Can you walk me through your typical audit workflow in your current role?

"To aid in auditing processes, I created a detailed audit planning document that my department has used for the past four years. It has had a dramatic impact on our audit results. The planning document provides a step-by-step approach to outlining our objectives, clearly outlining the documentation needed to identify the stakeholders and plan for meetings. In this role with European Investment Bank, I would use a similar approach. With the plan in place, I work alongside the stakeholders to explain the audit and what is needed from each person. I communicate in many methods, including email, phone and in-person meetings when possible. My goal is to ensure that each individual understands the process and the end goal as clearly as possible."

"As a firm believer in a solid auditing software package, I currently use Onspring in my current role and couldn't be happier with its performance. This program details our ability to gather all financial documents in one central repository, walk through the steps necessary and planned for in our auditing process, schedule necessary meetings, coordinate notes from my audit team and process final reports. Do you have a software package that I would be working off of?"

For this question, your interviewer hopes to gain insight into the experience and skills you would bring to their team. First, they'll be looking to see that you have a firm grasp of what a solid auditing process looks like. Next, they'll be looking to see that you have the ability to communicate in a manner that is effective with the people that you'll be working closely with. Lastly, they'll be looking to hear that you have the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in an auditing role in the financial field. As you answer this question, try to check off all three boxes for your interviewer.