Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a Middle-office accountant? No worries! On this page, we’ve listed some of the most common Middle-office accountant interview questions along with sample answers. Check them out below (and good luck!)
Do you have any experience working as a Middle-office accountant?
Here, you’ll obviously want to speak to your specific skills as they relate to the position you’re applying for. Of course, on the off chance you don’t have any experience in the role, plan ahead and have some examples of tangentially related experience. 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 Middle-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 looking for here is some sort of system of checks and balances.
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!
Tell me about a time you used numbers to tell an effective story?
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. A great example here would be anything relating to a decision where your data made a difference.
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. 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 ownership of a mistake, or deflection? By showing your cool in the reaction itself, you demonstrate leadership characteristics that employers love.
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:
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. Do some research and investigate new platforms or recent developments in the software field.
Answer Sample:
Most of my experience is with x, but I downloaded a demo of y and really think it warrants a closer look
What sort of work culture do you find most appealing and why?
Culture is king these days, and for good reason. It’s more than simply ‘the way things are done’, it’s how things are done and why. 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 expectations of me and my team, and find a balance of working individually as well as alongside a team is when Im most content
What made you leave your last job – and why are you choosing us?
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:
My last position came to an end rather organically, and its now time to seek new opportunities