25 H&R Block Interview Questions & Answers
1. We value accountability at H&R Block. If a customer sent a formal complaint about an interaction with you, how would you handle it?
How to Answer
Assure the interviewer that you are a person of integrity who will take responsibility for any shortcomings in the workplace. Briefly explain to the interviewer that you will handle H&R Block customers with great care.
1st Answer Example
"I understand that H&R Block has put a lot of work into building these long-term client relationships. If one of your clients complained about my communication with them, I would take full responsibility for my actions and issue an apology. I would also be open to feedback to avoid future incidences. Rest assured, in my 15 years of employment, I have not had any clients complain to my employer about my work ethic or delivery of service."
2nd Answer Example
"Constructive feedback is difficult to swallow at times, but it's helpful for me to remember that everyone receives constructive feedback from time to time. I will always do what is required of me to renew a client relationship."
2. If you had to share difficult information with a client here at H&R Block, how would you approach that situation?
How to Answer
Working in tax preparation for business, both small and large, can often be a thankless job. Your role with H&R Block could entail the need for you to deliver difficult information to clients regarding their finances and tax situation. In your answer, be sure to focus on having both a sympathetic approach and an educational approach with the clients that you would be working with and explain why these approaches are the most effective.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Last tax season, I had to do just that with a very high profile client. During my initial meeting with the CFO, they were mentally prepared to see the same tax burden as the year prior. But after my work was done, it was found that the organization's capital gains and real estate taxes had significantly increased. In seeing this on my own, I approached the CFO directly to inform her of what I found. I approached her directly because I knew that her personality best suited a straightforward approach. In preparing for speaking to her, I clearly demonstrated how the organization's selling of assets impacted them negatively when they weren't prepared for it. She was appreciative of my work and educating them for the future. I think this approach is one that I would take again with your clients if I were hired for this position."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"Tax law is a great unknown for many businesses and individuals and yearly changes in law and lays of the land in business can bring the need to deliver bad tax news to clients. If I were to encounter a situation like this here at H&R Block, I would make sure that I clearly explain the issue to the client and hear their thoughts while empathizing with them. Then, to build trust with them moving forward, I would talk about strategies moving forward that would help ease their tax burdens moving forward."
3. Have you ever had a time where you had to explain accounting processes or practices in layman's terms to someone? Why is the ability to do that important?
How to Answer
For people outside of the finance and accounting world, methods and terms can often be very confusing and part of your work with H&R Block may entail your ability to explain things in the simplest of terms to the leadership staff and employees of organizations that you will work with. If you have a specific time where you had to do this, discuss in detail how you did that and why you felt it was important to do that. Be sure to explain that accounting principles can be hard to grasp and that educating others is a part of your work that you take great pride in.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"In our world, financial terms and principles are almost second nature to us and it can be easy to take the knowledge we have for granted when talking with others. Last year, my current organization hired a new CEO that came from the sales side of the business and he was an extreme work in progress when it came to the financial and accounting side of the business. I took the time to sit down and explain our financial statements to him and get him used to the acronyms that are often used in our accounting department's email communications to leadership. He was very appreciative of my efforts and he really did catch on quickly moving forward in his new role."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"As I understand the business here at H&R Block, I would have the opportunity to work as an accounting consultant with businesses both large and small. Through my career, I've had the ability work with leaders from many departments to talk about and explain accounting processes and how their job impacts the work of an accounting department. During these times, it was very important to relate things to the person's work in the easiest way possible. I have a lot of great experience in explaining things like ledgers and income statements to leaders so they can understand things in a way that is simple for them. This ability would translate nicely to the work I would be doing here with your clients."
4. What kind of people do you enjoy working with?
How to Answer
Culture fit is a critical factor when looking for a new position. Talk to the interviewer about the types of personalities that you best work with. Be sure to remain positive and avoid using this as an opportunity to speak poorly of previous colleagues.
1st Answer Example
"I best enjoy working with individuals who are driven, positive, energetic, and take accountability for their work. I do have the ability to work with a large variety of individuals; however, these are the ideal traits I would see in future colleagues."
2nd Answer Example
"Some other great characteristics of co-workers:
- Encouraging
- Helpful
- Engaged
- Positive
- Hard-working
- Punctual
- Reliable"
5. At H&R Block, we often work with both small and large businesses on their tax preparation. What common deductions would you recommend for small businesses?
