Introduction
Think for a moment that you were prepared for the accounting and finance interview questions a manager would ask you. Isn’t that going to be a huge relief?
Look no further if you’re wondering the same thing and are concerned about how to be ready for an accounting job interview. This article will address the most often-asked questions during accounting interviews.
We gave you a thorough understanding of the accounting field by covering all tiers of interview questions. Explore these accounting interview questions to be well-prepared for your next interview.
1. General Accounting Questions
The first set of questions that any employer would be from general accounting. Here are some of the topics that you should be prepared with.
1.1 What is the difference between financial and managerial accounting?
Here is a table outlining the answer to one of the most basic general accounting interview questions that interviewers ask:
Key differences and focus areas
| Basis | Financial Accounting | Managerial Accounting |
| Scope | Pervasive | Broader |
| Period | Fixed (One Year) | Depends on the business needs |
| Rules | Follows the GAAP regulations | No fixed rules and regulations |
| Objective | To prepare periodic reports | To help management in decision-making |
Example Answer:
“Management and financial accounting are the two main categories of accounting. Managerial accounting focuses on assessing an organisation’s financial health. Meanwhile, financial accounting mainly focuses on evaluating and reporting transaction data.”
1.2 Explain the three main financial statements.
When it comes to accounting interview questions and answers, learn about the three main financial statements. These are the income statement, the balance sheet, and the cash flow statement.
Income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement
Income statements tell us how much a business is making or losing at a given time, as displayed. A balance sheet gives an organisation’s financial position regarding its assets and liabilities. On the other hand, cash flow is how money is generated and spent by a company over a while.
Example Answer:
“When it comes to financial statements, we have three types available. The first is the balance sheet, followed by the cash flow statement, and lastly, the income statement. They depict the entire state of a business. Profitability for a given period is displayed in the income statement (revenue less expenses). The balance sheet entails the company’s assets, liabilities, and equity for the fiscal year. Last but not least, the cash flow statement shows the inflow and outflow of funds for the company’s investments and operations.”
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2. Accounting Principles and Standards
Knowing the accounting standards and principles will help you to a great extent. It’s great to gain in-depth knowledge about them.
2.1 What are the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)?
We have defined the concept of GAAP and all the crucial aspects associated with it.
Definition and Importance
It’s one of the most basic accounting interview questions. GAAP outlines basic rules that businesses need to adhere to. GAAP enables you to generate the most accurate and reliable reports for the company.
Example Answer:
Here’s how to respond to this type of accounting question —
“GAAP stands for Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. It is an extensive set of fundamental accounting rules and guidelines. GAAP includes:
- Fundamental accounting rules and concepts
- The nation’s top accounting organisation typically releases Accounting Standards;
- Industry-specific accounting procedures are used to handle atypical situations.”
2.2. How do you ensure compliance with accounting standards?
Check out the ways that help you stay compliant with accounting standards:
Staying updated and implementing best practices
This is one of the managers’ favourite accounting interview questions for freshers. To ensure compliance with accounting standards, here’s what you need to do:
- Accept Reporting Standards Set by US GAAP
- Establish Sturdy Internal Controls and Records
- Carry out US GAAP-compliant revenue recognition, asset valuation, and impairment assessments.
- Compile the financial statements and disclosures.
Example Answer:
“I always keep up with the most recent versions of the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). I then use accounting software that complies with these guidelines. It’s also important to understand industry-specific procedures, which is why I stay informed.”
3. Accounting Cycle and Process
The accounting cycle is an important topic and you might have to answer questions related to it.
3.1. Describe the main steps in the accounting cycle.
This is the most basic accounting job interview question that a manager can ask. The standard accounting cycle helps businesses monitor, record, and analyse all financial activities. It begins with the completion of a transaction and concludes with the release of a financial statement and the closing of the books.
Key steps from transaction to financial statements
Among the eight steps in the accounting cycle are:
- Recognising and documenting transactions
- Getting ready to make journal entries
- Posting data to the general ledger
- Creating a trial balance report without adjustments
- Getting worksheets ready
- Getting ready to change entries
- Making financial statements
- Closing the books
Example Answer:
“The accounting cycle keeps meticulous records of a business’s financial transactions. The process begins with a journal entry of transactions, which is followed by general ledger summarization. After that, we set up a trial balance to look for mistakes. The financial statements are then finalised once accruals and prepayments have been adjusted. In order to get ready for the following cycle, we finally close the temporary accounts.”
