Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a Senior Strategic Planner? No worries! On this page, we’ve listed some of the most common Senior Strategic Planner interview questions along with sample answers. Check em out below and thank us later!
What experience do you have (if any) as a Senior Strategic Planner?
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:
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 Strategic Planner?
To be certain, a wide range of answers are acceptable here. These days, mentioning Artificial Intelligence, software, and related items should do well. However, be prepared to explain why you answered the way you did – and do some research ahead of time.
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 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!
Describe a situation you needed to use data to prove a point?
Numbers don’t lie. 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:
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
Have you ever had to give someone difficult feedback?
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 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.
Detail is critical in our industry – what do feel makes you a detail oriented person, and why?
Always with the details! No matter what your role in the accounting industry, this one’s important. Like many non-valid responses, your statement ‘yes I am a detail oriented person’ is not going to cut it.
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?
Every modern accounting practice will require some level of proficiency when it comes to software. If your experience is limited, make sure you at least have a basic understanding of industry standards prior to the interview. Spend a night and compile names of cutting edge platforms, and mention these along with their purpose to your interviewer.
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
What sort of work culture do you find most appealing and why?
Work culture is huge and for good reason these days. Simply put, culture fit means that your values are in alignment with your prospective employer’s. 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 expectations of me and my team, and find a balance of working individually as well as alongside a team is when Im most content
Why are you leaving your last financial industry / accounting position?
This one can be leading, and must be answered carefully. Your need for better pay or indicating that your ‘old boss was an idiot’ 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:
Working at x was a great experience for a vareity of reasons, but now its time to seek out new challenges