How to Answer
As a trusted adviser at H&R Block, you will be relied upon by clients to help them find every way possible to minimize their tax burden. To prove your expertise to your interviewer, try to talk about one or two common tax deductions that are often overlooked by small businesses. Explain why the deduction is important to consider and what impact that can have on a future client you would be working with in this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"In my experience in working with small businesses, the most commonly overlooked deductions that they could take advantage of are vehicle and fleet expenses. While many businesses know this is possible, many fail at maintaining proper documentation of vehicles costs and usage as part of the job. I take it upon myself to walk clients through the proper documentation for future use and they have all appreciated this insight."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I see a lot of business owners overlook items that I would consider maintenance or facility costs that they can deduct at the end of each year. Repairs on equipment and property are deductible and business owners often fail to keep proof of payment for such repairs. On top of repairs, most utilities like electricity are deductible as well for a business. For small business owners, a huge part of my responsibility is educating them on these deductions. For your clients here at H&R Block, my education would help build trust and a long lasting working relationship."
6. What tax preparation programs do you familiarity working on?
How to Answer
While there is a large variety of tax preparation software available to tax professionals with each having their own specific niche markets and benefits, your interviewer is really looking to hear that you can be fluent in learning and utilizing any system. To reiterate that to your interviewer, talk about the different programs that you have worked on and efficiently learned and mastered throughout your career. Let them know that you are willing and able to work off of any system.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Currently, I've been using Lacerte for over five years and I love its ability to integrate with other programs and online versions of QuickBooks. Prior to Lacerte, I have worked on simple programs like Turbo Tax and other web based programs. Having what I would call great computer skills, I am able to learn new programs with ease to be able to use them effectively. As an organization, what program do you use here at H&R Block?"
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"Through my career to this point, I have worked on both Drake and CCH Axcess. When making the conversion to Drake a few years ago, it was a learning process that mostly involved applying the functions that I was used to in CCH Axcess to Drake. After just a few hours of playing with the system and preparing a few returns, I would have considered myself very fluent with the system."
7. Due to the nature of H&R Block business and services we may ask that you complete a full background check. Are you willing to comply?
How to Answer
Many companies will ask for a background check before employing you. This due diligence could include a criminal record check, a credit check, a drivers' abstract, and education verification. The request will vary from company to company so you should always be prepared to comply with all requests. If there is a mark on your record, this is the best time to disclose that information.
If you have a clean record: "I can fully understand why H&R Block would need to conduct background checks on all potential employees. I have a squeaky clean record and am happy to comply with any of your requests."
1st Answer Example
"I can fully understand why H&R Block would need to conduct background checks on all potential employees. I have a squeaky clean record and am happy to comply with any of your requests."
2nd Answer Example
"If you have a mark on your record: "I can fully understand why H&R Block would need to conduct background checks on all potential employees. I did have a charge against me approximately six years ago for a DUI. I have gained my drivers' license back since then, but I thought I should disclose that to you ahead of time."
8. Working with our clients here at H&R Block often involves some initial conflict with our clients. How would you rate your ability to handle conflict or disagreements in the workplace?
How to Answer
When a consultant comes into an organization to help better an aspect of their business, there are many factors that can lead to initial conflicts with the consultant and their firm. Big egos not wanting a fresh new face and the fear of change are inevitable in this business and your interviewer wants to hear that you have the experience and ability to handle inevitable conflict that will come your way if hired for the position. While obviously rating yourself highly in this area, try to talk about a time where you handled difficult conflict on the job with ease.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"In my role as a Project Manager with a large private organization, one of my first steps on any new project is setting a budget. Last year, I was leading the effort on a project focused on waste reduction in our manufacturing facilities. In the initial meetings for new projects, our CFO is always involved so she has a high-level overview of what the project will entail. In the meeting, she immediately berated me for the initial budget that I was proposing and vehemently insisted that the amount just wasn't correct or feasible. Rather than taking offense to her thoughts, I wanted to make sure that she, and the rest of the group, had a solid understanding of all that was taken into consideration for setting the budget. After I explained and showed line by line what the proposed budget broke down to, she was very thankful and didn't realize that team member labor was part of that equation. I think that my ability to understand why she was conflicted and my ability to keep a calm, cool head in that situation was vital and a perfect reason for me rating myself high on my conflict resolution skills."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"From my call center days, I think I developed great conflict resolution skills where I would rate myself an 8 out of 10. Handling customers who were upset about a product or service they received required a calm tone, an educational approach and the ability to not take things too personally. If hired for this position, I would be able to bring this same approach to the client of H&R Block."
