Accounting Manager Job Interview Questions & Answers

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Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a Accounting Manager? We’ve got you covered! Here you can find some of the most often asked Accounting Manager interview questions with advice on how to reply. Check em out below and thank us later!

What experience do you have as a Accounting Manager?

A straightforward question that requires an honest answer – list experience you have as it pertains 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

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

To be certain, a wide range of answers are acceptable here. Try discussing ‘buzzworthy’ topics like AI, software, and inexpensive labor. Regardless of your answer, be sure to have something to backup your responses.

Answer Sample:

Like many things, I belive that with change comes opportunity

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

While we all make mistakes, accountants can afford no such luxury. Here, your interviewer isn’t looking for some superhuman form of error free workmanship. 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?

Numbers don’t lie. Here, it isn’t about you being right or a client being wrong, it’s about finding the facts through 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.

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. 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:

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

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

Details, details, details! No matter what your role in the accounting industry, this one’s important. Here, your interviewer is looking for examples.

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. If your experience lies in a single – or outdated platform, be sure you are familiar with the current standards. Spend a night and compile names of cutting edge platforms, and mention these along with their purpose to your interviewer.

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

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

Every company wants to find the perfect culture match for their organization. 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

Without revealing too much info – why are you leaving your last job?

An innocent question, but deadly 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. 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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