Typical finance game assessments are interactive, game-based tests used by financial firms to evaluate candidates’ cognitive abilities, behavioural traits, and problem-solving skills in a more engaging and less stressful format than traditional tests. 

What game assessment providers do finance firms use? 

The finance game assessments are provided by various companies. Some of these are listed below: 

Cubiks/Talogy	Arctic Shores	Pymetrics
HireVue	Criteria Corp	SHL
Talegent	Sova	AON/Cut-e

Below are our best tips to help you practice for the finance game assessments and ace them. 

Top 5 Tips to Pass Finance Game Assessments

1. Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the format of the game assessments. Finance game-based assessments often involve a series of mini-games or scenarios that assess various skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork.
2. Practice Online Games: Look for online platforms or resources that offer practice games similar to those used in finance assessments. These could include logic puzzles, situational judgment games, and games that test your ability to prioritize tasks under pressure.
3. Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Focus on developing your problem-solving skills. Practice breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components and systematically working through them to find solutions.
4. Read Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the instructions provided for each game. Make sure you understand the objectives, rules, and constraints before you begin.
5. Demonstrate Time Management: Manage your time effectively during the games. Practice prioritizing tasks and making decisions quickly while maintaining accuracy. To do this you may allocate time to specific small tasks.  

How to practice for Finance game based assessments?

Lastly, you might also be required to sit for a finance personality assessment during your finance recruitment test.

Finance Personality Assessments

What is a finance personality assessment? 

A typical finance personality assessment is a quick assessment designed to get a sense of your ideal work environment and natural behavior. There’s no need to prepare in advance, just answer honestly and let your personality shine through.

What does a finance personality test measure? 

A finance personality test assesses a candidate’s behavioral traits, work style, and cultural fit within the company. It evaluates:

• Work Ethic & Motivation 
• Interpersonal Skills 
• Problem-Solving Approach 
• Alignment with Company Values

Looking for even more information on personality tests? Watch the following short video to understand more about this finance tests and how finance use these:

You don’t need any prior preparation but a few things if followed might give you an edge over your competitors. 

Here are top 6 tips that may help you ace this upcoming finance online assessment test. 

Top 6 Tips to Pass the Finance Personality Test  

1. Be Self-Aware: Develop self-awareness about your own personality traits. Understanding your strengths and areas for improvement can help you answer questions more effectively.
2. Understand the Company Culture: Research employer values and culture. Consider how your responses align with the qualities and values sought from their employees.
3. Consistency is Key: This finance online assessment  includes similar questions phrased differently to check for consistency in your responses. Be aware of this and answer in a way that is true to your personality throughout the test.
4. Read Instructions Carefully: Take the time to thoroughly read and understand the instructions for this finance test. This ensures you provide accurate and relevant responses.
5. Consider the Role: Reflect on the requirements of the specific role you are applying for. Tailor your responses to highlight traits that are relevant and beneficial for that position during this finance online test.
6. Take Your Time: A typical finance personality test is untimed. Therefore, read each question carefully, and respond thoughtfully. Rushed answers may not accurately reflect your personality.

Uncover your workplace preferences and how these are measured ahead of your finance tests with us! 

Besides the finance aptitude tests, you might also be required to go through other stages of assessment, one of which may be the finance video interview. Buckle up as we go into more details of this. 

4. Finance Video Interviews

What is a finance video interview? 

A finance video interview is a crucial step in any company’s hiring process, conducted through an automated platform like HireVue, Sonru, Pymetrics, etc., the interview consists of pre-recorded questions that candidates must respond to within a set time limit. 

Discover more about video interviews such as the finance video interview with our quick video below!

What does a finance video interview measure? 

A finance video interview measures the following traits: 

• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
• Cultural Fit and Behavioral Traits 
• Creativity and Innovation

Looking for the best way to prepare for your finance video interview? Check out our example finance interview questions and answers below. 

Finance Video Interview Questions and Answers

Question 1: What recent financial news has caught your attention and why?

Good Answer: 

Recently, I followed the Bank of England’s response to persistent inflation. Although interest rates were cut to 4.25%, policymaker Megan Greene warned that wage growth remains too high to meet the 2% inflation target. She described the current situation as a ‘stubborn inflation hump,’ suggesting further rate cuts may be delayed. 