9. Talk about a time you had to work with a very difficult person. What was the situation and how did you handle it?
How to Answer
At some point in any person's career, they have to work with a colleague or customer who is extremely difficult. Rather than looking to hear the fine details as to why this person was difficult, your interviewer will be looking to gain insight into how you personally handled the situation and others like it to ensure that a sound relationship was fostered even when you faced difficult circumstances. In your answer, some key things to focus on are your ability to be tolerant, understanding and a great communicator in these situations.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, I have a customer that flies off the handle very easily if things don't happen just right and I learned this from my first interactions with him. In seeing this happen from the start, I have always maintained a calm demeanor when he was upset and showed empathy by asking questions about his expectations and how to fix situations for him. To this day, I expect difficulty from him when we work together and the years we've had a working relationship together have better prepared me for more clients like him in the future."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"A couple of years ago, a close colleague of mine had a very abrupt turnaround in her attitude and performance on the job. She was very curt and abrasive in conversations when she was normally very talkative and friendly on the job. After noticing some concerns in her work, I approached her with an open mind and asked her what was going on to cause these things to change. I showed concern and approached her as a friend and this approach prompted her to tell me about some issues happening in her personal life. By taking this approach, rather than getting upset or even made with her, I showed her that I cared and valued her as a person and my approach helped her open up and turn her life at work back around to the positive side."
10. As a consultant here at H&R Block, you will have the opportunity to work with many accounting departments on tax filing for their business. When called upon, how would you go about verifying the accuracy of an accounting department?
How to Answer
No matter the size of the business and their accounting department, human error can lead to costly mistakes down the road if accuracy is not verified on the financial statements and books of a company that you would be consulting in this role. In your answer, talk specifically about your methods for verifying data entry and make it clear to your interviewer that this a step that you do not take lightly or overlook.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"In any tax consulting project, data verification and sampling is of utmost importance to me and a step I would ensure happens with every client here at H&R Block. Depending on the accounting and finance department's books and how they are kept, my data verification could be as simple as printing documents and verifying samples against filed information or running the data verification through a program. I have extensive experience running both methods of data verification and wouldn't hesitate to use either with the clients here."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I fully realize that my work in advising businesses on their tax filings comes down to verifying their income statements, balance sheet and cash flow statements. To verify, I would have to work with leaders in reconciling their financial statements with bank records, credit card statement, invoices, receipts and any other documents that show physical proof on financial statements. Realizing that this can sometimes be a difficult task with businesses that don't keep accurate records, have segregated finance departments or multiple physical locations, I would leave no stone unturned in this initial verification process with your clients."
11. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.
How to Answer
On a scale of 1-10, how skilled are you in communication? Why did you choose that particular rating for yourself?
1st Answer Example
"I rate my communication skills as a 9/10 as I will, on occasion, have times when I am not as clear as I would like to be. My supervisor and co-workers will attest to my clear and concise communication skills. Because I am an open leader, my team will let me know if I need to clarify anything."
2nd Answer Example
"I will rate myself an 8.5 because I consider myself a strong communicator. It is the foundation of all success in business. I am always striving to be a better communicator, so I leave the rest of the scale as an aspirational measure."
12. How did you maintain a good relationship with your most recent boss?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of maintaining a harmonious relationship with those who are considered your leaders.
If your relationship with your boss wasn't fantastic, what efforts did you take to make it better? Here are some suggestions:
- Try to understand what your boss values the most
- Keep your cool, even when you want to lose it
- Anticipate their needs and stay one step ahead
- Take leadership opportunities to show your worth
- Adapt to their preferences
Some basic ground rules for a stable working relationship with your boss are open communication, proactive listening, and not taking things personally. Discuss the ways that you cultivated a healthy relationship with your boss.
1st Answer Example
"My current boss is a very particular individual. Over the years I have taken the time to understand her preferences, her stress triggers, and what she enjoys seeing in my work. I find that if I stay one step ahead and maintain a positive attitude, we can work productively together."
2nd Answer Example
"I value having a strong working relationship with my boss. I want to learn what they do and take on as much work to help our team as possible. I scheduled regular update meetings with my boss and went the extra mile wherever I could."
13. Customer service is our top priority at H&R Block. What is your customer service philosophy?
How to Answer
Because H&R Block puts so much effort into their customer service reputation, the interviewer needs to be confident that your customer service values align with theirs. Be sure to research the H&R Block website and take note of any keywords they use when it comes to their customers. Match your language with theirs.
