1. Why are you interested in this particular area of the firm?

Depending on the position, you should also talk about why you will succeed in that specific role, based on what that role demands. Here are a few tips for each of the three departments accounting firms have: Audit, Tax, and Advisory. Use the qualities below to describe yourself, the type of work you enjoy, and what you can bring to the team!

2. How do you control errors in your work?

Looking for your attention to accuracy and detail, hiring managers need to see you are aware of and follow all aspects of every job and task, regardless of scope. Your answer should demonstrate that you set high standards for yourself and others. As always, try to use an example from your own performance.

3. Are you able to compile and interpret accounting data and reports?

Talk about any reports and data analyses that you have done, including financial analyses and reports, evaluation, inventorying, reports on equipment and real estate, documentation of accounting systems, management of account tables and entries, etc.

4. How have you managed potential payment problems with your customers?

This question provides insight to your ability to analysis issues, assess situations and how to act appropriately. Using a specific example, your response should show you can pinpoint problems utilizing relevant info, including a capacity to break down and organize data, using it to identify cause and effect relationships.

5. How did you react when someone else's errors impacted negatively on your job?

This is a tricky query. One important aspect of any interview is to avoid negativity. Yet this question needs you to deal directly with a negative situation. In your response, stay away from finger pointing and, using factual information, discuss how you accurately assessed the situation and took a course of action using organizational resources.

6. Are you qualified (and experienced) in analytical and logical thinking?

This is best answered with examples of specific relevant responsibilities: analysis of business operations, financial advice based on projections of current and future revenues and expenses, specific problems solved, analysis and development of budgets, etc.

7. What knowledge do you have in relevant government laws and state regulations?

You can mention experience with taxes (taxes owed and tax return) and relevant government regulations, your work with the tax authorities and Internal Revenue Service, and any experience with government record keeping.

8. Tell me about your qualifications. Are you familiar with economic and business principles necessary for effective accounting?

You can tell about your experience in analyzing current and future business operations, costs, trends, and revenues. You may speak about giving advice in these and other areas, such as budget forecasts, and developing solutions to financial problems in general.

9. How efficiently do you manage stress? Can you maintain attention to detail and efficiency working past normal hours with unusual work loads?

Be specific here. Mention projects which were difficult or had to be completed in little time, or urgent problems you solved effectively. If you don't have an example from your professional life, you can mention situations from your personal or public life which demonstrate efficiency under pressure.

10. What work objectives did you set for this year and what steps have you taken to ensure you will achieve them?

This is a question to get an idea of your ability to plan and organize. Your answer should show how you set objectives, plan for them and prioritize to accomplish goals, all within a time frame. While keeping it brief, let the hiring manager know how you schedule, identify and allocate resources.

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