Personal Trust Administrator Job Interview Questions & Answers

Our Experts
Written by Our Experts

Got an interview coming up where you’re applying for the role of a Personal Trust Administrator? We’ve got you covered! Here you can find some of the most often asked Personal Trust Administrator interview questions as well as some examples of how to answer. Check em out below and thank us later!

What experience do you have as a Personal Trust Administrator?

This one’s pretty simple – discuss your experience as it relates to the job you’re applying for. Of course, on the off chance you don’t have any experience in the role, plan ahead and have some examples of tangentially related experience. In doing this, you can actually turn your lack of experience into a showcase for your ability to relate and connect similar skillsets.

Answer Sample:

I believe that in order to be an effective x you really require a great deal of y. In college, I worked with z for 2 years and really belive I gained a strong sense of what its like to succeed in x

As we move into the future, what challenges do you feel our industry is facing, especially the role of Personal Trust Administrator?

There are a variety of ways to answer this one. These days, mentioning Artificial Intelligence, software, and related items should do well. However, be prepared to explain why you answered the way you did – and do some research ahead of time.

Answer Sample:

Like many things, I belive that with change comes opportunity

What do you to ensure error free work?

To err is human, but not when it comes to accounting. While you may be a caped crusader with superhuman error-free work skills, your interviewer won’t buy it. What they’re looking for here is some sort of system of checks and balances.

Answer Sample:

While it sounds quirky, Ive developed my own system for QA that I call the x – its bailed me out more times than I can remember!

Describe a situation you needed to use data to prove a point?

The truth is in the numbers. Here, it isn’t about you being right or a client being wrong, it’s about finding the facts through data. A great example here would be anything relating to a decision where your data made a difference.

Answer Sample:

Our department had been struggling for years, but by clearly illustrating the relationship between x and y, we corrected and showed record improvements in the next quarter

Tell me about a time when you received difficult feedback. How did you react?

We all love praise, and we all dislike hearing our work criticized. Any competent interviewer in the accounting profession understands that mistakes happen. The interviewer here is looking for one thing in particular: how you reacted in the situation. How accountable were the parties involved? Your ability to navigate though difficult situations will place you high on just about any accounting employer’s list.

Answer Sample:

Ill never forget the time my old boss talked to me about x. The way it was handled was totally professional, and thats been my model ever since.

Would those that know you describe you as a detail oriented person? Why might they describe you that way?

The devil is in the details – and even more so with accounting! You’d be hard pressed to find any job in the accounting & finance industry where being detail oriented isn’t a major requirement. Like many non-valid responses, your statement ‘yes I am a detail oriented person’ is not going to cut it.

Answer Sample:

By ensuring that x and y were carefully reviewed, the organization was able to save immensely on z

Which accounting specific software are you familiar with?

Every modern accounting practice will require some level of proficiency when it comes to software. In the event that you don’t have experience with popular software, familiarize yourself with industry standards ahead of time. Spend a night and compile names of cutting edge platforms, and mention these along with their purpose to your interviewer.

Answer Sample:

Im proficient in x and y, but ive ready tons of good things about z and would love to learn more about it

What sort of work culture do you find most appealing and why?

Culture is king these days, and for good reason. Many studies prove that hiring for culture first and ability second yields far superior results. While you may be a chatty extrovert, be mindful of your response here and how it may be perceived by the interviewer.

Answer Sample:

I succeed when given clear, consise direction and find a balance of solo effort and working alongside a team is when Im most productive

Why are you leaving your last financial industry / accounting position?

Tread lightly! This question can be a dealbreaker if answered improperly. Your desire for better compensation or venting about the ‘terrible leadership’ at your last job may leave your interviewer with the wrong impression of you. Even if you were let go, keep it short and concise, and avoid drama at all costs.

Answer Sample:

It was time for me to move on, and I feel as though I am ready for a new challenge

About the author

Our Experts

Our Experts

The Accounting Path's in house experts draw upon a broad network of professionals to bring you the most up to date information what’s happening in the accounting world.