Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a Settlement Manager? We’ve got you covered! Here you can find some of the most often asked Settlement Manager interview questions along with sample answers. Read on!
What experience do you have (if any) as a Settlement Manager?
Here, you’ll obviously want to speak to your specific skills as they relate to the position 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 this way, you can turn a simple ‘no’ into an opportunity to demonstrate your awareness of related 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
What are some of major challenges the accounting industry faces looking ahead? How will it impact the role of Settlement 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:
Like many things, I belive that with change comes opportunity
What systems have you developed to reduce/eliminate errors in your work?
To err is human, but not when it comes to accounting. Here, your interviewer isn’t looking for some superhuman form of error free workmanship. What your interviewer seeks here is a process for quality control.
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!
Tell me about a time you used graphs, charts, and data to drive home a point?
What’s being asked for here is an example of when you were able to prove a point by providing truth through the data. The key to answering this question is focusing on the outcome of data you furnished – and why it mattered.
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.
Have you ever had to give someone difficult feedback?
We all love praise, and we all dislike hearing our work criticized. Any competent interviewer in the accounting profession understands that mistakes happen. What you’re going to want to do here is be sure to let the interviewer know what you did in reaction to this feedback. Was there ownership of a mistake, or deflection? By showing your cool in the reaction itself, you demonstrate leadership characteristics that employers love.
Answer Sample:
Ive been on both ends of critical feedback, and clear, consice presnetation of facts is paramount, as is accountability
Detail is critical in our industry – what do feel makes you a detail oriented person, and why?
The devil is in the details – and even more so with accounting! As an accountant, this is a serious requirement. Here, your interviewer is looking for examples.
Answer Sample:
A careful review of x revealed that y and z were out of order, ultimately preventing a costly audit
Which accounting specific software are you familiar with?
Every modern accounting practice will require some level of proficiency when it comes to software. If your experience is limited, make sure you at least have a basic understanding of industry standards prior to the interview. Do some research and investigate new platforms or recent developments in the software field.
Answer Sample:
The bulk of my experience lies with the x platform, but Im fascinated with some of what the y system is capable of
Culture is important to us here. Which style of work enviornment do feel most productive in?
Work culture is huge and for good reason these days. Many studies prove that hiring for culture first and ability second yields far superior results. While you may be a lone wolf, be careful how you answer this question should it fall out of alignment with the organization.
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
What made you leave your last job – and why are you choosing us?
An innocent question, but deadly if answered improperly. Your need for better pay or indicating that your ‘old boss was an idiot’ may leave your interviewer with the wrong impression of you. Even if you were subject to downsizing or let go for other reasons, keep it short and concise, and avoid drama regardless of how tempting it may be.
Answer Sample:
Working at x was a great experience for a vareity of reasons, but now its time to seek out new challenges