3.2. How do you handle the month-end closing process?
Imagine your finances are like a puzzle. The accounting team puts the pieces together monthly by checking income, expenses, and bank statements. This “month-end close” ensures your financial picture is accurate and helps you make plans.
While things are mostly steady, new situations can pop up. We aim to have a smooth process every month to finish with a clear financial report. To answer accounts-related interview questions like this, be upfront and keep things simple.
Reconciliations, adjustments, and reporting
Month-end closing duties involve domain expertise and access to financial systems, which you cannot execute independently. However, you may help by making the procedure easier. You can automate reconciliation procedures by comparing internal records with external sources, such as bank statements.
You can also assist in determining and computing the required accruals and prepayment adjustments. Lastly, to speed up the closing process, you can create reports summarising the month’s financial activity.
Example Answer:
“For proper financial information, the month-end close is essential. I make sure our records and bank statements match by giving reconciliations top priority. I then make the required prepayment and accrual changes. Lastly, I write in-depth reports, emphasising important indicators for management review.”
4. Financial Analysis and Reporting
Since financial reporting and analysis is a crucial concept for accountants, here are the most important questions they have to answer.
4.1. How do you analyse financial statements to assess a company’s performance?
It is one of the most commonly asked financial accounting interview questions by team managers.
Key ratios and metrics
Here are some ways to analyse financial statements:
- Collect the financial statements.
- Examine the balance sheet.
- Examine the income statement.
- Look over the statement of cash flows.
- Compute ratios related to finances.
- Analyse trends.
Example Answer:
“Analysing financial statements is similar to feeling the financial health of a business. Initially, we compile the cash flow, income, and balance statements. After that, we examine each one in detail to comprehend the company’s cash flow, expenses, income, liabilities, and assets. I usually compute rations and analyse trends to evaluate a company’s financial health.”
4.2. What red flags do you look for when reviewing financial reports?
Unusual trends, inconsistencies, and potential fraud indicators
This is one of the most critical accounting interview questions you need to know. These clear-cut warning signs should cause you to pause and reconsider investing in the business.
- Revenues that have been steadily declining over the years
- A growing D/E ratio over time
- Unpredictable cash flows
- Significant swings in the share market price
- Any litigation against the business that has not yet been resolved
These warning signs are simple to spot and necessitate further investigation.
Example Answer:
“I look for suspicious activity, like odd patterns in spending or revenue, while I go over financial data. Concern should also be expressed if the balance sheet and income statement have different amounts. Lastly, I keep an eye out for telltale signs of fraud, such as huge, inexplicable transactions or missing paperwork. Any of these could indicate more serious issues.”
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5. Cost Accounting and Budgeting
Our next set of questions is related to the topic of budgeting and cost accounting.
5.1. Explain the difference between fixed and variable costs.
It is one of the most frequently asked accounting interview questions. Here’s what you need to know to outline your answer.
Definitions and examples
Fixed Costs —
One kind of expense that a business is required by contract to cover is fixed costs. They are also frequently linked in time. Anything that remains constant over time is called a fixed cost. Fixed costs usually comprise the “base costs” of a business’s daily operations since they are essentially unchangeable. Some examples are:
- Commercial rent
- Online advertising
- Insurances
- Depreciation
Variable Costs —
The distinction between fixed and variable costs is that the former are inextricably related to the company’s output. As output rises or falls, variable costs change accordingly. The simplest method for an investor to determine a company’s variable costs is multiplying its output by the variable cost per output unit. Examples include:
- Labour
- Raw materials
- Commissions
- Utility costs
Example Answer:
“No matter how much is produced, fixed costs remain the same. Examples of common things are rent, salary, and insurance. Conversely, the volume of manufacturing affects variable costs. Variable costs usually include raw supplies, direct labour, and utilities.”
5.2. How do you prepare and monitor budgets?
This is also one of the most popular accounting interview questions that managers ask.