1st Answer Example
"I noticed on your website that you put a lot of value into your customers by actively listening to their needs. You also survey them regularly while staying on top of industry trends so that you can provide them with innovative new services. To me, customer service goes beyond friendliness and efficiency. You need to understand your customer's business needs and have the ability to analyze their future needs so that you can respond appropriately to their business landscape changes."
2nd Answer Example
"As overused as this phrase may be, 'Service with a smile' has always been my customer service philosophy. Very few people can resist a great smile and a friendly interaction! Friendliness warms customers up, makes them more inclined to work with you, and also diffuses a conflict quickly."
14. What customer service skills would you be able to bring as a tax preparer for the clients here at H&R Block? Why is providing strong customer service important to you?
How to Answer
H&R Block works hand in hand with businesses in their financial worlds and you as a consultant will be expected to provide great customer service to clients. In tax preparation, customer service comes in your ability to communicate and pay attention to detail to give the clients the best value and cost savings possible. For your answer, give your own personal touch to describe your customer service skills that you would bring to the team at H&R Block and don't hesitate to give any personal examples from your work history that demonstrate those skills.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Working with companies on their finances is often a private and sensitive topic. Because of that, I take an active listening and educational approach with my clients by first laying out my goals for them and then hearing their thoughts to work towards a common goal. As in any job, communication is key to setting expectations for the work that I do and hearing what my clients expect from me. If you would contact any of my professional references, who are clients that I've worked with in the past, they won't hesitate to talk about my excellent customer service skills."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"As a tax professional, my customer service starts with my expertise in areas where most clients are very under-educated. I take the time to educate my clients about my processes in preparing their taxes, what my expectations are from them to help in the process and what they can expect from me throughout our time in process together. The clients that I work with appreciate the education and setting of expectations because it helps us work together more wisely and efficiently as we lower their tax burden."
15. At H&R Block we have many local competitors. In your opinion, what makes us stand out from the crowd?
How to Answer
It is crucial that you research H&R Block before your interview and be sure to learn about their business landscape. Who are their competitors? What are customers saying online? Check out some favorite review sites to get an idea of what the public is saying about H&R Block vs. their local competitors. Keep your answer positive and complimentary.
1st Answer Example
"After researching H&R Block online, I found that you stand out from the many ways that you give back to your community. On the H&R Block website, as well as third-party review sites, people are talking about the charitable contributions and generosity coming from H&R Block. These factors make your company a big stand-out to me because I am serious about working for an organization that is aware of their social impact."
2nd Answer Example
"I believe that H&R Block has superior services and products. Your competitors seem to scratch the surface with some, but your offerings are so much more robust."
16. Would you say that you are a goal oriented person on the job? Why would you say that?
How to Answer
Success in business consulting is most often measured in the achievement of goals for clients and for this question, your interviewer will ideally be looking to hear that you are driven by goals and that you have the ability to set them as well. In your answer, give your interviewer the sense that you are goal oriented by giving an example or two of a time where you set and worked towards a goal as part of a team effort. Explain your part in the achievement of the goals and your ability to stay focused on the end result.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"If hired for this position, one of the first things that you'll learn about me is that I am very driven to succeed in all that I do on the job. For me, personal drive definitely centers around goals and my desire to achieve them. I have the focus to set goals myself and to work towards goals that are set by my organization, my leaders or my customers and I would bring this ability with each client that I work with here at H&R Block."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I would definitely say that I am goal oriented in the work that I do on a daily basis. In project management, I work off of both time related goals and production related goals and these really drive my daily tasks and my delegation of responsibilities to other team members. If given the opportunity to come work for H&R Block, my clients would greatly benefit from my ability to both set and achieve goals with them."
17. We have a wide range of services at H&R Block. Have you ever used any of our services?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you are well aware of the services offered at H&R Block. Have you used them previously? Discuss with the interviewer any exposure you have had to the company. Keep your response positive and lighthearted.
1st Answer Example
"I have not personally used your commercial services; however, I have friends who have used H&R Block for their business needs and their reviews were always positive!"
2nd Answer Example
"I have been a customer of H&R Block before, yes! The services I used were A, B, and C. My experience here was very comfortable, and everyone was professional. This experience is one of the reasons why I applied for this role. I want to work for a company that has high standards, and I know first hand that you do!"
