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No matter who you are or what job you’re applying for, interviews can be intimidating. We have all had the experience of being asked an interview question that feels like it came from out of nowhere, and your brain is sent scrambling for a coherent-sounding answer.
The easiest way to ensure a successful interview is to properly prepare, and there are several ways you can do that, such as researching common staff accountant interview questions.
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Key Takeaways:
As a candidate, be ready to give examples of how you've used your analytical skills to improve your employer's processes or cost savings.
As an interviewer, assess candidates' ability to communicate financial information with non-accountants.
Reviewing commonly asked accounting interview questions can also be a great way to prepare, as it gives you the opportunity to think about your answers rather than having to come up with them on the spot. In no particular order, here are some questions you may be asked when interviewing for a staff accounting position.
Why did you choose a career in accounting?
The purpose of this question is to get a sense of what motivates you. When asking this question, the interviewer is likely trying to gauge the passion you have for your job.
Example Answer:
I chose a career in accounting because I wanted to join a respected and trusted profession where I could make a valuable contribution to a company.
What would you say is the role of an accountant?
Your answer to this question will likely tell the interviewer about how you view your role, such as how you believe you fit into the grand scheme of things, what you believe your main responsibilities are, and the importance you believe your role has.
It also tells the interviewer how seriously you take your position, whether you believe your work matters or is inconsequential.
Example Answer:
The role of an accountant is to aid in financial processes that help a business run smoothly, including budgeting, bookkeeping, and auditing. As such, an accountant's duty is to provide valuable insights that help their managers and coworkers make important decisions.
What accounting software(s) have you used?
This technical question is meant to get a feel for the experience you have. If you have experience with the software the company uses, mention this first. If you don’t have experience with this particular software, mention that you are a fast learner and eager to take on a new challenge.
Example Answer:
I have the most experience with Quickbooks and Xero, but I'm also quick to learn new programs.
How do you remain current with accounting laws and regulations?
This question helps the interviewer decide how seriously you take your job. Staying up-to-date with laws and regulations is essential for any good accountant, so make sure to detail your methods for continuing your education.
Example Answer:
I attend accounting seminars on a regular basis, and I also subscribe to AICPA newsletters to stay up-to-date with all relevant changes.
Do you have your CPA?
This is simply meant to determine the level of education and experience you have as an accountant. If you don't have your CPA, explain where you are in the process of obtaining it or that you would like to obtain it.
Example Answer:
Yes, I have my CPA, which I earned in 2010.
How comfortable are you learning a new technology or software?
This question attempts to learn whether or not you can adapt to new technologies and methods. When answering this question, try to use an example to show how you were able to adapt in the past. Anyone can claim they are adaptable, but it is more meaningful if you can prove it.
Example Answer:
I am very comfortable with new technology, and I pick up new software quickly. In my last role, the company regularly switched software, so we had to learn new systems very quickly -- I ended up learning four in one year. This made me comfortable with learning new technology on the fly.
How do you think A.I. and automation will change how accounting is done?
This question is meant to examine your willingness to adapt to new methods and technologies, as well as determine if you are the kind of person who thinks ahead. By showing that you have thought about the future of your career, you are demonstrating that you are in it for the long haul and are someone this company could have around for a long time.
Example Answer:
I believe that A.I. is the next step for accounting, and it’s important that we use this tool to our benefit rather than resisting change. It can help prevent errors as well as make the process significantly faster.
What background do you have in other industries?
This question shows the interviewer what experience you have outside of accounting that may help you in the position you are applying for. This additional knowledge could be what sets you apart from the competition and make you seem like a more well-rounded person.
Example Answer:
I have a background in insurance and customer service. I worked in jobs in both of these industries while I was in college, and these experiences gave me insight into the insurance world, as well as the more customer-facing parts of a company.
How do you handle tight accounting deadlines?
Interviewers want to know how you deal with stressful situations, as they are bound to pop up in a work environment. Answer this question with details about your organizational and time management skills and how you use those skills to get work done on time.
