Master 32 Finance interview questions covering financial modeling, risk analysis, and valuation.
Question 25 of 32
Entry Level
Experience
How to Answer
Community Answers

Bobbi Witt is an HR Manager and Senior Level Finance and Accounting Consultant. Her experience includes 9 years at a Fortune 500 company where she held a wide range of financial and management accountabilities.
I had a conflict with a manager earlier in my career. One of our team members skipped out on work six times in one month, and I was always asked to cover their shift last minute. I was frustrated and could not understand why my manager wasn't just terminating the employee. I reacted hastily, and the manager patiently reminded me that he had his reasons. He explained that he asked me to cover the shifts because he liked me and I was reliable. It turns out the absent employee had serious health concerns, and our manager was trying to be empathetic without disclosing the situation to our team. I felt terrible and learned that sometimes things aren't always as they seem. I apologized, and all was well.

Bobbi Witt is an HR Manager and Senior Level Finance and Accounting Consultant. Her experience includes 9 years at a Fortune 500 company where she held a wide range of financial and management accountabilities.
Yes, I have had conflict in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other person's perspective, so I can take time to listen to their point of view, and then I seek to work out a collaborative solution.

Bobbi Witt is an HR Manager and Senior Level Finance and Accounting Consultant. Her experience includes 9 years at a Fortune 500 company where she held a wide range of financial and management accountabilities.
Do not say no! Most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it. Your answer to this question might determine whether you get the job, so be careful to avoid making the following blunders: Don't give examples in which you and the manager had to stop working together entirely. Rather than criticizing a past manager, let the objective facts speak for themselves. If possible, try to discuss a conflict or dispute that did not stem from questionable behaviors on your own part.
Don't allude to frequent conflicts; this can give the impression that this is an issue you regularly face.
Try to avoid displaying a negative attitude when you give your answer, as this could lead a manager to think that you would bring a similar outlook on this job.

Interview Coach
Jaymie
A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.
Typically responds within 24 hours.
0 - Character Count
Unlock expert responses to technical and behavioral questions that financial firms prioritize.
Get StartedJump to Question

Written by Bobbi Witt
32 Questions & Answers • Finance

By Bobbi

By Bobbi