What tax preparation programs do you familiarity working on?

"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 The Alliant Group?"

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.

"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."

What steps would you take in creating a new audit process for a client here at The Alliant Group?

"If asked to consult with a new client on their audit process, my first goal would be to determine the overall purpose of the audit. I would have to ask questions about any regulating bodies for the industry and internal quality perspectives that would guide my work. Only when those questions are answered can I move forward with assembling an audit team, giving the team purpose and setting expectations for the new process. With this great start, my leadership skills in the audit process would take over and greatly benefit your clients here at The Alliant Group."

When The Alliant Group is asked consult with an organization on their audit processes, you will be looked upon to be the expert in creating a solid auditing process for them. To get an idea of your knowledge and experience, your interviewer is asking you how you would go about creating a new process from scratch for an organization that you are consulting. While your discussion will certainly be high level without knowing much detail about the specific organization you are hypothetically working with, make sure that you hit the important aspects of creating an audit process.

"Any solid auditing process starts with great planning. Planning includes outlining the scope of the audit, clearly defining what data and information is required to successfully perform the audit and selecting a team of individuals to be a part of the audit process. If hired for this position, you can rest assured knowing that I have great experience in planning for and creating auditing processes across many businesses and industries."

How do you feel that your education and career to this point has prepared you to work in the international tax realm here at The Alliant Group?

"As you can see from my resume, I've spent the last 10 years working in private business for a large manufacturer that sees profits from a few countries from around the world. While this has somewhat exposed me to international tax laws, I know that I would be working much more in depth in this realm here at The Alliant Group. If hired for this position, I know that I would face a learning curve with each new client I worked with that had to file and deal with tax laws from other countries. Because of that, I would take it upon myself to read and network with other professionals to become as knowledgeable as possible in the laws in different countries."

With the rise of corporations taking their businesses to a global level, firms like The Alliant Group are often brought in to be the experts on international tax. Prior to your interview, your interviewer can tell a lot about your education and career and whether you have direct experience in working with international tax laws. Not having experience doesn't exclude you from candidacy for this experience, but if that is the case, your interviewer will be hearing how you'll apply what you've already experienced in your career to international practice. Put some thought to this question ahead of your interviewer to be able to paint the picture of yourself being well-versed in how to get educated in the field if you don't have direct experience.

"My experience in advising on high level tax law changes to corporate boards and c-level suites in the United States would be a great benefit to your international clients here at The Alliant Group. As I have always had to stay on top of and educate myself in the laws here at home, I would continue to do the same at a much higher international level if hired for this position."

What roles are you comfortable assuming in working as part of a larger team?

"I am really comfortable working in any role within a team and I think my experiences throughout my career demonstrate this well. At many times in my career, I've been the legwork of team operations and have easily taken direction on projects and been able to hit pre-established deadlines. As well, I've lead many projects and have shown my ability to lead others in a team effort and the ability to delegate tasks and set milestones for projects. If hired for this position, you can be rest assured that I have the ability to be a key team players with your clients in helping better their business."

Coming to work for a consulting business requires the ability to work as part of a larger team on the projects you will be heading. Teamwork in this setting requires versatility and your interviewer will be looking to hear that you have that versatility in your answer to this question. Many times, you will be taking the bull by the horns and leading the way. Other times, you will be the worker bee researching behind the scenes. You may be tasked with being the organizer of projects behind the scenes as well. Make sure that you highlight your ability to be flexible when working as part of a team here.

"From a very young age in my career, I've always been a natural leader in a team based environment. My excellent communication skills, honesty, critical thinking and decision making skills have proven time and time again that I can lead others in the most effective way possible. And while being a leader comes naturally to me, I can easily let others take the lead on projects."

In what ways would our clients here at The Alliant Group benefit from your knowledge and services?

"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."

This question is your chance to talk about the unique skills and knowledge that you would bring to The Alliant Group 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 The Alliant Group is client focused in all that they do. To be effective with this answer, be sure to do your research on the clients at The Alliant Group and think about how your experience will be beneficial for them.

"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."

To ensure you are qualified to work for The Alliant Group, do you have a preparer tax identification number (PTIN)?

"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."

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 The Alliant Group 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 The Alliant Group. Ensure that your PTIN is up to date and if not, make sure to complete all steps for renewing prior to your interview.

Give an example of a time you used data in analyzing risk for an organization. Did you utilize any tools in this process?

"As you can see from my resume, I've spent a good portion of my career working in the manufacturing industry. In that industry, a good deal of my risk focus was on employee safety and lost time prevention. When I took my current position, I analyzed data over the past ten years to find trends on workplace injuries that led to work comp claims. By using a very intricate Excel spreadsheet that I created, I was able to find a few different problem areas. From there, I worked with management and our safety coordinator to implement new work practices and policies moving forward."

