Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a Certified management accountant (CMA)? We’ve got you covered! Here you can find some of the most often asked Certified management accountant (CMA) interview questions along with sample answers. Check them out below (and good luck!)
What experience do you have (if any) as a Certified management accountant (CMA)?
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 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 Certified management accountant (CMA)?
No right or wrong answers here, but certainly an opportunity to demonstrate some foresight. 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 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 they’re seeking here is some method you deploy for QA.
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?
The truth is in the numbers. 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:
Our department had been struggling for years, but by clearly illustrating the relationship between x and y, we corrected and showed record improvements in the next quarter
Tell me about a time when you received difficult feedback. How did you react?
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. The interviewer here is looking for one thing in particular: how you reacted in the situation. Was there denial? Deflection? By dealing with difficult situations calmly and with full accountability, you demonstrate qualities every employer loves.
Answer Sample:
No one likes these situations, but Ive found that dealing with it factually and without predjudice tends to be the best approach
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! 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:
My careful attention to x and y prevented a major audit last year
Which accounting specific software are you familiar with?
Every modern accounting practice will require some level of proficiency when it comes to software. In the event that you don’t have experience with popular software, familiarize yourself with industry standards ahead of time. 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?
Culture is king these days, and for good reason. 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?
An innocent question, but deadly if answered improperly. Your desire for better compensation or venting about the ‘terrible leadership’ 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:
Working at x was a great experience for a vareity of reasons, but now its time to seek out new challenges