Key steps and best practices
- The first step to preparing for budgets is to evaluate your financial statements.
- Subsequently, understand your expenses, set goals, and allocate budget funds accordingly.
- However, to manage this budget, you must review the existing budget and understand what needs to be changed.
- Then, you need to set realistic goals and adjust the old budget.
- If necessary, you can create a new budget too.
- Consequently, track your progress and keep making changes.
Example Answer:
“Realistic financial objectives are part of budgeting. To begin, I would examine previous earnings and outlays in order to develop a budget for every area. I would then compare the actual spending to the plan using spreadsheets for budgeting tools. I can find areas for improvement and make sure I’m on pace to reach my financial goals by doing regular reviews.”
6. Auditing and Internal Controls
Here are a few essential and highly sought-after questions on internal controls and auditing.
6.1. What is the role of an auditor?
An auditor checks that everything in a company’s records complies with regulations. It entails abiding by the company’s financial policies and tax rules. They also make sure that all of the company’s financial data is current by monitoring it all. In certain instances, they may even offer suggestions on increasing revenue or cutting costs for the business.
Assurance, attestation, and advisory services
Auditors offer a range of services to improve trust in an organisation’s data and procedures. An independent assessment of the fairness and efficacy of financial statements and controls results from assurance engagements.
While advising services emphasise finding areas for improvement and suggesting best practices, attestation services provide a certain level of verification for a particular material. This all-inclusive strategy gives stakeholders the ability to make sound decisions.
Example Answer:
“Think of an auditor as a financial detective! They examine a company’s financial records to make sure everything is accurate and follows the rules. They prepare reports showing the company’s financial health accurately.”
6.2. How do you design and test internal controls?
This is one of the most basic accounting questions about corporate accounting.
Risk assessment, control activities, and monitoring
You can design and test internal controls in the following ways:
- Identify and measure the objectives and risks.
- Design the control procedures and activities.
- Allocate the roles and responsibilities.
- Deploy and test the internal control system.
- Monitor, analyse, and enhance the internal control system.
Example Answer:
“Internal controls ensure correct documentation, protect assets, and encourage compliance. I would first identify the risks in order to design them, and then I would put controls in place like approval procedures or job segregation. I would use a combination of questions to test them and make sure they work as intended.”
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7. Taxation and Regulatory Compliance
An accounting questionnaire is incomplete without regulatory and taxation compliance. Here are the most important questions.
7.1. What are some key considerations when preparing corporate tax returns?
Tax planning, deductions, and credits
Here are some key considerations when preparing corporate tax returns:
- Know and understand your corporate business structure.
- Have a well-organised stack of concise financial records.
- Calculate and determine your business’s taxable income.
- Proper tax planning should be done with deductions and credits in mind.
- Understand tax credits and incentives properly.
- Stay up-to-date about all tax laws and the latest guidelines.
- File tax returns on time.
Example Answer:
“When filing corporate tax returns, consider a few primary factors. The first in the list is maintaining complete records to back all claims made on the return. Then, consider staying current on complicated tax regulations. Also, you must understand tax credits and incentives.”
7.2. How do you stay updated with tax law and regulation changes?
These types of accounting interview questions analyse the candidates’ interest in taxation.
Continuous learning and collaboration with tax professionals
Tax laws can change, so how do you stay on top of it? There are two main ways: learning from the pros and keeping up with the news. Attending workshops or reading articles by tax experts will give you the latest updates.
Example Answer:
“I use a few strategies to stay up to date on changes to tax law. First, I get updates on changes to tax law via newsletters published by associations such as the American Institute of CPAs or AICPA. I also frequently visit reliable tax information websites and official government websites. Lastly, I attempt to attend webinars and seminars to learn more in-depth information from professionals in the field.”
8. Accounting Information Systems
8.1. What experience do you have with accounting software and ERP systems?
It is one of the most common technical accounting interview questions that your interviewer will ask.
Proficiency in popular systems like SAP, Oracle, or QuickBooks
Regarding the technical interview round, highlight your experience and competence in softwares and ERP systems like Oracle, SAP, and QuickBooks.
