Informa Accountant interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions are representative of the patterns observed in Informa interview loops. While specific questions may vary by team, the focus remains consistent: testing your technical accounting foundation, your methodology during closing cycles, and your ability to navigate professional interpersonal scenarios.

Technical Accounting

These questions test your mastery of fundamental accounting principles and your ability to apply them to real-world scenarios.

• Walk me through the steps you take to complete a month-end close.
• How do you ensure accuracy when preparing journal entries?

Preparation for the Accountant role at Informa requires a balance of technical readiness and professional polish. You should be prepared to discuss not only the "how" of accounting but also the "why" behind your processes.

Technical Accounting Proficiency – You must demonstrate a deep understanding of GAAP and the practical application of accounting standards. Interviewers will look for your ability to explain complex processes like revenue recognition and accruals in a clear, logical manner. Be ready to walk through your standard operating procedures for month-end close.

Attention to Detail & Accuracy – Given the nature of the work, you will likely be tested on your ability to spot errors. Whether through a formal Excel test or a discussion of past experiences, demonstrate that you have a rigorous system for verifying data and catching mistakes before they reach final reporting stages.

Communication & Leadership – Informa values professionals who can manage relationships as well as ledgers. You must be able to articulate your career goals, demonstrate leadership experience, and explain how you manage interpersonal dynamics within a finance team.

The interview process at Informa is professional, structured, and designed to assess both your technical competency and your cultural fit. You can generally expect an initial screening call with HR or a hiring manager, followed by one or more rounds that delve into your accounting background. The process often includes a practical assessment, which may range from an Excel-based test to a review of financial statements to identify discrepancies.

The culture at Informa is described as friendly and approachable, even during rigorous technical assessments. The interviewers are typically interested in your long-term career goals and how you manage the pressures of a finance department. Expect the process to move with a clear purpose, as the firm places a high value on finding the right personality match for their collaborative environment.

This visual timeline illustrates the progression from initial screening to technical testing and final interviews. Use this to pace your preparation, ensuring you have a strong "tell me about yourself" narrative ready for the early stages and a deep technical refresher completed before any practical assessments.

Month-End Close & Reporting

This area is the heart of the Accountant role. Interviewers want to see that you have a systematic approach to meeting strict deadlines while maintaining 100% accuracy.

Be ready to go over:

• The specific timelines you have managed in past roles.
• How you prioritize tasks when multiple deadlines converge.

As an Accountant at Informa, your primary responsibility is the maintenance of financial health through rigorous, daily accounting practices. You will own the preparation of journal entries, ensure that all accruals are captured accurately, and serve as a gatekeeper for data integrity during the month-end close.

You will work closely with other finance team members to reconcile accounts and verify that all financial reporting aligns with GAAP. Collaboration is frequent; you will often act as a bridge between operational teams and senior finance leadership, ensuring that the financial impact of business events is accurately reflected in the books. You will also be expected to identify process improvements, suggesting ways to make the closing cycle more efficient without sacrificing accuracy.

A strong candidate for this role combines technical accounting rigor with the soft skills necessary to thrive in a corporate, fast-paced environment.

• Technical Skills – Proficiency in Excel is non-negotiable. You should be comfortable with pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and data validation techniques. A solid grasp of GAAP and relevant accounting software is required.
• Experience – Candidates typically bring several years of accounting experience, ideally in a role that required heavy involvement in month-end close and reporting.
• Soft Skills – Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for explaining financial data to non-finance stakeholders. The ability to mentor junior staff and manage direct reports is highly valued.

Q: How difficult are the technical accounting questions? A: The technical questions are designed to test your core competency. If you have a solid background in accounting and are comfortable with the basics of journal entries and reconciliations, you will find them manageable.

Q: What is the most common reason candidates are rejected? A: Aside from technical gaps, candidates often struggle because they cannot clearly explain their process or lack a structured approach to solving problems. Being able to explain "how" you reach an answer is just as important as the answer itself.

Q: How long does the hiring process typically take? A: While it varies, the process is generally efficient. Once you pass the initial screening and testing, the rounds move relatively quickly.

Q: Is there a significant amount of teamwork involved? A: Yes, Informa prides itself on a collaborative culture. You will be expected to work with various departments, so demonstrating that you are a team player is crucial.

• Structure your answers: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions to keep your responses focused and impactful.
• Review your resume: Be prepared to discuss every detail on your resume. If you list accounting software or specific skills, know how to explain them in depth.
• Practice accuracy: Since the role involves testing for mistakes, spend time reviewing your own work to ensure you can spot errors quickly in a test environment.
• Be curious: Ask your interviewers about the direction of the department and the company. It shows you are engaged and thinking about your long-term fit at Informa.

The Accountant role at Informa is a high-impact position that demands precision, technical expertise, and strong interpersonal skills. By mastering the fundamental areas of month-end close, ASC 606, and account reconciliations, you will position yourself as a candidate who can hit the ground running and contribute immediately to the firm's financial integrity.

Candidates can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and comprehensive preparation resources on Dataford. We encourage you to review these materials to build your confidence and refine your answers. You have the skills and the potential to succeed; with focused, strategic preparation, you will be well-equipped to excel in your interviews and secure your place at Informa.

The salary module above provides insight into current compensation benchmarks. Use this data to understand the competitive landscape for this role, keeping in mind that total compensation may vary based on your level of experience, location, and the specific requirements of the team you are joining.