18. During our busy season here at H&R Block, the demand of clients under tight deadlines can create a great deal of pressure on our team. How do you work effectively under high pressure situations?
How to Answer
As the ebbs and flows of tax season culminate each year in the spring when workload and stresses are at their highest, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are able to handle the stress of tight deadlines and worried clients by handling your work in a methodical and planned manner. Talk about your ability to multitask and prioritize your work to meet tight deadlines. Be sure to also talk about the importance of taking care of yourself mentally outside of work and explain how you do this.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"As you can see from my work history, I have worked as a tax professional through 12 tax seasons and I know what is coming every February, March and April. In looking to work for H&R Block, I know that is money making time and am willing to put in all of the hours that are needed to work with many clients at one time. I have a great ability to track and prioritize my tasks and my ability to set realistic expectations with my customers and meet those deadlines would greatly benefit your clients. The work as a tax professional really fits my own personal needs where I prefer to take most of my time off of work during the late summer and fall months to be outside and refresh myself in preparation for the coming season."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"Working under the high pressures of tax season requires me to be organized, first and foremost. I consider myself very highly organized with my ability to track my tasks, prioritize high needs items first and communication with my clients. Staying organized allows me to remain focused on my work without stressing and I think this would be a huge advantage for the work that I would be doing for you here at H&R Block."
19. In what ways would our clients here at H&R Block benefit from your knowledge and services?
How to Answer
This question is your chance to talk about the unique skills and knowledge that you would bring to H&R Block and that is exactly what your interviewer is looking to hear. In your answer, keep your focus centered on how clients of the organization will benefit from the things that you bring to their table because H&R Block is client focused in all that they do. To be effective with this answer, be sure to do your research on the clients at H&R Block and think about how your experience will be beneficial for them.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, I have extensive experience in risk management in the healthcare industry. Having worked with some major players in the industry, your healthcare clients would benefit the most from the experience and solutions I could help provide them. Not to leave other industries out, I think my experience in the healthcare realm will also translate nicely to your clients in other areas of the private sector."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"Having worked in accounting and tax law in a few different industries during my career to this point, I also have the unique experience of creating new organizational policies and procedures in my current role. In hearing more about this role, I think this experience would be very beneficial for your clients as I would be helping advise them in their practices and creating new policy would be crucial in that process."
20. If you are hired for this position here at H&R Block, what do you think the biggest hurdle for you would be from the start?
How to Answer
For this question, you can showcase your research that you've done on both H&R Block and the role you are interviewing for by being upfront and honest about what you feel would be the biggest learning curve for you if hired for the position and giving your plan for how you would approach this hurdle. In your answer, make sure that you highlight your skills and abilities in making a molehill out of a mountain on your way to success in this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, most of my career experience is in the food industry. If fortunate enough to be hired for this position, the biggest area for learning for me would be the finance side of other industries like technology, telecommunications and healthcare. From day one, I would begin by thoroughly research the clients here at H&R Block and speaking with as many industry experts that I know through business networking. While learning the ins and outs of other industries is the biggest learning curve for me, I see it as a great opportunity for me to become more proficient and effective in the work that I'd be doing for you."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"While this may sound funny to you at first, I think the biggest challenge for me from the start will be adapting to the great corporate lifestyle and culture here at H&R Block. When I saw this position being open for applicants and I did my research, I was extremely excited to hear about the flexibility and openness to the ideas of your staff members. I've been working for six years in an environment that is very opposite of an open culture for new ideas and for me personally, it will feel foreign for me to bring new ideas to the team here and have them be accepted."
21. Talk about a time that you successfully educated another individual or group in your area of expertise. What made your educational experience effective?
How to Answer
The role that you are interviewing for with H&R Block will likely involve providing education to clients in your area of expertise. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are comfortable and effective in providing education by having you talk about a time that you have done so. In the example that you provide, try to point out some key items to making business education successful like developing a plan/goals, respecting differing viewpoints/opinions, making it hands on and making it fun.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Probably the aspect that I love the most about my current job is being the lead for training new hires into our department. Because of my years of experience and my innate ability to effectively orientate new employees, my director asked me to take this duty about four years ago. My approach with any new hire is to customize their training based on their knowledge and experience so the training is effective for them. What works for one person may not work for another and I always need to be fluid with this. I also prioritize the need to make orientation and training a hands on experience for the new hire because classroom learning can only take a person so far in the learning process."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, I've spent the last seven years working in the corporate tax field. While in this job, I worked very independently for a private organization, so I've been out of the training and education side for a while now. During my first job out of college as a CPA though, I was very adept at providing education to the clients that I worked with on a daily basis. What I learned in that experience was the importance of putting material out there in a manner that the person being trained understood. As well, talking to clients and understanding my client's wants and needs were very important for me to be able to best educate them. I really believe that these skills would enable me to hit the ground running with H&R Block and your clients would benefit greatly."
