33 Best Accounting Job Interview Questions

Within the past year the accounting industry has increased 6% in employment. The most common title held in this industry is staff accountant. New York is marked as one of the top locations followed by Houston, TX. The following list of accounting job interview questions are commonly found throughout this industry. These are intended to assist you in successfully preparing for your next opportunity.

Are you able to recall any past instances in which you bungled an invoice? If so, how did you handle the situation?
Describe a time when you faced a particularly demanding deadline to prepare a financial statement or report. How did you react? What was the result?
Describe a time when you had to explain a complex accounting issue to someone with without an accounting background. How did you help your audience understand the situation?
Describe a time when you had to use numerical data or a graph to convince a manager.
Describe a time when you had to work exceptionally hard to provide great service to a customer or client. What did you do and what was the outcome?
Describe a time when you helped to reduce costs at a previous accountant job.
Describe any accounting process that you have developed or sought to improve.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of different accounting packages you have used in your most recent accountant jobs.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the different accounting packages/systems you have used recently in your accountant jobs?
Do you have any prior experience with managing invoice disputes?
Give me examples of the accounting reports you have prepared?
How did you add value to your role as accounting clerk?
How did you maintain confidentiality when managing information?
How do you ensure that you do not forget details and ensure accuracy when you prepare monthly journal entries, record transactions, etc.?
How many people did you support?
How well acquainted are you with today’s accounting laws and policies?
Talk about your math skills.
Tell me about a complex project you were tasked with completing under deadline.
Tell me about your computer skills.
Tell me about your previous work experience as accounting clerk.
What do you consider to be the biggest challenge facing the accounting profession today?
What have you done at your present/last company to increase revenues, reduce costs, or save time?
What have you done recently to become a better accounting clerk?
What is your reason for pursuing a career in the accounting profession?
What items would you verify when processing an expense report or invoice for payment?
What makes you a great fit for this position?
What steps would you take before approving an invoice for payment?
What type of schedule are you looking to work?
What type of software programs are you familiar with using?
What were the most challenging aspects of your work?
What were your primary responsibilities?
Which accounting applications are you familiar with?
Would you be available to work extra hours if needed?

The following infographic outlines common interview questions and how to prepare for your next interview. Do not forget to consider the list of possible uncommon questions you may encounter.