Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's career aspirations. Look for answers that show a desire to continue to learn and grow in the accounting field.
Sample Answer: I want to continue to learn more about the accounting industry and advance my career. I want to work for a large company that has a lot of opportunities for growth and advancement.
Question Overview: This question gives you insight into how the job seeker responds to difficult situations. Look for a response that shows how the applicant handled the situation and what they learned from it.
Sample Answer: I was working on a project for a client who was very demanding. I had to work with them on a tight deadline and they kept making changes to the project scope. I had to learn how to say "no" without upsetting them. I learned that it's important to set clear expectations and communicate those expectations clearly.
Question Overview: This question reveals how the applicant handles difficult situations with coworkers or clients. The applicant should explain how they handled the situation and what they learned from it.
Sample Answer: I had to work with a vendor who was very difficult to get along with. I tried to be as polite and professional as possible, but I also stood my ground when he was being unreasonable. I learned that it's important to be assertive, but not aggressive.
Question Overview: Accountants use spreadsheets to track and organize data, so it's important to know how proficient the job seeker is with this tool. Look for an answer that indicates the applicant has a strong understanding of Excel's features and functions.
Sample Answer: I would rate my skills at a solid 8. I'm comfortable with the basics, but I'm still learning how to use more advanced features. I've learned a lot from watching YouTube videos and reading Excel blogs.
Question Overview: This is a simple question that allows the applicant to share their background, skills, and interests. Look for a response that shows the applicant's personality and enthusiasm for the job.
Sample Answer: I'm a recent graduate with a bachelor's degree in accounting. I'm very interested in tax accounting and have experience with tax preparation software. I'm also an avid runner and enjoy spending time outdoors.
Question Overview: This question reveals whether the applicant is truly interested in the position. The applicant should have a compelling reason for wanting to work for your company.
Sample Answer: I've been looking for a job in accounting for over a year, and I'm very excited about this opportunity. I've been following your company for a while, and I think you have a great reputation. I'm very impressed with your products and services, and I think you have a bright future ahead.
Question Overview: The applicant should have a clear idea of their career goals and how they plan to achieve them. Look for answers that include the applicant's long-term career goals and how they plan to achieve them.
Sample Answer: I would like to be a CPA and would like to work my way up to a controller position within the next 5 years. I plan to take the CPA exam in the next year and will continue to learn accounting software and business processes so I can be an asset to any company I work for.
Question Overview: A CV is a summary of the applicant's work history, education, and other qualifications. The applicant should be able to explain their work history in a clear and concise manner.
Sample Answer: I've worked at three different companies over the past five years. I started out as an accounting assistant and worked my way up to senior accountant. I have a bachelor's degree in accounting from a local university.
Question Overview: Accountants may have to deal with difficult employees or clients. The applicant should show that they can remain professional and solve problems in a diplomatic manner.
Sample Answer: I would first try to understand the other person's perspective. I would then explain my position and try to find a solution that works for both of us. If we couldn't come to an agreement, I would escalate the issue to my manager.
Question Overview: Accountants need to have a fundamental understanding of the stock market and how to read financial statements. This question tests whether the applicant can answer a basic finance question.
Sample Answer: Google's stock price is $1,000 per share. The company's market cap is $500 billion.
Question Overview: This question reveals how the applicant works with others and how they handle conflicts. Look for a response that shows the applicant is able to work with others and resolve conflicts in a professional manner.
Sample Answer: I had to confront a group member who wasn't pulling their weight. I approached the person privately and explained the issue. We worked out a plan for how they would complete their share of the project, and I gave them a deadline to complete it by.
Question Overview: Employers want to know why there is a gap in the job seeker's employment history. The applicant should be prepared to explain the gap and how it relates to their career goals.
Sample Answer: I took a few years off to raise my children and spend time with my family. I'm ready to get back into the workforce and use my accounting skills to help a growing company.
Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the job seeker's desire to continuously improve their skills. Look for answers that include a desire to learn new accounting software or business processes.
Sample Answer: I'm looking forward to learning more about how our company's accounting department interacts with other departments. I want to understand how the company's financials are used by the executive team.
Question Overview: The applicant reveals their academic performance in a college or university setting. This question is important because it shows how the applicant performed in a competitive environment.
Sample Answer: I had a 3.5 GPA in my accounting classes. I took challenging courses that helped me develop my skills and knowledge.
Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's availability and flexibility. Look for a response that shows the applicant is willing to work around your schedule.
Sample Answer: I'm available any time after 3 p.m. on weekdays. I'm also available on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Question Overview: This question is a straightforward inquiry into the applicant's salary expectations. Look for a response that shows the candidate's knowledge of the market and their own value.
Sample Answer: I'm looking for a salary of $80,000 to $90,000. I know that my experience and skills are worth this amount. I'm willing to negotiate with the company to find a fair salary.
Question Overview: This question reveals how the applicant handled a difficult situation and how they resolved it. Look for a response that shows the applicant's ability to think on their feet and find a solution to a complex problem.
Sample Answer: I had to explain to the CEO that we had made an accounting error that cost the company $50,000. I was able to show him how we could recover from this mistake and prevent it from happening again. He was impressed with my ability to handle the situation and how I was able to present the information in a way that he could understand.
Question Overview: Accountants often have to adjust their schedules to accommodate unexpected events. The applicant should be able to explain how they handled the situation and what they learned from the experience.
Sample Answer: I had a meeting scheduled with a client, but I was called into an emergency meeting with my boss. I rescheduled the client meeting for later in the week and apologized for missing it. I learned that I need to be more flexible with my schedule and make sure that I have a backup plan in case something unexpected happens.
Question Overview: This question gives the applicant an opportunity to highlight their best qualities and skills. Look for answers that are specific and relevant to the position.
Sample Answer: I'm a quick learner and I can adapt to new situations quickly. I've been able to learn new accounting software packages quickly and I'm confident that I could do the same with your accounting software.
Question Overview: Accountants often deal with situations that they haven't encountered before. The applicant should describe how they approach a new situation and how they determine the best way to handle it.
Sample Answer: I was working on a project for a client and realized that I didn't have the right information to complete the project. I researched the issue and found out that the client had recently acquired another company. I contacted the client and asked them for the information I needed. They were happy to help me, and I was able to finish the project on time.