Accounting Mock Interview

Master 30 Accounting interview questions covering reconciliations, financial reporting, and audit scenarios.

Question 14 of 30

Do you plan on attaining your CPA?

Entry Level
Experience
How to Answer
Example Answer
Community Answers

Bobbi Witt is an HR Manager and Senior Level Finance and Accounting Consultant. Her experience includes 9 years at a Fortune 500 company where she held a wide range of financial and management accountabilities.

"When I started school I always knew I'd try for my CPA when I graduated, but I was naive and didn't know how in-depth the process would be. I have all the credits, the one year experience, and have signed up to sit for the exam. Does this company provide financial assistance for taking this exam? Or allow time off to study a few days before the exam?"

Bobbi Witt

"I've worked in Accounting for 15 years and have studied on and off for the exam but to date, my career has not warranted the necessity of that certification. I am, however, open to taking the exam. I have all the requirements and qualifications for it though I'm curious if it is a necessary part of this job? If so, I'd happily sit for the exam."

Bobbi Witt

This question is pretty standard. If you haven't considered going for your CPA, you should know the requirements. Look into the state requirements where you live in or where you intend to move. Different states have different types of regulations and qualifications.

Knowing whether or not you're going to try for your CPA is an important step in the career of an Accountant. This may be a good time to counter question the interviewer as well.

Bobbi Witt

"I'm seriously considering it and have all the necessary college credits and coursework. The only thing I'm missing is the one year of experience working with a CPA. Is there a CPA here that I would be able to work under to get that qualification?"

Interview Coach

Jaymie

A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.

Typically responds within 24 hours.

0 - Character Count

Anonymous Answer

I already have an ACCA qualification and if there are no opportunities to take me to the US, I wouldn't need a CPA. So, no.
But, I would be interested in taking the CTA, if I can find the time.

Chad's Feedback

Good start. You provide direct reasoning to support your decision not to pursue your CPA. To strengthen this response, I suggest asking the interviewer if a CPA is required for the position you are interviewing for. If it is, inform the interviewer if you have the necessary requirements and qualifications to sit for the exam.

Previous Question Next Question

30Accounting Interview Questions & Answers

1.What is your knowledge and experience using QuickBooks?

2.Give me examples of the accounting reports you've prepared.

3.Give me an example of how SOX compliance has affected your career.

Accounting Mock Interview

Do you plan on attaining your CPA?

30Accounting Interview Questions & Answers

1.What is your knowledge and experience using QuickBooks?

2.Give me examples of the accounting reports you've prepared.

3.Give me an example of how SOX compliance has affected your career.

4.Tell me about a time you updated or revised an Accounting process.

5.What cost-cutting initiatives have you been part of?

6.How do you stay updated on all the accounting rules and techniques?

7.Give me an example of a challenging tax situation that you have encountered.

8.Give an example of when internal controls needed to be changed or updated and how you handled the change.

9.Discuss your experience in the financial analysis of your previous company's projects.

10.Tell me about the financial forecasting you've been responsible for.

11.Give an example of a time when you caught an invoice error before it was paid out.

12.What courses were your favorite in college while preparing to be an accountant?

13.Give me an example of how your strengths help you in Accounting.

14.Do you plan on attaining your CPA?

15.Give me an example of why you chose this career field.

16.Give me an example of your least favorite Accounting task.

17.A start up company needs help understanding GAAP. How would you explain why GAAP is important?

18.What financial planning have you handled in the past?

19.In what instance would you use LIFO compared to FIFO?

20.When looking at the COGS on the P&L statement, what are some examples of variable costs?

21.Give an example of something you'd put on a sub-ledger that wouldn't be included on the General Ledger.

22.How do you calculate DSO (Days Outstanding)?

23.What responsibilities do you have during month-end?

24.Give an example of an exciting project you worked on in Accounting.

25.What ERP systems and accounting softwares have you used?

26.Give an example of when you have seen or corrected the Trail Balance from being out of balance?

27.Describe to me a time when you faced an ethical dilemma regarding your work.

28.Describe a time when you had to use numerical data or a graph to convince a manager.

29.Describe one of the biggest mistake you've made on the job.

30.How do you ensure accuracy when you prepare monthly journal entries, record transactions, etc.?