Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a Trust Assistant? No worries! Here you can find some of the most often asked Trust Assistant interview questions along with sample answers. Read on!
What experience do you have (if any) as a Trust Assistant?
This one’s pretty simple – discuss your experience as it relates to the job 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
What are some of major challenges the accounting industry faces looking ahead? How will it impact the role of Trust Assistant?
To be certain, a wide range of answers are acceptable here. Try discussing ‘buzzworthy’ topics like AI, software, and inexpensive labor. 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 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. 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!
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. A great example here would be anything relating to a decision where your data made a difference.
Answer Sample:
In a recent client meeting, by clearly visualizing some key figures we were able to save them $10s of thousands in tax payable.
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. Here, the important thing to do is let your interviewer know how you overcame this particular challenge. 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:
No one likes these situations, but Ive found that dealing with it factually and without predjudice tends to be the best approach
Give me an example of when your attention (or lack of attention) affected the outcome of a project. Why?
Always with the details! You’d be hard pressed to find any job in the accounting & finance industry where being detail oriented isn’t a major requirement. Once again, saying it is one thing, being able to prove it is another.
Answer Sample:
By ensuring that x and y were carefully reviewed, the organization was able to save immensely on z
Which online tools, cloud software, or other accounting specific platforms 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. Take some time to ensure you are able to to name popular applications, and have a solid idea of their purpose.
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
Regarding culture, what environment do you feel you do your best work 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 chatty extrovert, be mindful of your response here and how it may be perceived by the interviewer.
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
Without revealing too much info – why are you leaving your last job?
This one can be leading, and must be answered carefully. Seeking more money or mentioning the ‘terrible management’ at your last job 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:
It was time for me to move on, and I feel as though I am ready for a new challenge