Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a Senior Accountant? No worries! Listed below, you’ll find some of the most common Senior Accountant interview questions as well as some examples of how to answer. Check them out below (and good luck!)
What experience do you have as a Senior Accountant?
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:
While my experience with x is limited, while working under y at my last job I really got to learn the ropes about z
What are some of major challenges the accounting industry faces looking ahead? How will it impact the role of Senior Accountant?
To be certain, a wide range of answers are acceptable here. AI, automation, and inexpensive labor are all interesting items to bring up. No matter what you answer here, do some research ahead of time and be sure you can back up your answer.
Answer Sample:
Like many things, I belive that with change comes opportunity
How do you minimize the risk for errors in your work?
Hey, no one is perfect – but when it comes to accounting & finance, perfection in numbers is expected. 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:
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!
Tell me about a time you used graphs, charts, and data to drive home a point?
What’s being asked for here is an example of when you were able to prove a point by providing truth through the data. Most accountants and financial professionals are doing this on a daily basis, but try and illustrate the impact of what you provided.
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
Tell me about a time when you received difficult feedback. How did you react?
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. 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! 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?
You’d be hard pressed to find an accounting firm these days where software isn’t at the cornerstone of how they operate. If your experience is limited, make sure you at least have a basic understanding of industry standards prior to the interview. Do some research and investigate new platforms or recent developments in the software field.
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
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. 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 given clear, consise direction and find a balance of solo effort and working alongside a team is when Im most productive
Why are you leaving your last financial industry / accounting position?
Tread lightly! This question can be a dealbreaker 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. Even if you were let go, keep it short and concise, and avoid drama at all costs.
Answer Sample:
My last position came to an end rather organically, and its now time to seek new opportunities