Risk Manager Job Interview Questions & Answers

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Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a Risk Manager? We’ve got you covered! On this page, we’ve listed some of the most common Risk Manager interview questions along with sample answers. Read on!

What experience do you have (if any) as a Risk Manager?

Here, you’ll obviously want to speak to your specific skills as they relate to the position you’re applying for. Don’t get caught off guard by this question should you not any actual experience. Plan ahead and have something relatable to share. Your interviewer will appreciate your ability to relate skills gained in one position to another.

Answer Sample:

I believe the core requirement for x is y – and through my volunteer work I gained a ton of experience in how x fundamentally relates to y

What are some of major challenges the accounting industry faces looking ahead? How will it impact the role of Risk Manager?

No right or wrong answers here, but certainly an opportunity to demonstrate some foresight. Try discussing ‘buzzworthy’ topics like AI, software, and inexpensive labor. No matter what you answer here, do some research ahead of time and be sure you can back up your answer.

Answer Sample:

Its hard to know for sure with industry factors such as x and y changing so many things – all I can say is that Im excited for the challenges that come with that

How do you minimize the risk for errors in your work?

While we all make mistakes, accountants can afford no such luxury. While you may be a caped crusader with superhuman error-free work skills, your interviewer won’t buy it. What they’re seeking here is some method you deploy for QA.

Answer Sample:

While it may sound funny, Ive developed my own system for quality control that I call the x – its never let me down yet!

Tell me about a time you used graphs, charts, and data to drive home a point?

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:

In a recent client meeting, by clearly visualizing some key figures we were able to save them $10s of thousands in tax payable.

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. Here, the important thing to do is let your interviewer know how you overcame this particular challenge. 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.

Give me an example of when your attention (or lack of attention) affected the outcome of a project. Why?

Details, details, details! You’d be hard pressed to find any job in the accounting & finance industry where being detail oriented isn’t a major requirement. Once again, saying it is one thing, being able to prove it is another.

Answer Sample:

My careful attention to x and y prevented a major audit last year

Which software and/or applications are you proficient in?

You’d be hard pressed to find an accounting firm these days where software isn’t at the cornerstone of how they operate. In the event that you don’t have experience with popular software, familiarize yourself with industry standards ahead of time. Do some research and investigate new platforms or recent developments in the software field.

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

Culture is important to us here. Which style of work enviornment do feel most productive in?

Culture is king these days, and for good reason. Simply put, culture fit means that your values are in alignment with your prospective employer’s. 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?

This one can be leading, and must be answered carefully. Seeking more money or mentioning the ‘terrible management’ at your last job may leave your interviewer with the wrong impression of you. Regardless of the reason your employment ceased to be, keep it on point and do not get negative here.

Answer Sample:

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

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