Top Auditor Interview Questions with Example Answers [2020]

Question Overview: Auditors have to make tough calls sometimes, and they have to be able to stand by their decisions. This question will help you learn about a potential hire's ability to make tough choices and stick with them.

Sample Answer: I had to fire an employee who was not performing up to par. I explained my decision to him and his coworkers, and I made sure they understood why I had to let him go.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Examples of unpopular decisions the candidate made
• - How the candidate handled the situation
• - How the candidate explained the decision to others

Question Overview: You want to hire an auditor who will be able to work well with your team and understand the company's goals. The answers to this question will help you learn about a potential hire's knowledge of the industry and your company specifically.

Sample Answer: I know that you're a mid-sized manufacturing company that has been in business for over 20 years. I'm familiar with your products and your main competitors. I'd like to learn more about your goals for the next few years.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Detailed knowledge of the company
• - Ability to explain how the company works
• - A desire to learn more about the company

Question Overview: This question is a great way to learn about the candidate's past work history. They should be able to give you a brief overview of their experience and how it relates to the job you're hiring for.

Sample Answer: I've had several jobs in the accounting field, including one at a CPA firm and two in public accounting. I've learned a lot about the industry and I'm ready to put that knowledge to use.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Detailed explanation of past work
• - Ability to explain how past experience relates to the job
• - Details of any awards or recognition

Question Overview: You want to hire an auditor who is driven to succeed, but you also want to make sure they're motivated by the right things. Answers to this question will help you learn more about the candidate's personality and what drives them.

Sample Answer: I'm motivated by the challenge of a new project and the opportunity to learn something new. I also like to see my clients succeed.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - The candidate's personal goals
• - How the candidate motivates themselves
• - The candidate's work ethic

Question Overview: Potential hires should be able to explain the different types of entities and how they affect the auditing process. This question can also help you learn about the applicant's knowledge of the industry.

Sample Answer: There are three main types of entities: sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations. Each one has its own set of attributes that affect how it is audited.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Detailed understanding of different entities
• - Ability to explain how each entity affects auditing
• - Knowledge of what makes each entity unique

Question Overview: This is a very open-ended question, so you want to make sure that you're asking it in a way that will elicit a good response. You want to know about the person's interests, their personality, and their goals.

Sample Answer: I'm a very hard worker who is always looking for new ways to improve my skills. I'm very dedicated to my job and I'm always looking for ways to improve my performance.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - A well-rounded answer that shows the candidate's personality
• - A desire to learn new skills and take on new challenges
• - A willingness to work hard and be dedicated

Question Overview: This question is a great way to learn about a candidate's interests and goals. You want to hire someone who has a passion for the field and a desire to learn more about it.

Sample Answer: I chose this school because it offered a strong curriculum in auditing and was close to home. I'm interested in learning more about the industry and working hard to achieve my goals.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Specifics about why the candidate chose this school
• - A desire to learn more about the industry
• - A willingness to work hard to achieve their goals

Question Overview: This question will help you learn about the candidate's experience and how they approach their work. You want to hire someone who is detail-oriented and takes the time to do things right.

Sample Answer: I start by reviewing the client's financial statements and comparing them to the previous year's statements. I then go through each line item and make sure that it matches up with the client's records.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Detailed explanation of the audit process
• - Ability to explain the process in layman's terms
• - Examples of how the candidate uses technology

Question Overview: Any potential hires should be able to explain how they handle difficult situations. This question can help you learn about their problem-solving skills and how they respond to pressure.

Sample Answer: I had to deal with a difficult client who was very upset about a charge on their bill. I was able to talk them through the issue and explain why it was necessary.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Detailed description of the situation
• - How the candidate handled the situation
• - How they feel about the situation now

Question Overview: This question is a straightforward one that gives you a chance to learn about the candidate's availability.

Sample Answer: I can start on May 1st. I have a few things to wrap up before then, but I'm available to come in as soon as possible.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Specific dates the candidate can start
• - Flexibility in terms of start date
• - Reasons for any delays in availability