Example Answer:
I always plan ahead and keep an accurate calendar to make sure that I leave myself enough time to complete my projects before a deadline. I also build in a little extra wiggle room, because I know there will inevitably be additional tasks that pop up.
How do you go about explaining complex accounting issues to someone with no accounting experience, such as management?
Accountants often have to explain complicated issues to people who have no experience in accounting, so it is important that you demonstrate your ability to put things into layman's terms.
Using a story about a time when you have done this in order to get a particular issue addressed will be your best bet.
Example Answer:
I believe explaining complex issues is best done using metaphors and avoiding a possibly condescending tone. I once had to make a presentation to a marketing team that had zero experience in finance or accounting.
By asking questions to get a feel for what they understood, using metaphors and visuals, and helping them feel comfortable asking questions, I was able to get my point across.
What reports have you generated in past positions?
Employers might ask questions like this to see which areas you're already proficient in and which ones they might need to train you in. This particular question also touches on your ability to clearly communicate complex information to a broad audience.
Example Answer:
I have generated a variety of financial reports, including annual budgets, balance sheets, and statements of cash flow. I've also created aging reports for accounts payable and receivable, as well as variance analysis reports.
Have you reduced costs at past positions? If so, how?
The interviewer will ask this to give you the opportunity to talk about past success. This question also gives you the chance to show how you can bring these cost-saving habits to the company, allowing you to demonstrate what a valuable asset you can be.
Example Answer:
Yes, I actually reduced costs by 3% when I noticed inefficiencies in our accounts payable process and implemented automations to overcome those. This sped up the process and minimized errors, which reduced processing time and late payment penalties. It translated to a cost savings of 3% that calendar year.
Describe how you streamlined or improved an accounting process in a past position.
By describing a situation in which you made a process more efficient, you are showing that you are not just someone who works harder but also someone who works smarter.
Example Answer:
I streamlined the process by adjusting our workflow and eliminating redundancies in the report generation process, which allowed tasks to be completed more efficiently. In fact, our reports took 10% less time to generate than they had previously.
Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you go about fixing it?
No matter what, mistakes happen. There is no avoiding them. What separates you from others is how you react to mistakes. With this question, provide an answer that highlights how you identified your mistake, fixed it, and learned from the error so it would not be repeated.
Example Answer:
I made a mistake while reconciling accounts and ended up with an inaccurate financial statement. I first brought my mistake to the attention of my supervisor, along with a plan to identify the discrepency and recalculate the balances. I completed this and then implemented a system of double verifications to prevent my making this same mistake in the future.
How do you define business metrics, and how have you monitored them in the past?
This question is designed to help the interviewer understand how well you apply financial analysis to several different metrics, such as social media efforts or the cost of finding new customers. It allows you to demonstrate your understanding of how financial information can be valuable across departments.
Example Answer:
The business metrics I define and monitor focus heavily on the information my superiors would like to see. For example, when my manager wanted to examine the efficacy of a social media campaign, I monitored the revenue generated from the campaign and generated regular reports for him.
Tell me about yourself.
This question gives interviewers the chance to find out more about you as a person and a candidate. When you answer, give an overview of your work history, skills, and interests, taking care to relate them to the job description as much as possible.
Example Answer:
I am a detail-oriented accountant with three years of experience. I have a thorough understanding of financial reporting and regulatory compliance, and I'm dedicated to ensuring accuracy in all financial data I work with.
I also love solving problems, especially when they're on a tight deadline, and I'm excited about this opportunity to use my skills to further your organization.
Why should we hire you?
This is a common question to encounter in an interview, as it gives you a chance to point out why you're the perfect candidate for the role. Tie your top skills and experiences to the position you're applying for so they can see what you would bring to their organization.
Example Answer:
You should hire me because my extensive background in retail accounting, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively under pressure make me the perfect candidate for this role.
