tax examiner Job Interview Questions & Answers

Our Experts
Written by Our Experts

Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a tax examiner? Don’t sweat it! Here you can find some of the most often asked tax examiner interview questions as well as some examples of how to answer. Check them out below (and good luck!)

What experience do you have as a tax examiner?

Here, you’ll obviously want to speak to your specific skills as they relate to the position you’re applying for. What happens if you don’t have any experience? By thinking about the question ahead of time, you can have a reply at your fingertips. In this way, you can turn a simple ‘no’ into an opportunity to demonstrate your awareness of related skillsets.

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

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

There are a variety of ways to answer this one. AI, automation, and inexpensive labor are all interesting items to bring up. Regardless of your answer, be sure to have something to backup your responses.

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

What do you to ensure error free work?

To err is human, but not when it comes to accounting. No, the company you are applying to isn’t expecting their employees to be flawless. What they’re seeking here is some method you deploy for QA.

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 numbers to tell an effective story?

Numbers don’t lie. While it may be the epitomy of ‘nerdery’, story telling through data is a critical skill for those in the financial profession. Most accountants and financial professionals are doing this on a daily basis, but try and illustrate the impact of what you provided.

Answer Sample:

A client had struggled with x for nearly a decade until I was able to clearly present the issue visually – a lightbulb went off, and the clients business is better than ever

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

Difficult feedback is difficult for a reason. Your interviewer realizes that everyone makes mistakes, and they’re not looking to hang you out to dry. 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:

No one likes these situations, but Ive found that dealing with it factually and without predjudice tends to be the best approach

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. Once again, saying it is one thing, being able to prove it is another.

Answer Sample:

A careful review of x revealed that y and z were out of order, ultimately preventing a costly audit

Which online tools, cloud software, or other accounting specific platforms 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. Take some time to ensure you are able to to name popular applications, and have a solid idea of their purpose.

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

Regarding culture, what environment do you feel you do your best work in?

Work culture is huge and for good reason these days. It’s more than simply ‘the way things are done’, it’s how things are done and why. 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. Seeking more money or mentioning the ‘terrible management’ at your last job 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:

My last position came to an end rather organically, and its now time to seek new opportunities

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.