Accounting Interview Questions

The interview questions regarding accounting position differ according to the nature of the job. The account roles are vital in every company, business, and government agencies because accountants deal with financial affairs. 

When you appear for an accounting job interview, you will come across some industry-related questions. However, some common questions are part of more or less every interview for an accounting job. 

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Following are the ten typical accounting questions that interviewers ask in the interviews. 

1. In your view, what is the biggest challenge that the accounting profession is facing currently?

The purpose of asking this question is to check your knowledge about the latest trends in the industry. Interviewers want to know how well aware you are about your profession. You need to provide a properly thought-out reply. You can quote any rule or policy that the federal or state government implemented taxation or financial transactions. 

2. Have you used accounting applications or Do you possess knowledge about those?

There are several accounting applications, and no one can be familiar with every accounting application. With the help of this question, hiring managers want to test your knowledge about the tools used in the accounting profession. 

In response, you need to specify one or two accounting software that you prefer and the reason behind choosing those applications. Technology has penetrated in every field of work; so, you need to acquaint yourself with the latest trends. 

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3. Explain the pros and cons of various accounting packages you have used recently?

In response to this question, you have to provide specific examples about accounting packages; their advantages and disadvantages. Interviewers want to evaluate your assessment skills on how well you assess the performance of accounting packages. 

Your reply should reflect your critical thinking abilities. In the job, the company may require you to work on particular accounting package. So, prior knowledge in that regard would give you an edge during the interview. 

4. Explain about any accounting process that you have developed or attempted to improve?

If you are a beginner and do not have prior experience, you might not have developed any accounting process. However, it would help if you showed the determination that you are thinking to innovate. 

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Consider something that you changed or developed in recent times. It could be an idea that you may have presented in the class while dealing with accounting problems. Additionally, you might have used any accounting software of package; any process that you streamlined. 

5. Describe an occasion when you helped to minimize costs in previous accounting position that you held?

Companies expect their account professionals to reduce costs. As an accountant, helping your organization to reduce cost successfully is your success. Provide financial details about your success to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the accounting profession.

 For example, you may quote that after careful analysis in your previous company, you streamlined the programs. As a result, the company achieved 12% savings in the budget. You can provide further details about the company and its business.

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In other words, this question is a test of your analytical skills. Accounting professional with excellent analytical skills will be able to reduce costs for their company. 

6. Discuss the occasion when you used numerical information or graphical representation to convince a manager.

Account profession includes figures and numerical data. At times, professionals have to perform calculations to convey the details about yearly forecasts, profit, loss, and risks involved in any project. This question aims to test your knowledge about accounting calculations. 

You can quote an example that you made a forecast that changing vendor would benefit the company. By doing so, the company would be able to save 15% of the annual costs. You presented charts to show the comparison of the current vendor with the others. In this way, you managed to convince the manager.

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7. Describe an occasion when you had to go the extra mile to provide service to a client? What had you done, and what was the result?

The purpose of this question is to know whether you are a hardworking professional. Hiring managers also want to know that how you value customers. Of course, companies prefer candidates who put in extra effort to achieve customer satisfaction. 

You can quote an example when you had to work extra hours to submit a report to the client. Your example should indicate that you value the clients, and you always believe in high-quality work. 

8. Highlight the occasion when you faced a challenging deadline with making a report or a financial statement. How did you respond? What was the outcome?

Time management is crucial for accounting professionals as they work on different deadlines, particularly in large firms. 

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Provide an example when you smartly managed the situation. Your response should be precise, do not exaggerate. Give the impression that you take deadlines seriously, and you always meet the deadlines. 

9. Explain, how do you ensure precision and accuracy while preparing monthly journal entries, recording transactions and other related tasks?

Sometimes, due to workload, even professionals forget some details. Nevertheless, accounting job is sensitive, and accountants cannot afford to miss or forget details. Describe your strategy and planning to ensure you do not forget or alter records. 

You can mention that you always double-check the details, and do not rush the things. Also, you can say that you do not take unnecessary pressure. Instead, you analyze things with full focus and attention. 

10. Describe a situation when you had to convey a complicated accounting issue to a person with no accounting background. How you managed to help your audience?

This question is a test of your communication skills. As a professional, you should be able to communicate with non-accountants effectively. The individuals in the advisory role are in direct contact with customers or employees from various departments.

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 In response, focus on your communication skills and storytelling ability. Also, indicate that you can effectively work in a team. 

Final Word

In accounting interviews, interviewers ask a mix of questions that relate to general accounting issues, your accounting and analytical skills. Deliver well-organized responses by providing relevant examples. The interview for an accounting job is also a test of your knowledge about industry-specific.