Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a manager of pension services? We’ve got you covered! Listed below, you’ll find some of the most common manager of pension services interview questions with advice on how to reply. Read on!
Do you have any experience working as a manager of pension services?
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 doing this, you can actually turn your lack of experience into a showcase for your ability to relate and connect similar 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 manager of pension services?
To be certain, a wide range of answers are acceptable here. Try discussing ‘buzzworthy’ topics like AI, software, and inexpensive labor. No matter what you answer here, do some research ahead of time and be sure you can back up your answer.
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?
Hey, no one is perfect – but when it comes to accounting & finance, perfection in numbers is expected. While you may be a caped crusader with superhuman error-free work skills, your interviewer won’t buy it. What they’re looking for here is some sort of system of checks and balances.
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
Tell me about a time you used graphs, charts, and data to drive home a point?
Here, it isn’t about you being right or a client being wrong, it’s about finding the facts through data. A great example here would be anything relating to a decision where your data made a difference.
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?
We all love praise, and we all dislike hearing our work criticized. Any competent interviewer in the accounting profession understands that mistakes happen. 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:
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?
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:
Im proficient in x and y, but ive ready tons of good things about z and would love to learn more about it
Culture is important to us here. Which style of work enviornment do feel most productive in?
Every company wants to find the perfect culture match for their organization. Many studies prove that hiring for culture first and ability second yields far superior results. 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 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 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