Online assessments have become a standard and often critical part of the hiring process for finance roles worldwide. Whether you are applying to a bank fintech or Big 4 accounting firm chances are high you will be asked to complete one. At PrepForAssessment our mission is to help candidates succeed with focused expert-driven preparation. In this article we will walk you through everything you need to know about finance assessments how they work why companies use them what types of tests you will face and how you can prepare smarter.
Why Finance Assessments Matter More Than Ever
According to LinkedIn’s Talent Trends over 76% of global companies now use online assessments as part of their recruitment process. In the finance sector this percentage is even higher.
Top employers including Goldman Sachs J P Morgan Deloitte PwC ABN AMRO and BlackRock use online assessments to efficiently filter candidates at scale. These tests allow recruiters to objectively evaluate skills like numerical reasoning critical thinking and attention to detail which are all essential in finance.
If you are serious about landing a job or internship in this field preparing for online assessments is not optional it is essential.
Which Roles in Finance Require Online Assessments
Most finance roles now include an assessment step during the hiring process. These roles include:
- Investment Banking Analysts
- Corporate Finance Interns
- Financial Advisory Consultants
- Risk Analysts
- Audit and Tax Trainees
- Financial Planning & Analysis Roles
- Treasury and Capital Markets Positions
- Fintech Product Interns
Recruiters want to see if you have the mental agility data literacy and ethical reasoning required in today’s dynamic finance environment.
Popular Assessment Platforms Used in Finance
Most firms outsource their tests to trusted third-party platforms. At PrepForAssessment we have helped candidates succeed across all major platforms including:
- SHL
- AON or cut-e
- TalentQ
- Pymetrics
- HireVue
- TestGorilla
Finance assessments typically fall into one or more of these categories:
Numerical Reasoning Tests
These are the most common in finance. You will analyze data percentages ratios and financial charts under time pressure. Mastering these tests shows you are comfortable with the types of calculations required in real roles.
Verbal Reasoning Tests
These assess your ability to interpret written information which is critical when reviewing contracts reports or client communications.
Logical and Inductive Reasoning
These test your ability to spot patterns sequences or relationships. Often presented as shapes number grids or abstract sequences.
Situational Judgement Tests
These ask how you would respond to work scenarios. Employers want to see if you show sound judgement teamwork and professional behavior.
Personality Questionnaires
While they are not about right or wrong answers your responses should reflect traits valued in finance such as resilience attention to detail and integrity.
Game-Based Assessments
Some employers especially fintech firms are now using gamified tests to measure traits like memory risk preference or attention span.
What Makes Finance Assessments Unique
Compared to general assessments finance-focused ones tend to be
- Faster paced
- More data heavy
- Highly competitive
- More likely to be adaptive
This means traditional prep is not enough. You need to simulate real test environments under timed conditions and learn how to interpret data quickly.
Our Tips for Acing Your Finance Assessment
At PrepForAssessment we have guided candidates through finance recruitment journeys. Here are 7 tips based on what works
- Understand the test format
- Practice real questions
- Review your mistakes
- Build test stamina
- Use mental math shortcuts
- Read instructions carefully
- Know your employer’s values
Why Preparation Beats Talent
Do not fall for the myth that these are tests you cannot prepare for. Most successful candidates practice consistently identify their weaknesses and build confidence through repetition. At PrepForAssessment we provide
- Practice questions and walkthroughs
- In-depth strategy articles
- Assessment guides tailored for banking consulting and finance
- Weekly expert tips to stay sharp
Common Mistakes Candidates Make
Many candidates assume that passing a finance assessment is just about being “smart.” In reality, most people underperform due to poor preparation strategy, not a lack of ability. Some common mistakes we see include:
– Practicing without time limits. Many tests are extremely time-sensitive. Practicing untimed will not simulate the pressure you’ll face during the real test.
– Ignoring the instructions. Every assessment has specific guidelines. Misreading instructions can cost valuable points even if your answers are correct.
– Using generic test prep. Finance roles require domain-specific preparation. Generic aptitude tests do not reflect the complexity of finance-oriented assessments.
– Not reviewing mistakes. Understanding why you got a question wrong is key to progress.
– Underestimating personality and situational tests. These can be just as important as numerical sections. Consistency in responses matters.
Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your chances of progressing to the interview round.
Real Question Examples from Finance Assessments
While each platform is different, here are examples of question types that commonly appear in finance assessments:
Numerical Reasoning Example:
“You invested $1,200 in a savings account with a 5% annual interest rate compounded yearly. What will be the total value after 2 years?”
Logical Reasoning Example:
“Which shape comes next in this sequence?’’
Situational Judgement Example:
“You notice a colleague made a small error in a client’s report. What do you do?”
These questions test your understanding of percentages, critical thinking under pressure, and workplace decision-making, exactly the kind of skills needed in real finance jobs.
Comparing Major Assessment Platforms
Let’s break down three popular platforms:
- SHL is known for its adaptive tests that get harder as you answer correctly. Their interface is user-friendly, but the timing can be strict.
- AON (formerly cut-e) features highly abstract tests with tight time constraints and unconventional visuals. Speed and pattern recognition are key.
- Pymetrics is game-based. While fun on the surface, it evaluates traits like risk preference and memory with scientific algorithms. Used often by investment banks and fintechs.
Knowing which platform you’ll be tested on can help tailor your preparation and give you a psychological edge.
Take the Next Step
Our finance category is packed with tailored articles practice questions tips and updated guides based on what the top recruiters are using right now. You can find it below.
If you want to stop guessing and start preparing with confidence, explore our finance resources today and take the first step toward your career in finance.