Example Answer:
“I have expertise in a range of ERP and accounting software programs. That includes popular options like QuickBooks for small organisations.
For larger companies, I have also worked with enterprise resource planning systems like SAP and Oracle, two of the best in the business.”
8.2. How do you ensure data accuracy and security in accounting systems?
Input controls, data validation, and access management
To ensure data security and accuracy in accounting systems, you must:
- Pick the right accounting software solution.
- Keep the software updated and well-maintained.
- Set up and monitor accounting policies and procedures.
- Review, assess, and reconcile the data.
- Audit, gauge, and test the data.
- Enable access management to restrict usage.
Example Answer:
“Security and accuracy of data are crucial. Drop-down menus and necessary fields are two examples of robust input controls that I emphasise to reduce errors. Verification of data ensures that entered information matches expectations. I also enable access management, which limits who can view or alter it to safeguard sensitive data.”
9. Behavioural and Situational Questions
What are some of the situational and behavioural questions in accounting? We have discussed the most important ones.
9.1. Describe when you had to solve a complex accounting problem.
Check out the methods that help you solve critical accounting issues.
STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Describe how a subsidiary’s financial statements showed a significant difference between reported inventory and cost of goods sold (Task) during your prior employment (Situation). Next, state that you conferred with the subsidiary’s staff and carefully examined reconciliations and transaction logs (Action).
As a result, a unique inventory value technique that was not taken into account by the group accounting policies was discovered (Result). Finally, explain how the financials were restated and how uniform valuation procedures were implemented throughout the company to address the problem.
Example Answer:
“We discovered a mismatch between inventory records and the actual count (Task) at my former employer (Situation). I could examine the purchase and receiving orders with the ERP system to determine the cause.
This showed that the purchase orders had duplicate entries (Action). I fixed the mistakes and strengthened the approval processes (Action). Accurate inventory records and enhanced cost management were the outcomes of this.”
9.2. How do you handle tight deadlines and competing priorities?
Time management and prioritising your work is the first step towards handling tight deadlines.
Time management, prioritisation, and communication
A diversified strategy is necessary to achieve success under pressure and with competing priorities. Time management skills are essential since they enable you to plan your duties effectively and set aside specific times for concentration.
Then, setting priorities is essential to determining what needs to be done first and meeting deadlines. Having open lines of communication with all parties involved enables necessary modifications and progress updates.
You can handle challenging circumstances and produce significant outcomes by implementing these techniques.
Example Answer:
“I use a three-pronged method to efficiently handle competing objectives and tight timelines. First, I make sure I spend my time wisely by using time management strategies like making to-do lists and scheduling chores.
Second, I emphasise projects based on urgency and relevance, prioritising those with urgent deadlines.
Lastly, I communicate openly with my superiors about developments and future obstacles. Thanks to my proactive attitude, I can produce excellent work on schedule even in hectic situations.”
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Conclusion
Accounting is a stable career choice! To land a job at a top firm with the best accountants, mastering key accounting interview questions is essential. Brush up on your communication skills, stay updated on what’s happening in accounting, and be prepared for your interview. Good luck!
FAQs on Accounting Interview Questions
Q1. Which accounting program do you use?
A1. Mention any software you’ve worked with, such as Xero, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, or other programs.
Q2. What financial improvements can our organisation make?
A2. This question helps them see how well you have researched basic accounting concepts for the interview. While some financial information is private, most company records are public. An accountant shouldn’t just be good at fixing problems; they should also create plans to improve a company’s cash flow.
Q3. Could you provide me with some budgeting techniques?
A3. The interviewer wants to see if you understand different budgeting styles. These styles decide how companies plan their spending. Some methods, like incremental budgeting, use last year’s plan as a starting point. Others, like zero-based budgeting, start fresh each year.
Q4. Give an example of a business with serious problems yet exhibiting positive cash flow.
A4. A positive cash flow doesn’t necessarily mean everything is great. For example, the company might be selling less and less and holding more inventory to keep that cash flow positive. This can be a sign of future problems.
Q5. What makes working at this accounting business appealing to you?
A5. In a compelling response, you should explain why the hiring company would fit you well. Take some time to examine the company’s objectives, mission, and core principles.
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