I found this significant because it highlights the challenge of balancing economic support with price stability, which is an issue central to monetary policy. It also impacts consumer borrowing, business investment, and market confidence. I’m particularly interested in how such decisions shape the financial landscape and influence long-term economic planning.

Question 2: Describe a time when you worked in a team to meet a goal.

Good Answer: 

To ace this finance online interview, check out our following top tips!

Top 5 Tips to Pass a Finance Video Interview

1. Prepare and Practice: Research common finance interview questions and practice your responses. Keep your answers concise and focused on showcasing your skills and experience relevant to the job.
2. Prepare Notes: Have a few key points or achievements written down for quick reference, but avoid reading directly from them during the finance video interview.
3. Listen Carefully: Pause briefly after each question when this finance video interview starts to ensure the interviewer has finished speaking before responding. This prevents talking over them and shows that you’re attentive.
4. Maintain Eye Contact: Look at the camera when speaking to simulate eye contact, rather than looking at the screen. This helps you appear confident and engaged.
5. Use Confident Body Language: Sit up straight, avoid fidgeting, and use hand gestures naturally to convey enthusiasm and professionalism.

Watch the following short video to understand how to make a lasting experience using our body language tips:

Once your screening process is over, you might be required to appear for an assessment centre as well. Let’s know more about this finance assessment centre ahead. 

5. Finance Assessment Centre

What is the finance assessment centre? 

The finance assessment centre is a structured selection process used by financial employers where candidates are invited to a half-day or full-day session, either virtually or in person, and are assessed through multiple exercises, which may include:

1. Group Exercises
2. E-tray Exercises
3. Role-play Exercises
4. Final Interviews

Let’s discuss each of these finance assessment centre exercises in detail. 

Finance Group Exercises

What is a finance group exercise? 

During a finance group exercise, candidates are placed in small teams and given a business-related scenario or case study to discuss and solve collaboratively. These exercises are designed to simulate real workplace challenges and assess your interpersonal and decision-making skills. 

What to expect during a finance group exercise? 

In a finance group exercise, typically, you’ll be given a brief, such as advising a client on investment options, evaluating the financial health of a company, or prioritising tasks in a busy workday. You’ll have 20 – 40 minutes to read the material, discuss as a group, and sometimes present your recommendations.

Want to take your finance group discussion preparation to the next level? Don’t miss out on this video for our top group exercise tips:

To get the hang of the finance group exercise and ace it, look at the list of tips we have provided below:

Top 5 Tips to Pass a Finance Group Exercise 

1. Communicate Clearly: Speak clearly and concisely. Ensure your points are relevant and add value to the discussion. Use appropriate body language to show engagement and confidence during this finance assessment.
2. Demonstrate Leadership: Take initiative when appropriate, but don’t dominate the discussion. Facilitate the group’s progress by helping to keep the discussion on track and ensuring everyone has a chance to contribute during this finance group exercise. 
3. Problem-Solving Skills: Show your ability during this finance assessment test to analyse information, identify key issues, and propose practical solutions. Think critically and contribute to the development of a well-reasoned plan or decision.
4. Stay Calm Under Pressure: This finance test can be intense. Stay calm, composed, and focused on the task. Manage any stress effectively and help keep the group’s morale high.
5. Work with the Team: You must be confident to share and argue for your ideas, but also be ready to contribute to somebody else’s input. Most importantly, do not interrupt anyone.
6. Ask Thought Provoking Questions: Try to persuade others towards your ideas and also ask critical thought-provoking questions; but only do so when it feels natural and builds on the conversation.

Another essential test that you may face during the finance assessment centre, is the finance e-tray exercise. Let’s get into the details of this finance test.  

Finance E-tray Exercises

What is a finance e-tray exercise? 

A finance e-tray exercise is a simulated workplace workload assessment where you will be presented with various materials such as emails, memos, reports, etc., and you will be required to prioritize tasks and identify key details. 

What does this finance e-tray exercise measure? 

A finance e-tray exercise measures the following traits: 

• Prioritisation Skills
• Analytical Thinking
• Written Communication
• Judgement and Integrity

See the following tips to pass the finance e-tray exercises. 

