Advanced Search
Search Results
622 total results found
Tell me about a time you had to handle pressure.
Overview Some jobs are high-stress and interviewers will test you to see if you can handle the heat. You’ll get partial credit for talking about your heroic efforts to get everything done, but you’ll get more points if you’ve enlisted allies. Answer framew...
Tell me about a time you had to learn something quickly.
Overview Interviewers want more than a one-time success; they’re looking for signs of a well-tested strategy that helps you gather information and put it to use. They also want to know if you feel comfortable with rapid learning. Answer framework Respond ...
Do you have any questions for me?
Overview This question isn’t just designed to make sure you leave with all of your questions answered; it’s intended to see if you’re prepared and to assess how curious and thoughtful you are. Answer framework The way you respond to this question shows em...
Why do you want to work for our company?
Overview Interviewers ask this question because they want to understand why you are interested in this role at their company and how your goals can solve their needs. When these things align, it’s usually a good match for both parties. Answer framework He...
What do you consider to be the essential skills for an accountant to add value to their organization?
Overview Knowing tax rules, creating statements, and keeping books are essential tasks for any accountant. Interviewers want to know that you can go further. This question is designed to evaluate your analytical, decision making, communication, critical think...
What criteria do you use to assess the reliability of the financial information you receive?
Overview This question is about demonstrating high performance standards. The interviewer is looking to assess your attention to detail, recognition of accounting standards and rules, and respect for ethical standards and legal considerations. They want to un...
Offer an example of how you would explain a complex accounting process or finance data to someone working in a non-financial role such as HR, tech support or another team.
Overview Interviewers ask this question to evaluate your communication skills. They want to know that you can simplify and clarify results for partners who may not be familiar with accounting terms or concepts, and deliver information that’s relevant to their...
What do you think of recent updates in the accounting standards?
Overview The interviewer is alluding to the IFRS or the ASPE standards introduced in the past years around the world. They could also be referring to US-GAAP additions or changes. This question is meant to determine whether you are familiar with accounting ru...
How do you define big data, and why is it important for Accounting teams to have expertise in it?
Overview Organizations are taking in and using increasingly large amounts of data. From a financial accounting perspective, interviewers want to confirm that you know how to leverage big data to evaluate financial and profitability opportunities. For manageri...
How would you evaluate whether to invest in a major piece of equipment?
Overview Interviewers ask this question from a management accounting perspective, so you’ll want to interpret the result as it relates to the decision making requirement. As with any technical question, the interviewer wants to see how you will evaluate the p...
A senior leader is evaluating a project that will take 2 years to complete and would offer the company 5 to 8 years of profits for the company. What would you recommend?
Overview This interview question is about assessing potential project and investment risks and overall profitability and cash flow for the company. Answer framework Address the potential underlying issues Accountants are expected to provide a structure a...
Imagine that for the past 2 years, an accounting manager has been expensing transactions that you believe should be capitalized. Why is this relevant, and is the manager in the wrong?
Overview This question allows the interviewer to explore two important accounting aspects. First, it helps them see if you know the appropriate technical procedures of a cost transaction. Secondly, they want to see that you can assess potential ethical issues...
Your CEO and CFO are evaluating a new initiative and need your help to understand if it will deliver positive results for the company. What should you provide to confirm their position?
Overview With this question, the interviewer is looking to assess your ability to address financial risk. They want to know if you have experience helping companies minimize investment risk to deliver measurable results, and what your process looks like. A...
When you buy a piece of equipment for a company, what is the impact on the three financial statements?
Overview Accountants need to know how balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements are connected. The interviewer is looking to assess your understanding of the relationships between these financial statements and ensure that you know what to d...
Your analysis shows that in the past few months the receivables turnover ratio steadily decreased. What does this mean and what would you do to resolve it?
Overview The interviewer wants to assess how well you are able to translate accounting results — such as receivable turnover ratio and its relationship to credit policy — into clear business implications. Answer framework Restate the technical concept De...
Tell me about a time you made an accounting error. How did you handle it?
Overview Interviewers ask this question to assess your integrity and accountability. Don’t claim you’ve never made a mistake or to try minimizing your errors. The interviewer’s goal is to assess how you recovered and what lessons you learned. Answer framew...
What are you looking for from this company?
Overview Interviewers ask this question for a few reasons. First, they’re gauging your interest and enthusiasm. They’re also trying to see if your skills match up with their needs. Finally, they want to see if you can make it about them, even as you make it a...
Why do you want to work in sales?
Overview Interviewers will ask this question to make sure you’re driven to hit your sales goals. Not everyone is cut out for a career in sales; they want to know that you absolutely are. They’re also assessing if you’ll be a good cultural fit for the team -- ...