After applying for job positions and the seemingly endless wait for a call back, you have landed an interview! It can be thrilling, but also a bit nerve-wracking. Prepare to land the position to kickstart your career by understanding what the interviewer may ask and how you can answer.
We’ve compiled common interview questions for accountants, tips on how to answer, and general best practices to help you enter your accounting interview with confidence and boost your chances at successfully getting the position.
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Common interview questions for accountants
Accounting interview question | How to answer |
| Tell me about yourself | Employers want to know about you—but not everything. Skip the personal details but have a ready answer that briefly describes your education, professional experience (and internships), and relevant skills. |
| Why did you choose to pursue a career in accounting? | This is where you tell your accounting story. What inspires you about accounting and where do you see yourself contributing to the profession? |
| Do you have experience with any accounting software? | Tech prowess is important in all professions. But accounting software for accountants is especially necessary to add to your skillsets. Even if you don’t have professional experience using an accounting software, read up on the most popular options and walk through free trials to understand how they work—and how they would serve you in this role. |
| How do you ensure accuracy in your work? | Talk about your attention to detail, specific methods you use, and everyday examples of the way that you stay organized. You can also mention your dedication to accuracy and diligence in double (and triple) checking your work. |
| Describe a time when you had to explain a complex accounting issue to someone without an accounting background. | Draw on a past experience in work or school, highlighting how you were able to streamline and simplify the information—without losing meaning—to help ensure understanding. |
| How do you stay updated with the latest accounting regulations and standards? | If you’re a CPA, discuss the CPE courses you’ve taken and are currently completing. Also include any involvement you have in seminars or professional development conferences, accounting organizations, or resources that you use to stay informed. |
| Can you give an example of a time when you identified and solved a significant accounting error? | If you don’t yet have an example from your job, reflect on a university course project, detailing the problem and the impact of your solution. |
| How do you see your career developing over the next five to ten years? | Make sure you demonstrate how this position ladders up to your long-term goals, what you hope to gain in this role, and what you think you can contribute. |
Answering interview questions for accountants
No matter the accounting interview question, your answers should all have some basic qualities.
- Concise and relevant: Respect your interviewer’s time and present yourself as a professional by keeping your answers on track. Feel free to detail where appropriate, but don’t digress into tangential topics.
- Descriptive and specific: This is your chance to impress! Don’t shy away from your skills and accomplishments. Give details and specific examples that highlight the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate.
- Honest: While you do want to show off your candidacy, you don’t want to falsify your resume. If you don’t have or don’t know the answer to a question, be honest about it. You can even show an interest in learning and growth by describing how you would work to find a solution.
- Inquisitive: Show your interest in the position and knowledge about the company by asking questions that are specific to the role, team, and working life in the position.
More tips for accounting interview success
Beyond just practicing interview questions for accountants, you can prepare by implementing these basic tips that will ensure you make a good impression.
- Research the company to ask specific questions and demonstrate dedication.
- Dress professionally to present yourself as a prepared professional.
- Show up early to avoid the fatal error of being late.
- Practice questions to get comfortable both asking and answering questions during the interview.
- Follow up with a “thank you” email after the interview that also expresses your appreciation and continued interest in working with the company.
Improving your resume for more job opportunities
Getting your dream job requires you to practice accounting interview questions. But to get your foot in the door, you can first improve your resume and catch the attention of hiring managers in any company.
Learn all about earning your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and the boundless benefits it will add to your career opportunities. Download our FREE CPA Exam Guide eBook to understand the license, exam, and how being a CIA will help you stand out in the job market.
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