Top 5 Tips to Pass a Finance E-tray Exercise 

1. Understand the Context and Role: Before the assessment, research the employer’s mission, values, and the specific role you’re applying for. Tailor your responses to reflect professionalism, national security awareness, and ethical decision-making.
2. Practice Under Timed Conditions: Use reliable online practice tools to simulate the pressure of a timed inbox. Track your time per message and practice working efficiently without sacrificing accuracy.
3.  Focus on Prioritisation: You’ll face competing demands. Therefore you must practice quickly identifying: Urgent vs. important tasks, security risks or sensitive issues, items that require delegation or escalation. Ensure to use a calm, methodical approach to sort tasks by priority.
4. Demonstrate Sound Judgement: Expect scenarios that test moral and procedural judgement. Avoid taking shortcuts or making assumptions. Always act in line with organisational integrity, confidentiality, and protocol.
5. Type with Precision: Your online written responses should be clear and concise, professional in tone, and logically structured (e.g. brief intro, action, justification). Avoid long-winded explanations, as finance industry employers generally value clarity under pressure.

Now let’s talk about another finance assessment centre exercise, i.e., finance role play exercises. 

Finance Role Play Exercises

What are finance role play exercises? 

Finance role play exercises involve candidates participating in a simulated scenario where they will be acting as per the job profile they have applied to and handling hired actors or members from the hiring team acting as customers, team members, or other senior managers. 

What does the finance role-play exercise measure?

The finance role-play exercise measures your communication, problem solving and decision-making skills. They may also assess your non-verbal communication skills such as body language.

Wondering how to pass this finance assessment? Don’t worry we have curated some best tips and tricks to help you. 

Top 5 Tips to Pass Finance Role Play Exercise 

1. Understand the Brief: Read all materials carefully. Identify the client’s goals, key financial data, and any constraints (e.g. budget, risk appetite, deadlines).
2. Stay Professional: Use clear, formal language. Structure your points logically and maintain a confident, composed tone throughout.
3. Show Commercial Awareness: Tailor your advice to current market conditions or relevant financial regulations if prompted.
4. Prioritise and Justify: Recommend practical solutions and back them up with evidence from the brief.
5. Manage the Interaction: Listen actively, respond appropriately to concerns, and guide the discussion toward a mutually beneficial outcome.

Want to practice for the exercises on the finance assessment centre?  

Next, and the last finance assessment centre exercise will be the finance final interview. Buckle up as we get into more details of this. 

Finance Final Interviews

What is a finance final interview? 

The finance final interviews are typically conducted by senior professionals and focus on assessing both your technical competence and cultural fit. This stage is more in-depth and personal than earlier assessments and often determines the final hiring decision.

What to expect during a finance interview? 

During the finance final interviews, you might come across the following kind of interviews: 

Want to practice for your upcoming finance interview? GF has got you covered. 

To get an edge over your competing candidates, it’s essential to prepare for this interview. Therefore, our experts have developed the following 5 interview tips to help you get ahead.

Top 5 Tips to Pass Finance Final Interviews 

1. Master the Fundamentals: Be confident with core financial concepts like valuation methods (e.g., DCF, multiples), the three financial statements, and market dynamics relevant to your role you have applied to.
2. Show Commercial Awareness: You must discuss recent financial news intelligently and explain its implications. Financial firms want candidates who understand the broader economic landscape.
3. Use the STAR+R Method: Answer behavioural questions clearly by outlining the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Relate experiences to finance-relevant skills like analysis, teamwork, and integrity.
4. Research the Firm Thoroughly: Understand its services, clients, culture, and recent developments of the firm you have applied to. Tailor your answers to reflect alignment with the firm’s values and goals.
5. Be Professional and Personable: Maintain strong eye contact, dress smartly, and engage respectfully. You must show enthusiasm and ask thoughtful questions at the end.

It’s a good practice to ask some thought provoking questions towards the end of an interview. Wondering what questions to ask? Watch the following video by GF to get a clear idea. 

And with this, we have covered all you need to know about finance assessment tests and the finance recruitment process of many global banks.

But wait, before you go!

Keep reading below for common FAQs about finance assessment tests.

6. Finance Assessment Test FAQs