Top Accountant Interview Questions with Example Answers [2020] (2024)

Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's career aspirations. Look for answers that show a desire to continue to learn and grow in the accounting field.

Sample Answer: I want to continue to learn more about the accounting industry and advance my career. I want to work for a large company that has a lot of opportunities for growth and advancement.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Desire to continue to learn
• - Desire to advance in the accounting field
• - Desire to work in a specific industry or type of company

Question Overview: This question gives you insight into how the job seeker responds to difficult situations. Look for a response that shows how the applicant handled the situation and what they learned from it.

Sample Answer: I was working on a project for a client who was very demanding. I had to work with them on a tight deadline and they kept making changes to the project scope. I had to learn how to say "no" without upsetting them. I learned that it's important to set clear expectations and communicate those expectations clearly.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to handle conflict
• - Problem-solving skills
• - Willingness to learn from mistakes

Question Overview: This question reveals how the applicant handles difficult situations with coworkers or clients. The applicant should explain how they handled the situation and what they learned from it.

Sample Answer: I had to work with a vendor who was very difficult to get along with. I tried to be as polite and professional as possible, but I also stood my ground when he was being unreasonable. I learned that it's important to be assertive, but not aggressive.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Problem-solving skills
• - Ability to work with others
• - Willingness to learn from mistakes

Question Overview: Accountants use spreadsheets to track and organize data, so it's important to know how proficient the job seeker is with this tool. Look for an answer that indicates the applicant has a strong understanding of Excel's features and functions.

Sample Answer: I would rate my skills at a solid 8. I'm comfortable with the basics, but I'm still learning how to use more advanced features. I've learned a lot from watching YouTube videos and reading Excel blogs.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Proficiency with Excel
• - Familiarity with advanced features
• - Willingness to learn new skills

Question Overview: This is a simple question that allows the applicant to share their background, skills, and interests. Look for a response that shows the applicant's personality and enthusiasm for the job.

Sample Answer: I'm a recent graduate with a bachelor's degree in accounting. I'm very interested in tax accounting and have experience with tax preparation software. I'm also an avid runner and enjoy spending time outdoors.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Personal background
• - Skills
• - Interests

Question Overview: This question reveals whether the applicant is truly interested in the position. The applicant should have a compelling reason for wanting to work for your company.

Sample Answer: I've been looking for a job in accounting for over a year, and I'm very excited about this opportunity. I've been following your company for a while, and I think you have a great reputation. I'm very impressed with your products and services, and I think you have a bright future ahead.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Understanding of the company's mission and values
• - Desire to work for the company
• - Commitment to the position

Question Overview: The applicant should have a clear idea of their career goals and how they plan to achieve them. Look for answers that include the applicant's long-term career goals and how they plan to achieve them.

Sample Answer: I would like to be a CPA and would like to work my way up to a controller position within the next 5 years. I plan to take the CPA exam in the next year and will continue to learn accounting software and business processes so I can be an asset to any company I work for.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Long-term career goals
• - Plans for achieving those goals
• - Willingness to learn new skills

Question Overview: A CV is a summary of the applicant's work history, education, and other qualifications. The applicant should be able to explain their work history in a clear and concise manner.

Sample Answer: I've worked at three different companies over the past five years. I started out as an accounting assistant and worked my way up to senior accountant. I have a bachelor's degree in accounting from a local university.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to clearly and concisely summarize work history
• - Good understanding of resume formatting
• - Willingness to learn new skills

Question Overview: Accountants may have to deal with difficult employees or clients. The applicant should show that they can remain professional and solve problems in a diplomatic manner.

Sample Answer: I would first try to understand the other person's perspective. I would then explain my position and try to find a solution that works for both of us. If we couldn't come to an agreement, I would escalate the issue to my manager.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to remain calm and professional
• - Ability to solve problems diplomatically
• - Willingness to take responsibility for mistakes

Question Overview: Accountants need to have a fundamental understanding of the stock market and how to read financial statements. This question tests whether the applicant can answer a basic finance question.

Sample Answer: Google's stock price is $1,000 per share. The company's market cap is $500 billion.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Fundamental understanding of accounting concepts
• - Understanding of financial statements
• - Familiarity with financial news

Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's passion for the field. Look for answers that mention the variety of tasks and responsibilities, as well as the ability to work with numbers and data.