In addition, I am confident in my ability to produce timely and accurate financial reports and analyses, and I have the orgnaizational skills required to manage multiple tasks at once without sacrificing efficiency or accuracy.
Why do you want to work here?
Companies want to hire employees who are invested in the mission of the organization, not just looking for a paycheck. So, when you answer this question, related your interests and values to the company's mission, vision, and values.
Example Answer:
I want to work here because as I researched your company, I noticed how much you value both ethics and innovation. I'm a big believer that no one should sacrifice ethics in the name of innovation, and vice versa, so I was excited to see that you share those beliefs.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
This is a common entry on many interviewers' lists of interview questions for a staff accountant. Don't worry about being 100% accurate in your predictions, just communicate your commitment to growth and to the company.
Example Answer:
In five years, I see myself being in a more senior accounting role in this company. I aim to continuously grow my skills, obtain additional certifications, and keep up with industry advancements so that I can make even more of a positive impact on this organization.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This is a classic interview question that feels like a trick question but actually isn't. When you answer, be honest, focus on strengths that relate the the job description you're applying for, and highlight what you're doing to overcome your weaknesses.
Example Answer:
My greatest strengths are my attention to detail and my analytical skills. These help me identify and rectify discrepencies, which, in turn, makes my work more accurate.
My greatest weakness is that I can take on too much without delgating tasks or asking for help. I've been working on getting better at that by recognizing others' strengths and being intentional about asking for their assistance in those areas.
Can you tell us about your experience working as a staff accountant and the specific responsibilities you handled?
How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your work?
Describe your experience in managing accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
How do you ensure compliance with financial regulations and accounting standards?
Can you explain the steps you take to prepare financial statements and reports?
How do you handle reconciling accounts and resolving discrepancies?
Have you worked with external auditors? If so, how did you assist them during the audit process?
Can you describe your experience with budgeting and forecasting?
How do you approach financial analysis and interpreting financial data?
Can you explain your knowledge of tax regulations and your experience in preparing tax returns?
How do you handle month-end and year-end closing procedures?
Have you ever identified any inefficiencies or areas for improvement in accounting processes? If so, how did you address them?
Can you provide an example of a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a tight deadline?
How do you maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information?
Can you describe your experience with cost accounting and inventory management?
How do you stay updated with changes in accounting principles and industry regulations?
Describe your experience in working with cross-functional teams, such as finance, operations, or executive management.
Have you ever had to handle a situation involving ethical dilemmas in accounting? How did you navigate it?
As a Candidate:
Share examples of how you've improved efficiency or reduced costs in the past. If you've saved a company money in the past, whether that's by finding unnecessary spending or improving a process, be ready to share that with interviewers.
Highlight your attention to detail. Companies want to hire accountants they can trust to accurately handle data and find and correct discrepencies. Make sure you're ready to give examples of when you've done this in the past.
Be ready to share examples of your business and financial analysis skills in action. You'll likely encounter a few staff accountant behavioral interview questions intended to find out how you use accounting information to further other departments' efforts. Prepare to provide examples of how you've used these skills in the past to better your employer.
As an Interviewer:
Evaluate candidates' analytical skills. Staff accountants with strong analytical skills can find ways to improve processes and lower costs. So, when making your list of questions to ask in a staff accountant interview, make sure there are plenty on this topic.
Ask behavioral questions about candidates' attention to detail. Staff accountants should be attentive to detail in order to ensure accuracy and catch mistakes. Ask for examples of when candidates have exhibited these skills in the past.
Assess candidates' abilities to communicate with non-accountants. Whether it's writing a report, making a presentation, or working on a project with another department, your staff accountant should be able to communicate complex financial information accurately and effectively.
Interviews are, no doubt, intimidating processes to go through. They can feel like high-stake interrogations, especially if you are like many of us who are not the best at talking about ourselves.
While they can be difficult questions to answer by preparing answers to some of these interview questions, you will find yourself in a more relaxed position, as you will have encountered these questions before. Think of an interview like a test. As long as you put in the studying time, you will do great.