Gathering and analyzing data is an important step that any risk management professional must take during their evaluation processes. What's even more important than gathering and analyzing is putting the data to use to achieve results. For this question, talk in detail about a time that you used data in a working situation. Explain the tools, whether it was specific software or a spreadsheet, to help analyze and get results out of the data you collected.

"In my current role, I am using the Resolver risk management software and it has really been an effective tool in storing and analyzing data and then helping put the data to functional use. Last year, I was tasked with leading a team of individuals to assess risk of potential defective products that my organization was putting to market. My job was to research and gather data on potential lawsuit risk that the organization could be looking at while others focused on the internal pieces that would fix the problem. Resolver was a great tool for our whole project and luckily, my organization didn't face any lawsuits based on our quick work."

If you are hired for this position here at The Alliant Group, what do you think the biggest hurdle for you would be from the start?

"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 The Alliant Group 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."

For this question, you can showcase your research that you've done on both The Alliant Group 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.

"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 The Alliant Group. 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."

Being successful in the consulting industry requires adaptability and the ability to learn a business fast. What would be your approach to help you learn the ins and outs of a new client?

"As you can see from my resume, I've been in corporate training and education for over ten years. In my current role, I have to use similar techniques working with different departments to try and tailor programs that meet their specific needs. I feel that my current approach of hosting an intake meeting with leaders would be effective in a consulting role with external customers. The current intake meetings that I lead are an opportunity for me to ask questions and learn as much as I can about my customers. In turn, it is an opportunity for me to lay the groundwork for the project and set expectations. Do you see this as an effective approach for this role?"

The Alliant Group contracts with businesses in different industries for their services and it is likely that your job would require you to learn the fine details of each business that you would work with. Demonstrate your ability to be flexible by giving examples of times you've had to do this during your career. As well, describe the approach that you would take to get the know the businesses you would be working with so you can apply your knowledge and expertise toward helping them.

"Having worked in quality roles for most of my career in both the private and public sectors, I think my career experiences have shaped me well for this role. Transitioning to a consultative role would definitely be a transition for me and the biggest transition will be this need to work in many different industries. For me, researching clients, their business and their industry will be the first step to my approach in learning about them. I want to make a great first impression when I am face to face with a new client and that first impression starts with my knowledge. Then, my openness and ability to communicate would take over when I am working directly with clients. I know the right questions to ask for laying out quality initiative projects and I know the right things to educate clients on."

A key component to success here at The Alliant Group 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?

"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 The Alliant Group and I'd love the opportunity to bring these skills to the table for you."

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.

At The Alliant Group, we often work with both small and large businesses on their tax preparation. What common deductions would you recommend for small businesses?

"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."

As a trusted adviser at The Alliant Group, 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.

"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 The Alliant Group, my education would help build trust and a long lasting working relationship."

If hired here at The Alliant Group, you may have to step out of your comfort zone working in new industries. How will you be able to make this potential seamless?

"I think my years in the banking industry can be very beneficial to the clients here at The Alliant Group. Financial risk and technology risks are my forte and these areas of expertise can be beneficial to your clients in the healthcare industry, the insurance industry and the manufacturing industry. I'd also greatly look forward to this challenge to help broaden my skills as a professional."

Because risk managers work across many different industries, a move to a consultant role could put you working with clients in insurance, banking, manufacturing or many other industries. For this question, talk about your knowledge of the risk management job that is consistent across industries and be able to apply that knowledge to clients from any industry. To really help your answer here, try to do as much research on The Alliant Group and their clients as possible prior to your interview so you can tailor your answer to meet their needs.

What interests you in joining the business consulting world here at The Alliant Group?

"At this point in my career, I feel like I have really maxed out my capabilities in my current role as the IT Director with my current organization. Over the past two or three years, I've found so much fulfillment in my work when I've been helping others and providing education to them that I've narrowed my job search down to the IT consulting field. The prospect of helping other IT departments grow and become more efficient under my consultation is an adventure that I would love to embark on here at The Alliant Group!"

Anytime the question regarding why you want to join the company is asked, it is very important to do your research on the organization and the position you are interviewing for so you can match your skills and desires to the job. In your answer here, be sure that you also speak to the potential move to a consultative type role if this will be the first time for you with a consulting organization. Be sure to highlight your qualities that make you an ideal fit for the job.

