Savills Accountant interview questions & guide 2026

The compensation data provided reflects the typical salary bands for Client Accountant roles across our UK and international offices. Candidates should interpret these ranges as base compensation, keeping in mind that total rewards may vary based on specific location, years of experience, and seniority level. Use these figures to calibrate your expectations and ensure your research into market rates aligns with the specific regional office to which you are applying.

The following questions represent patterns observed in our hiring process. While we value your technical proficiency, we also look for candidates who can communicate complex financial concepts clearly and demonstrate a high level of professional integrity.

Finance & Accounting Technicals

This category tests your fundamental understanding of accounting principles and your ability to apply them to real-world scenarios.

• How would you record a journal entry for a rental payment received in advance?
• Can you explain the difference between accruals and prepayments with an example?

Success at Savills requires a balance of technical rigor and professional maturity. Approach your preparation by reviewing your core accounting foundation while simultaneously researching the specific nature of our real estate services.

Technical Knowledge – We expect a high level of comfort with GAAP and double-entry bookkeeping. Be ready to explain your logic behind accounting treatments, as interviewers will probe your understanding rather than just your ability to memorize definitions.

Attention to Detail – In the world of Client Accounting, accuracy is paramount. You can demonstrate this by being precise in your explanations during the interview and showing a methodical approach to problem-solving.

Commercial Awareness – While this is an accounting role, understanding the broader Savills business—specifically how we serve our property clients—will set you apart. Research our recent market presence to show you are invested in our success.

Fit and Communication – We look for professionals who can articulate their experience clearly. Whether you are explaining a past challenge or a technical process, keep your answers structured, concise, and professional.

The hiring process for an Accountant at Savills is designed to be efficient yet thorough. Candidates typically undergo two rounds of interviews: an initial screening—often via video call—followed by a more in-depth, in-person or virtual interview with department managers and senior team members. You should expect a mix of technical questions to verify your accounting proficiency and behavioral questions to assess your team fit.

In some instances, candidates may be asked to complete an assessment, typically involving Excel or word processing tasks, to evaluate your practical skills. We focus on identifying candidates who possess not only the necessary technical credentials but also the resilience and communication skills required to thrive in a collaborative environment.

This visual timeline illustrates the typical path from application to final offer, including the screening and interview rounds. Candidates should use this to pace their preparation, ensuring they are ready for both technical deep dives and behavioral discussions early in the process. Remember that the timeline can vary by region and team, so remain flexible and proactive in your communication with our recruiting team.

Technical Accounting Proficiency

This area is the foundation of the role. We evaluate your ability to handle day-to-day accounting tasks with high accuracy.

Be ready to go over:

• Double-entry bookkeeping – The mechanics of debits and credits.
• Accruals and deferrals – Understanding the timing of financial recognition.

As an Accountant at Savills, your primary focus is the delivery of accurate financial reporting for our clients. You will manage the month-end close process, which includes preparing and posting journal entries, performing detailed account reconciliations, and ensuring that all financial data is compliant with internal controls and GAAP standards.

You will collaborate closely with property managers and regional finance leads to ensure that service charge accounts and rental income are tracked correctly. Your work requires a high degree of independence and the ability to manage your time effectively to meet strict reporting deadlines. You will also be expected to utilize our accounting software to maintain audit trails and provide clear, concise documentation for any financial adjustments made during the reporting cycle.

We seek candidates who are detail-oriented, technically proficient, and eager to contribute to a high-performing team.

Must-have skills:

• Strong understanding of GAAP and core accounting principles.
• Proficiency in Excel (including lookups, pivot tables, and data validation).
• Proven experience with month-end close and account reconciliations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for stakeholder management.

Nice-to-have skills:

• Experience in the real estate or property management sector.
• Professional accounting certification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with large-scale property accounting software systems.

Q: How can I best prepare for the technical portion of the interview? A: Focus on the fundamentals. Be able to walk through a basic journal entry and explain the "why" behind standard accounting practices. Practicing your explanation of accruals and reconciliations will serve you well.

Q: What is the company culture like for Accountants at Savills? A: We value professionalism, integrity, and collaboration. While the environment is fast-paced, we prioritize accuracy and high standards of client service.

Q: How soon can I expect to hear back after an interview? A: We aim to provide feedback within a week of your interview. If you haven't heard back, feel free to reach out to the recruiter who coordinated your session.

Q: Are there opportunities for professional development? A: Yes, Savills is committed to the growth of our employees. We support ongoing learning and provide opportunities to work on complex, international-scale projects that enhance your professional profile.

• Structure your answers: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions to keep your responses focused and impactful.
• Know your CV: Be prepared to discuss every role on your resume. If you mention a specific system or process, be ready to explain your exact contribution.
• Ask thoughtful questions: At the end of the interview, ask about the team’s current challenges or the department’s goals. It shows you are already thinking like an employee.

The Accountant role at Savills is an excellent opportunity to apply your technical skills in a high-impact environment. By mastering the fundamentals of GAAP, month-end close, and account reconciliations, you will position yourself as a strong candidate capable of supporting our global property operations. We encourage you to approach the process with confidence, knowing that your preparation will directly influence your success.

To further refine your preparation and gain more insights into our interview patterns, you can explore additional interview guides, practice questions, and strategic advice on Dataford. We wish you the best of luck throughout your interview journey and look forward to seeing your potential in action.