Sample Answer: I like that I get to work with numbers and data every day. I also enjoy the variety of tasks and responsibilities that come with accounting. I like working with people, whether it's my coworkers or clients.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Enjoyment of working with numbers and data
• - Enjoyment of working in a variety of roles
• - Enjoyment of working with people

Question Overview: Accountants often have to set goals and objectives for themselves, and this question gives you insight into how they handle this process. The applicant should demonstrate a willingness to learn from their mistakes and take steps to improve their performance.

Sample Answer: I wanted to increase my productivity by 20% over the previous year. I didn't achieve that goal, but I did increase my productivity by 10%. I didn't meet my goal because I didn't spend enough time planning out my work schedule. I'm going to plan out my work schedule in advance next year so that I can achieve my goal.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to set goals and objectives
• - Willingness to learn from mistakes
• - Ability to improve performance

Question Overview: This question gives you insight into how the job seeker handles difficult situations. Look for a response that shows the applicant's ability to remain calm and professional, even when dealing with difficult people.

Sample Answer: I had a customer who was upset because they didn't receive a receipt for a purchase they made. I explained that the store had made a mistake and apologized for the inconvenience. I offered to reprint the receipt and have it delivered to their home.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Professionalism
• - Calm demeanor
• - Ability to remain professional in difficult situations

Question Overview: This question is a simple way to check for basic phone etiquette. The applicant should be able to provide a phone number that's easy to remember and contact.

Sample Answer: My number is 555-555-5555.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Easy-to-remember phone number
• - Good phone etiquette

Question Overview: This question allows you to gauge the applicant's experience with the accounting process. Look for a response that includes a variety of different types of accounting work, such as auditing, bookkeeping, and financial reporting.

Sample Answer: I've worked in both public and private companies. I've audited financial statements for publicly traded companies and helped small businesses with their bookkeeping. I've also worked on financial reporting for a large corporation and have experience with the GAAP accounting standards.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Experience with a variety of accounting tasks
• - Familiarity with different types of accounting software
• - Experience with different types of accounting processes

Question Overview: Accountants need to be able to work with others, even when they have different opinions. This question reveals whether the applicant can work with others to reach a compromise or resolution.

Sample Answer: My supervisor and I had different opinions on how to handle a client's request. I wanted to give the client what they requested, but my supervisor wanted to follow our policy. We came up with a compromise that satisfied both of us and the client.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to work with others
• - Willingness to compromise
• - Ability to resolve conflicts

Question Overview: Accountants are often under pressure to meet deadlines and solve problems. The applicant should describe a situation in which they were under pressure and how they handled it.

Sample Answer: I had to complete a large volume of work in a short amount of time. I used the time I had available to me as efficiently as possible, and I delegated some tasks to other employees. I was able to complete the work on time and received positive feedback from my supervisor.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to handle stressful situations
• - Ability to prioritize tasks
• - Ability to work under pressure

Question Overview: The interviewer wants to know the applicant's personality and how they interact with others. Look for a response that reveals the applicant's positive attributes, such as being friendly, hard-working, and dependable.

Sample Answer: My friends would describe me as someone who is very friendly and easy to talk to. I'm also very hard-working and dependable. I'm always willing to help out a friend in need.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Positive personality traits
• - Good work ethic
• - Reliable

Question Overview: Accountants need to be aware of the company's financial situation and how it affects their job. This question gives you insight into the applicant's awareness of the company's financial situation and how they would respond to a lack of growth.

Sample Answer: I would look for ways to improve the company's financial performance. I would also look for ways to improve my own performance, such as taking additional training courses or certifications.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Understanding of the company's financial situation
• - Willingness to work in a stagnant environment
• - Willingness to work in a growing environment

Question Overview: Accountants often use a combination of software packages to complete their work. The applicant should be able to list the software they use and explain how they use it.

Sample Answer: I use QuickBooks Online to track expenses and invoices. I also use Microsoft Excel to create pivot tables and charts to analyze the data. I use Google Sheets for creating budgets and project plans.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Familiarity with prominent software packages
• - Understanding of how to use basic features
• - Willingness to learn new platform