"As I've grown in my role in the Training & Education department with my current employer, I've gravitated toward leadership development and succession planning with my organization and I'd like to bring these skills to work here at The Alliant Group as this position fits right in that mold. Using my experience and knowledge, you'll quickly find that I have a great ability to work alongside and train the top level executives with your clients in a manner that is professional and effective at the same time. My experiences in both healthcare and manufacturing sound like they'd fit well with your client base as well."

Being successful in consulting and working here at The Alliant Group requires the ability to work effectively with Type A personalities. What are your experiences in working with this personality and how did you make the relationships a success?

"For the last six years, I have worked under your prototypical type A personality as my director. Being a self admitted type B, being under my new director was difficult at first. For me to be successful under her and for our relationship to flourish, I learned quickly that she liked me to regularly communicate timelines for projects and give updates when necessary as she was very time driven. As well, small talk and getting to know me personally wasn't a priority so our communications to this day are pretty succinct and to the point. In this role, I would feel very comfortable with working with high level type A's because of my firsthand experience."

To first understand this question, it is important that you know that Type A personalities are exemplified by being competitive, motivated, organized and goal driven, among many other traits. These traits often lead to success in high level roles within organizations and your chances of working with this personality type are high. Think of a time you worked with a typical Type A personality and explain the methods you used to ensure that you had a sound and successful working relationship. Make sure that your interview walks away knowing that you can work effectively with difficultly driven individuals with high expectations.

"If you haven't been able to tell during my interview so far, I am a type A personality myself. My personality has helped me become very successful as a Financial Analyst. Having had formal training in the different personality types, I know that I need to take a meticulous approach when working with other type A personalities. My current team is loaded with type A's and regular communication is key in ensuring that expectations are clear and timelines are being met. If hired for this position, I would know my place in working with leaders from clients and I can easily be both cognizant of my approach and have the ability to put my desire to be in the lead aside with them when needed."

How do you determine priorities when you have multiple projects due?

"I will determine which project requires my attention by the number of hours we are behind and then the project size. I am comfortable delegating tasks when needed, but I am also aware that these times will require an additional commitment of hours from me. Never have I under delivered on a deadline."

When you feel torn between multiple projects or tasks, how do you decide which one needs your attention the most? Assure the interviewer that you can be diligent when it comes to assessing your priorities.

"Assuming that the projects have different stakeholders, I interview each to determine the value of increased productivity, morale or revenue, decreased costs, and the overall impact."

Talk about a time that you successfully educated another individual or group in your area of expertise. What made your educational experience effective?

"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."

The role that you are interviewing for with The Alliant Group 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.

"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 The Alliant Group and your clients would benefit greatly."

At The Alliant Group, 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?

"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."

The Alliant Group 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.

"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."

During our busy season here at The Alliant Group, 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?

"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 The Alliant Group, 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."

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.

"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 The Alliant Group."

What customer service skills would you be able to bring as a tax preparer for the clients here at The Alliant Group? Why is providing strong customer service important to you?

"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."

The Alliant Group 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 The Alliant Group and don't hesitate to give any personal examples from your work history that demonstrate those skills.

"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."

At The Alliant Group, we look to hire those who will be a long term fit. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

"Ideally, 5 years from now, I would love to see myself growing into a more prominent leadership role within your organization. My career interests align very nicely with your company's goals which helps me to see a great long-term fit here."

It's impossible to know where you will be in 5 years but you need to assure the interviewer that, given all possible circumstances, you could see yourself as a long-term fit for the position at The Alliant Group.

"5 years from now, I would like to supervise or manage a team of my own with The Alliant Group. I feel like I am progressing in my career at a rate that will make this a possibility."

What logical steps would you take following an internal audit process with our clients here at The Alliant Group?

"Through my time working with different financial auditors, the follow-up to an audit is often overlooked as most people look to move onto the next project. In reality, clients look for the follow up report to learn and grow from their audit experience and this is a part of the process that I take great pride in. My writing skills are tailored to be to the point and clear in my findings. Without having my head get too bogged down in other work, I write and submit reports to leadership in a very timely manner following the completion of an audit."

If hired for this position, your work as an auditor with The Alliant Group doesn't end when the audit is done. Clients expect follow-up in the form of written reporting. Talk about your ability to write a follow-up report clearly and concisely and do so in a timely manner. To really have an impact on your interviewer, talk about how these steps in your work would hopefully make a repeat client out of those that you work with.

At The Alliant Group, you will have the opportunity to work with high level executives and leaders from the companies we contract with. What experience do you have in working with people at these levels?

"In my current role, I work directly under our Chief Financial Officer and sit on a couple of different committees that our Chief Executive Officer is on. Under the direction of my CFO, we have a great working relationship. I am comfortable approaching him at any moment with questions or to bring forward new ideas. He is aware of my strengths and respects my opinions on matters in my wheelhouse, so he never hesitates to come to me with important things. I think the keys to our strong relationship are the respect we show for each other and our open lines of communication."

