Accounting Job Interviews Tips

Cashier

1. Can you tell something about your experience as a cashier?
2. Have you encountered any disputes during this experience? If you did, how were you able to resolve the issue?

Cost Accounting

1. Can you share with us your experience in cost accounting?
2. What are the methods you used to allocate support costs? How were they effective as methods?
3. Explain the purpose of a chargeback and name the proponents of an effective chargeback.
4. Have you experienced implementing or administering a chargeback system?
5. Define fixed costs, variable costs, and marginal costs.

Fixed Assets

1. Kindly describe any experience you had in fixed assets accounting.
2. What is depreciation? What are the ways used to calculate depreciation?

It is always better if you have an idea of what questions will an interviewer typically ask an applicant for an accounting job. Here are some basic accounting job interview questions which are categorized according to specific fields:

Accounts Payable

1. Can you tell something about your experience in accounts payable?
2. How many invoices have you managed on a weekly/monthly basis?
3. What are the necessary steps you would consider before approving an invoice for payment?
4. What kind of information do you require before you approve an invoice for payment?
5. Have you experienced handling any invoice discrepancy? If so, how did you resolve the discrepancy?
6. Have you experienced getting involved in an invoice dispute? How did you manage the issue?
7. Can you tell the difference between billable and non-billable expenses?

Accounts Receivable

1. Can you share your experience in collections?
2. Let’s say you’re in a situation wherein you were asked to prepare a bill for services, what information do you think should be indicated in the bill?

Audit

1. Share your experience in performing audits.

Sure you’ve already read the tips in polishing that killer resume of yours and practicing your charm skills to impress your interviewer with your sure-win answers, but still, as an applicant, you should always ask yourself, “Am I really ready?” Being prepared does not only mean finishing your resume and heading off to your interview with your practiced answers, but more importantly, it also means feeling ready and boosting that confidence in you to make you feel that you are going to get that job. To feel ready is to look ready that is why here are a few reminders to help you feel and look ready for that killer job interview:

For the guys, wear:

• Suit in solid color, preferably navy or dark grey
• Long sleeve shirt that matches your suit
• Belt
• Tie
• Black or Dark socks
• Leather shoes
• Little or no jewelry (a watch and/or a ring will do)

For the ladies, wear:

• Suit preferably in navy, black or dark grey
• A comfortable suit skirt
• Blouse that matches your suit
• Conservative shoes
• Pantyhose in neutral shades
• Little jewelry (no dangling earrings and bracelets)

When you’re in a job interview, normally what happens is that you, as an applicant, just answer whatever the interviewer asks you. Recall that what makes an interview successful is your ability to create an atmosphere of interactivity, meaning try to ask questions yourself. More often than not, your interviewer will appreciate your capacity to come up with questions about the position and will definitely consider this as a plus point in your application. Now, don’t stress yourself too much in thinking about smart questions to ask. Start with the nature of the position which includes duties and working conditions. Knowing the work conditions of the position you’re applying for will also help you to evaluate the company’s offer. Most accounting and auditing jobs are office-based and may sometimes require you to travel to offer your service to other branches and firms of the company. Also inquire about your work hours and schedule since these information will be integral to how you will weigh your decision to accept the position.

Just like any job applicant, the job offer (which includes the nature of your work, the compensation and benefits, etc.) is the single most important thing you want to know immediately in an interview and asking about the job description (JD) will help you assess the offer your interviewer is willing giving you. The JD indicates specific job duties required for accountants and auditors and these can be classified into four main fields of accounting:

a) Public accounting - You are needed to provide accounting, auditing, tax and consulting services for clients such as corporations, individuals, government, or nonprofit organizations.

b) Management accounting - You are expected to keep record and analyze the financial data of the company you will be working for.

c) Government accounting - You will be keeping and examining the records of the activities, which are subject to government regulations and taxation, of government agencies, private businesses and individuals.

d) Internal auditing - You are required to check the accuracy of the company’s internal records and screen for waste, fraud or mismanagement.

In a job interview, it is essential to have a basic knowledge of the nature of the work you are expected to perform for the company. This will give you the confidence to ask more questions regarding the position so that you can evaluate the employer’s job offer better. Accountants and auditors are normally expected to help maintain the efficiency of the company’s operations, to ensure the accuracy of its public records, and, more importantly, to foresee proper and on-time payment of taxes. These important functions are grounded in a variety of accounting and business services which accountants and auditors offer to their clients (such as public, management and government accounting, and internal auditing). Aside from handling financial documents, accountants and auditors are now also expected to venture in other related services like budget analysis, information technology consulting, financial and investment planning, and other legal services.

The first thing that a job applicant will look for in a job vacancy is the information telling them whether or not they’re suited for the job. Knowing whether or not you’re qualified for the job will help lessen the anxieties and, in turn, boost your confidence for that much anticipated first job interview. Most entry-level accounting jobs require a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field for applicants and any professional recognition achieved through certification, licensure or from further studies are also considered as definite advantages. Special expertise and proficiency in accounting and auditing using computer software can increase your chances of getting better offers from your potential employer. Overall, knowing your qualifications and showing your interviewer that you are the perfect candidate for the position will certainly help you in securing your first accounting job.