22. A key component to success here at H&R Block is building solid relationships with new clients. How do you effectively get to know new people and lay the groundwork for a long lasting relationship?
How to Answer
The fast paced world of business consulting requires the ability to build relationship after relationship with all of the clients that you will potentially be working with. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to gain insight into how you build relationships with new people from the first time you interact with them. In your answer, talk about how you gain and build trust with new people and explain how the little things in your initial interactions go a long way toward building long lasting working relationships.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
Answer Example
"I am a firm believer that success in any role I've played in my career was due in part to the relationships that I've built in those roles. Whenever I have the chance to work with a new colleague or a new customer, my approach is to create an initial connection with them to build trust. After that point, my interpersonal skills take over through active listening. I use my listening skills to learn about the motivating factors and needs of the person that I will be working with and this helps mold that respect and trust between us even more. I think this approach would be very critical in working with new clients on a regular basis here at H&R Block and I'd love the opportunity to bring these skills to the table for you."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
23. To ensure you are qualified to work for H&R Block, do you have a preparer tax identification number (PTIN)?
How to Answer
As a professional tax preparer, you are likely aware that a PTIN is required for professionals that submit federal tax returns in the United States. Being that H&R Block and the person for this role are compensated for their tax preparation services in the United States, this is a simple screening question that your interviewer is asking to make sure that you are qualified to work with the clients of H&R Block. Ensure that your PTIN is up to date and if not, make sure to complete all steps for renewing prior to your interview.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
Answer Example
"Having been a professional tax preparer for over 12 years, I have held my PTIN since 2007 with no lapses in the number since first obtaining. Every November, I ensure that I am good to go for the coming tax season by renewing."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
24. Which accounting platforms are you familiar working with?
How to Answer
Coming to work for H&R Block as an accountant, your interviewer is looking to hear how fluent you are in working on the technical side of the job. Talk about your experience in working with some of the many accounting programs. No matter which programs you are familiar working with, make sure that your interviewer has the clear understanding that your readily adaptable to working on any program and that you understand the importance these platforms play in your work.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, my experience over the past 15 years has placed me in a few different industries. With each industry has come experience working with many accounting software programs. I have worked in Infor, QuickBooks, Net Suite and Patriot Accounting over the last five years alone. While they all have their features and benefits that are catered to each industry, I've found myself able to learn systems proficiently and adapt my work to the needs of the systems. If hired here at H&R Block, you can rest assured knowing that I would pick up any systems with ease."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"In my current role, I work exclusively with SBS Financials Suite. I love its ability to custom create reports that are reusable over time and adaptable to be able to use with different internal customers. I also love the budgeting and electronic invoice approval features of this system. In knowing other systems like Workday and QuickBooks, I am confident in my ability to pick-up and work on just about any system quickly and efficiently."
25. At H&R Block, our clients look to us to help find new and creative ways to save tax dollars. Have you ever had a unique situation where you helped an organization save tax dollars through your work and insight?
How to Answer
H&R Block is a trusted advisor to their clients on their corporate and small business taxes and your potential work in this position will put you in a position to be creative with your clients. Prior to your interview, think of a time in your work history where you can demonstrate the situation for the organization and came up with a creative tax savings solution for them. Upon answering this question, make sure that your interviewer walks away from your time together knowing that you have the ability to create solutions for clients that make a real difference.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Last year, I was working with an upstart small business in New York that employed around 20 people. Hearing that a big burden for him was providing health care coverage, which he chose to do to hire and retain great staff, I educated him on the savings he could see in starting an HSA associated with a high deductible plan. In the end, this plan was a win for the owner to see a ton of tax savings and the employees benefited with a great plan where the business was contributing towards their HSA on a yearly basis."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 25th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"When working with corporation on tax advising issues, I always walk through business expenditures with a fine toothed comb because how large expenditures are claimed can really make or break taxes for years to come. When working with a client a few years ago, I noticed that they were deducting full costs up front when the depreciation method would have worked out much better for them in their financial situation. The only thing it took to convince them was a simple educational meeting."