Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a Back-office Accountant? No worries! Listed below, you’ll find some of the most common Back-office Accountant interview questions with advice on how to reply. Read on!
What experience do you have (if any) as a Back-office Accountant?
This one’s pretty simple – discuss your experience as it relates to the job 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 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 Back-office Accountant?
To be certain, a wide range of answers are acceptable here. These days, mentioning Artificial Intelligence, software, and related items should do well. 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. Here, your interviewer isn’t looking for some superhuman form of error free workmanship. 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!
Describe a situation you needed to use data to prove a point?
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
Has there ever been a time you were required to deliver critical feedback?
One of the most difficult things to dispense – and receive – is critique of work. Anyone who has spent enough time in this industry realizes that human error is part of the job, and no one is perfect. 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 denial? Deflection? By dealing with difficult situations calmly and with full accountability, you demonstrate qualities every employer loves.
Answer Sample:
Ive been on both ends of critical feedback, and clear, consice presnetation of facts is paramount, as is accountability
Give me an example of when your attention (or lack of attention) affected the outcome of a project. Why?
Always with the details! As an accountant, this is a serious 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 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. 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:
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?
Work culture is huge and for good reason these days. Simply put, culture fit means that your values are in alignment with your prospective employer’s. 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
Why are you leaving your last financial industry / accounting position?
Tread lightly! This question can be a dealbreaker 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. Regardless of the reason your employment ceased to be, keep it on point and do not get negative here.
Answer Sample:
Working at x was a great experience for a vareity of reasons, but now its time to seek out new challenges