Senior Bookkeeper Job Interview Questions & Answers

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Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a Senior Bookkeeper? Don’t sweat it! Listed below, you’ll find some of the most common Senior Bookkeeper interview questions with advice on how to reply. Check em out below and thank us later!

What experience do you have as a Senior Bookkeeper?

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. Your interviewer will appreciate your ability to relate skills gained in one position to another.

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 Senior Bookkeeper?

To be certain, a wide range of answers are acceptable here. 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?

While we all make mistakes, accountants can afford no such luxury. 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:

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?

Here, it isn’t about you being right or a client being wrong, it’s about finding the facts through 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:

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. 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:

No one likes these situations, but Ive found that dealing with it factually and without predjudice tends to be the best approach

Would those that know you describe you as a detail oriented person? Why might they describe you that way?

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:

My careful attention to x and y prevented a major audit last year

Which accounting specific software are you familiar with?

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

Regarding culture, what environment do you feel you do your best work in?

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. While you may be a chatty extrovert, be mindful of your response here and how it may be perceived by the interviewer.

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. 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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