As a business advisory and consulting firm, The Alliant Group works with Managers, Directors, CEO's, CFO's, CAO's and leaders with other titles on all of our projects. Your role will likely involve working closely with these leaders. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are comfortable in working with the leadership team of the organization's clients by having you talk about your experience. Make sure that the examples you provide include some details on how you worked effectively to get the job done with the leaders you worked with.

"Throughout my career, I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with employees at all levels of the organizations that I've worked with. To me, working effectively with anyone requires a personal touch and a respectful approach. Whether I work with front line sales staff or members of the C-Suite, I take the time to get to know the person, their job and how I can best be of help to them in my role. This approach really helped me build a relationship with a Sales Executive that a few of my colleagues had struck out with in recent interactions."

As a consultant here at The Alliant Group, 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?

"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 The Alliant Group. 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."

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.

"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."

As a consultant with The Alliant Group, the ability to give sound risk advice to our clients is always expected. What's the greatest piece of advice you've ever given regarding organizational risk?

"Throughout my career, I've always taken the time to network with other risk and compliance professionals. About five years ago at a national conference, I attended a breakout seminar on whistle blowing policies surrounding risk. I heard a colleague talk about a policy that their organization had adopted that removed all fear of retribution for employees that brought risk concerns forward to the risk manager. Upon returning from the conference, I approached our COO about adopting a similar policy and upon doing so, I considered this my greatest piece of advice ever. Right way upon communication, we had a few employees come forward with significant concerns that otherwise wouldn't have in fear of retaliation against them or a colleague."

Upon first hearing this question, you may be left empty minded given the large number of ways you can answer this questions while trying to please your interviewer. At the heart of this question, your interviewer is looking to hear what you feel is the most important advice you have ever given a company or a particular person regarding the mitigation of risk. Talk about why this advice was important, how you learned it and how you still carry it forward to this day.

"What I learned early on in my career was that the need for having a long-term, extended outlook on potential risks and mitigation of those risks was extremely important. When I took my current job, my department was way too shortsighted in the risk prevention efforts. The best advice I've ever given was to our CEO to allow professionals in risk management to the table on financial planning and operational planning conversations for the future. If hired here at The Alliant Group, this is one area of expertise that I could bring to your clients."

With some of our clients here at The Alliant Group being hesitant to run an internal audit, what points would you use to sell them on the importance of conducting an internal audit?

"From my experience, increasing industry regulation and compliance with such regulation is a huge selling point to leaders for conducting internal audits. Oftentimes, leaders are well aware of impacts that regulations have on many aspects of their business, but financial records and book keeping often gets overlooked. With my experience and knowledge across many industries, I can speak knowledgeably to high level leaders about how industry regulations can impact accounting practices and audits are the best way to implement positive change."

At some point in your career, you've likely faced resistance to creating and running an internal audit process regarding accounting practices within an organization. It can be a very touchy subject for a variety of reasons. To help curb resistance, you will be relied upon to point out the importance of internal audits. From your own perspective, reiterate the key points that you would use to sell the development of an internal auditing process to the clients at The Alliant Group.

"Over the past 10 years, the impact of the digitalization of businesses has greatly increased the need for internal audits of accounting and finance departments. Many factors surrounding the digital impact on organizations have made life tough for accountants and educating leaders on these impacts is essential in today's day and age. Recently, I worked with an organization on an audit that revealed significant gaps in their web invoicing systems. Without the audit, the organization was risking losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax money."

Due to the nature of The Alliant Group business and services we may ask that you complete a full background check. Are you willing to comply?

"I can fully understand why The Alliant Group 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."

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 The Alliant Group 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."

"If you have a mark on your record: "I can fully understand why The Alliant Group 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."

If you had to share difficult information with a client here at The Alliant Group, how would you approach that situation?

"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."

Working in tax preparation for business, both small and large, can often be a thankless job. Your role with The Alliant Group 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.

"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 The Alliant Group, 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."

