accounting office 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 office manager? We’ve got you covered! On this page, we’ve listed some of the most common accounting office manager interview questions along with sample answers. Check em out below and thank us later!

What experience do you have as a accounting office manager?

A straightforward question that requires an honest answer – list experience you have as it pertains 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. 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 accounting office manager?

There are a variety of ways to answer this one. AI, automation, and inexpensive labor are all interesting items to bring up. However, be prepared to explain why you answered the way you did – and do some research ahead of time.

Answer Sample:

Like many things, I belive that with change comes opportunity

What do you to ensure error free work?

Hey, no one is perfect – but when it comes to accounting & finance, perfection in numbers is expected. No, the company you are applying to isn’t expecting their employees to be flawless. What your interviewer seeks here is a process for quality control.

Answer Sample:

Rain or shine, I always make sure that x is reviewed 3 times over and referenced against y before it goes out the door

Describe a situation you needed to use data to prove a point?

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. The key to answering this question is focusing on the outcome of data you furnished – and why it mattered.

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

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. 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:

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! As an accountant, this is a serious requirement. Like many non-valid responses, your statement ‘yes I am a detail oriented person’ is not going to cut it.

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?

These days, your mastery of accounting software is practically expected. 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?

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. You’ll want to be careful here, indicating that you are able to thrive in a variety of work enviornments.

Answer Sample:

I succeed when expectations and accountability are in place, and equally enjoy a balance of working solo / working as a team”

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. 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

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