Securing an interview with an accountancy firm is no mean feat. You want to be sure that when you get to your interview, you are well-prepared and ready to tackle whatever questions they throw at you. We’ve pulled together a few accounting interview questions you might expect to see.
Are you able to convey technical information to someone of more or less technical ability? Please give an example.
When a panel asks this accountancy interview question, they are looking for you to demonstrate confidence and clear communication. You will need to demonstrate your ability to digest information and break it down stage by stage. The example you give does not need to be related to accountancy, however, there are some key accountancy terms you can learn. You need to show that you can summarise and process information in a manner which is patient and adaptable. In your example, try and illustrate your ability to judge character and adapt your communication style as necessary.
Why do you want to do accountancy?
Naturally, the way you answer this accountancy interview question will differ from business to business. When it comes to becoming a qualified accountant, it’s very important that you understand the firm’s expertise and areas of speciality. Have a think about the area you are interested in and why it appeals to you. For example, if you are interested in going in to tax, your reasons might be that you like trying to save people money and you enjoy the challenge of searching for loopholes.
If you were going into something like legislation, you might focus on your attention to detail and dedication to work. On the other hand, something like forensic accountancy requires investigative skills. Essentially, to nail this question you need to drill down on what the firm specialises in, what you would like to specialise in, and why your skill set fits so well into the role. The key to this is having a full understanding of the firm and your motivations for applying there.
How do you organize and prioritize your daily tasks?
Accountants need a high level of organization — nothing can slip through the cracks. This question seeks to figure out what methods of organization you use and how effective they are. You can talk about to-do lists if that works best for you. Additionally, if you have experience as an accountant, you can explain how you split your time between clients, accounting procedures, and working with your team.
>>MORE: Check out some common interview questions for all careers.
Once the interviewer has an idea of your background, they’ll want to learn about your relevant accounting skills and experience.
How to Answer
Don’t tell your whole life story; briefly summarize your career and the work that you’ve done at a high level. The recruiter will most likely ask follow-up questions based on what you share in your response. Think about using stories of how you gained an interest in the field and what led you to the roles you pursued. This is also a great opportunity to share your future goals and further express your interest in the company. If there was something specific about the company or position that caught your attention, say what it was! Share how your prior experience has prepared you for the position you’re interviewing for. Remember, it’s all about relevance and connecting the dots.
For example:
“I’ve always had a love for numbers and really enjoyed my accounting courses in college so I’ve known this was the path for me since I was young. I started my career in public accounting with a Big Four firm in audit. Audit allowed me the opportunity to work with clients of all sizes and industries. I focused on testing controls, writing audit reports, and overseeing the work of my audit team. I also trained our new hires and interns. I got a lot of experience auditing complex accounts such as derivatives and statement of cash flow. What I’ve enjoyed most throughout the course of my career is building relationships with my clients and helping them understand their financials better. I also am up to date on my CPA license and recently obtained my Masters in Accounting, and I’m looking for a position that will allow me to use my experience auditing financial statements to have a hand in creating financial statements.”