Financial Reasoning Tests

10 questions

Financial reasoning tests are similar to numerical reasoning tests, in that they will present financial information to you via graphs, tables and texts.
You will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of basic arithmetic (adding, subtracting, multiplication and division), ratios, percentages, average and interests.

What are financial reasoning tests?

Financial reasoning tests are incredibly similar to numerical reasoning tests, in that they will present financial information to you via graphs, tables and texts.

What format are financial reasoning tests?

Typically with a financial focused test, you will be given a short description of a scenario that is accompanied with extracts of numerical data. Passages of 150-250 words are likely to accompany each question, which requires you to filter and extract the necessary information quickly and effectively.

You will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of basic arithmetic (adding, subtracting, multiplication and division), ratios, percentages, average and interests.

As you are provided with more text than a standard numerical test, you will be given slightly longer to complete the exam.

What can make these tests difficult is the terminology used within the accompanying passages. Make sure you’re familiar with phrases such as “profit margin” and “market capitalisation” as these are commonly used within the financial sector.

Financial reasoning tests will also text your ability to complete more elaborate calculations compared to what is expected within a numerical reasoning test.

More importantly, these tests are often scored differently. In the event of a wrong answer, points may be deducted so you will need to be mindful of this.

Who uses financial reasoning tests?

As you could probably have guessed, financial companies like using financial reasoning tests. Below we have listed financial institutions who are known to use financial reasoning tests as part of their assessment:

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Financial reasoning example questions

Q) You are buying an industrial printer for a specific job that requires you to print five hundred thousand units. You have narrowed your choices down to 3 models, all of which can be installed with enough ink to print X number of units. The aim is to buy a printer whilst keeping company spending to a minimum, which model should you buy?

Answer: A
Remember to relate your numeracy to what the question is asking. In this example you need to work out how many times you will need to fill the printer with ink to print enough units ( 500,000 / 120,000 = 4.17) but you can’t replace ink 4.17 times, so you must round up to 5. Printer A requires 5 loads of ink to complete the job and given that the printer comes preinstalled with the first load we know it will require 4 replacements.

Q) In order to stay competitive a selection of fashion retailers all changed the price of a particular product on sale. If we assume that the product is the same in each store and that before any changes were made the product was being sold at the same price at each store, which fashion retailer experienced the highest increase in revenue?

How are financial reasoning tests scored?

Financial reasoning tests are very similar to numerical reasoning tests. They will require you to solve mathematical problems but with a focus on finance. Therefore, your total score will represent the number of correct answers you give. In rare cases, wrong answers will subtract points from your score.

What are financial reasoning tests used for?

Financial reasoning tests are used for evaluating how well a person can solve mathematical problems with financial bias. These tests are mostly used to test the performance of job applicants for accounting and financial management.

What do financial reasoning tests involve?

Financial reasoning tests involve questions that require financial knowledge such as looking at business statements, profit and loss accounts and balance sheets. Like numerical reasoning tests, questions will include data in graphs, tables, and text format.

Where can I practice financial reasoning tests?

Financial reasoning tests assess your knowledge of basic finances. To achieve the highest performance, you need to practice solving these problems or at least brush up your school knowledge on the subject. Our website provides the most popular tests of varying difficulty with guides and tips for you to practice before your audition.

Which employers use financial reasoning tests?

No surprise that financial reasoning tests are widely used by companies in the financial industry, such as banks, mortgage companies, business consulting, etc. You should expect to see these tests if you are applying for positions related to finance even in other companies as well.

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Financial Reasoning Tests Tips

1Prepare your own toolkit

Whether you need to sharpen your maths skills or learn everything from scratch, taking some mock tests will help. It might not make you a brilliant mathematician but will definitely improve your performance. Practice will also save you sleepless nights before the real assessment day by improving accuracy, speed and confidence. And you will need a good night’s sleep.

2Watch your timing

Don’t get stuck on one question. Work out roughly how much time you have per question before you start each test (think of it as a good warm-up) and try to stick to those timings. If it feels tough, keep going anyway and remember the easiest questions might be to come.

3Practice in exam conditions

When you practice for your assessment, try to do so in the same conditions in which you will be sitting your real financial reasoning test. Try quiet surrounding with a minimal distraction at a table. This will not only keep you more focused but also make silence less daunting while sitting your real assessment.

4Ask the expert

Look at our explanations to see how we’ve come up with the solutions. Understanding the thought process, how the question is broken down and the steps involved is an excellent way to simplify difficult questions.

5Carry out post mortems

Sure, financial reasoning tests won’t kill you, but you should assess which areas you’re getting wrong. That way you can focus on practicing them which will improve your performance on the tests as a whole.

6Prepare your own toolkit

Pressing the old and trusted buttons of your own calculator is easier than staring at the limitless functions of a scientific calculator your friend lent you. We also suggest you have a pen and plenty of rough paper for workings.

7Answer the question

It might be obvious but the fact that we mention it means it is not. At least not always. Although there is only one correct answer, there may be decoys that could trick you. Stay calm and focused and be careful with your numbers.

8Do your research

Find out from your employer what type of psychometric assessments they are going to want you to sit. If you’re not sure simply ask them! Each job is different so the assessments will vary but as a starting point visit our top employers.

9Don't be complacent

There are sometimes 100+ applicants per place for the most sought after roles. Your competition will be prepared so make sure you are too. The more you practice, the better prepared you’ll be.