The Alliant Group Interview Questions

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1. What tax preparation programs do you familiarity working on?
2. What steps would you take in creating a new audit process for a client here at The Alliant Group?
3. How do you feel that your education and career to this point has prepared you to work in the international tax realm here at The Alliant Group?
4. What roles are you comfortable assuming in working as part of a larger team?
5. In what ways would our clients here at The Alliant Group benefit from your knowledge and services?
6. To ensure you are qualified to work for The Alliant Group, do you have a preparer tax identification number (PTIN)?
7. Give an example of a time you used data in analyzing risk for an organization. Did you utilize any tools in this process?
8. If you are hired for this position here at The Alliant Group, what do you think the biggest hurdle for you would be from the start?
9. Being successful in the consulting industry requires adaptability and the ability to learn a business fast. What would be your approach to help you learn the ins and outs of a new client?
10. A key component to success here at The Alliant Group 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?
11. At The Alliant Group, we often work with both small and large businesses on their tax preparation. What common deductions would you recommend for small businesses?
12. If hired here at The Alliant Group, you may have to step out of your comfort zone working in new industries. How will you be able to make this potential seamless?
13. What interests you in joining the business consulting world here at The Alliant Group?
14. Being successful in consulting and working here at The Alliant Group requires the ability to work effectively with Type A personalities. What are your experiences in working with this personality and how did you make the relationships a success?
15. How do you determine priorities when you have multiple projects due?
16. Talk about a time that you successfully educated another individual or group in your area of expertise. What made your educational experience effective?
17. At The Alliant Group, 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?
18. During our busy season here at The Alliant Group, 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?
19. What customer service skills would you be able to bring as a tax preparer for the clients here at The Alliant Group? Why is providing strong customer service important to you?
20. At The Alliant Group, we look to hire those who will be a long term fit. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
21. What logical steps would you take following an internal audit process with our clients here at The Alliant Group?
22. At The Alliant Group, you will have the opportunity to work with high level executives and leaders from the companies we contract with. What experience do you have in working with people at these levels?
23. As a consultant here at The Alliant Group, 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?
24. As a consultant with The Alliant Group, the ability to give sound risk advice to our clients is always expected. What's the greatest piece of advice you've ever given regarding organizational risk?
25. With some of our clients here at The Alliant Group being hesitant to run an internal audit, what points would you use to sell them on the importance of conducting an internal audit?
26. Due to the nature of The Alliant Group business and services we may ask that you complete a full background check. Are you willing to comply?
27. If you had to share difficult information with a client here at The Alliant Group, how would you approach that situation?

The Alliant Group Interview Questions

1. What tax preparation programs do you familiarity working on?

2. What steps would you take in creating a new audit process for a client here at The Alliant Group?

3. How do you feel that your education and career to this point has prepared you to work in the international tax realm here at The Alliant Group?

4. What roles are you comfortable assuming in working as part of a larger team?

5. In what ways would our clients here at The Alliant Group benefit from your knowledge and services?

6. To ensure you are qualified to work for The Alliant Group, do you have a preparer tax identification number (PTIN)?

7. Give an example of a time you used data in analyzing risk for an organization. Did you utilize any tools in this process?

8. If you are hired for this position here at The Alliant Group, what do you think the biggest hurdle for you would be from the start?

9. Being successful in the consulting industry requires adaptability and the ability to learn a business fast. What would be your approach to help you learn the ins and outs of a new client?

10. A key component to success here at The Alliant Group 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?

11. At The Alliant Group, we often work with both small and large businesses on their tax preparation. What common deductions would you recommend for small businesses?

12. If hired here at The Alliant Group, you may have to step out of your comfort zone working in new industries. How will you be able to make this potential seamless?

13. What interests you in joining the business consulting world here at The Alliant Group?

14. Being successful in consulting and working here at The Alliant Group requires the ability to work effectively with Type A personalities. What are your experiences in working with this personality and how did you make the relationships a success?

15. How do you determine priorities when you have multiple projects due?

16. Talk about a time that you successfully educated another individual or group in your area of expertise. What made your educational experience effective?

17. At The Alliant Group, 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?

18. During our busy season here at The Alliant Group, 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?

19. What customer service skills would you be able to bring as a tax preparer for the clients here at The Alliant Group? Why is providing strong customer service important to you?

20. At The Alliant Group, we look to hire those who will be a long term fit. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

21. What logical steps would you take following an internal audit process with our clients here at The Alliant Group?

22. At The Alliant Group, you will have the opportunity to work with high level executives and leaders from the companies we contract with. What experience do you have in working with people at these levels?

23. As a consultant here at The Alliant Group, 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?

24. As a consultant with The Alliant Group, the ability to give sound risk advice to our clients is always expected. What's the greatest piece of advice you've ever given regarding organizational risk?

25. With some of our clients here at The Alliant Group being hesitant to run an internal audit, what points would you use to sell them on the importance of conducting an internal audit?

26. Due to the nature of The Alliant Group business and services we may ask that you complete a full background check. Are you willing to comply?

27. If you had to share difficult information with a client here at The Alliant Group, how would you approach that situation?