28 Senior Accountant Interview Questions & Answers
1. Tell me about your leadership skills. Do you enjoy leading and teaching others?
How to Answer
Are you a natural born leader? Do you enjoy leading a team? Discuss any leadership qualities and experience with the hiring manager. Be sure to use examples of times when you have taken on a leadership role. What was the feedback that you received?
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am a natural leader and I really do enjoy being a leader. I have taken on multiple projects in my current role. Most recently, I was leading a team of 12 junior accountants. The feedback on the project was strong and I felt that the accountants working under me in this project received my guidance openly."
Written by Rachelle Enns
2. Have you ever used an ERP or SAP system before?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager about any exposure you have had to SAP or ERP systems. How do you feel that you could improve? Where do you feel your strongest skills are.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Yes, I have used both an ERP and SAP system in my previous roles. I would say that I have approximately 8 years exposure in each. My strongest experience comes with data analysis and documentation through SAP."
Written by Rachelle Enns
3. Would you consider yourself a beginner, intermediate or expert user in QuickBooks?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager about your level of comfortability with QuickBooks. Have you been tested recently on your QuickBooks abilities? If so, you can certainly talk about that.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Recently I was given the opportunity to test my skills in QuickBooks when I was being considered for an opportunity through a placement agency. They tested me on my QuickBooks skills and I came out as an Advanced level user."
Written by Rachelle Enns
4. Would you consider yourself a beginner, intermediate or expert user in Excel?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager about your level of comfortability with Excel. Have you been tested recently on your Excel abilities? If so, you can certainly talk about that.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Recently I was given the opportunity to test my skills in Excel when I was being considered for an opportunity through a placement agency. They tested me on my Excel skills and I came out as an expert level user."
Written by Rachelle Enns
5. We require a Senior Accountant with strong technical skills. Are you able to quickly learn new programs?
How to Answer
It is important to be technically savvy. Talk to the hiring manager about your ability to learn new programs and use a variety of software.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am very savvy when it comes to new technology. Learning new programs and software comes very easily to me. Currently, in my position, I am the Subject Matter Expert when it comes to Excel, Quickbooks and Simply Accounting."
Written by Rachelle Enns
6. While attending University, what was your favorite course and why?
How to Answer
What was your best course, and why was it so? Talk to the hiring manager about your best post-secondary course.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My best course while attending my post-secondary education was Management Accounting and Control. I feel that I did so well because the Professor was very interesting. I really enjoyed learning about budgeting, organizational architecture, product costing and decision making."
Written by Rachelle Enns
7. Tell me about your post-secondary education. What particular Accounting designations do you hold?
How to Answer
Having the proper designations for the role is very important. Tell the hiring manager about your post secondary experience and accounting designations.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I attended my post-secondary education at the University of Florida. Completing my Bachelors of Finance in 2009, I returned to part time studies in 2011 to obtain my CPA."
Written by Rachelle Enns
8. What are your long-term goals as an Accountant?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about the type of growth that you would like to see in your career, long term. Discuss why this is important to you and what you plan to do to get there.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My long term career goal is to complete my masters' degree in finance. I plan to attend evening and weekend courses. This will allow me to take on even more senior accounting tasks while still remaining employed on a full time basis."
Written by Rachelle Enns
9. What are your short-term career goals as an Accountant?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about the type of growth that you would like to see in your immediate career. Discuss why this is important to you and what you plan to do to get there.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My short term career goal is to complete my CPA. I have just one course remaining. This will allow me to take on even more senior accounting tasks in the near future."
Written by Rachelle Enns
10. What qualifies you for this position, and why should we hire you?
How to Answer
Assure the hiring manager that you are the best possible fit for the role by discussing your qualifications, strengths, and what sets you apart from the others.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"In addition to meeting all of the educational experience you are asking for, I also have the additional PMP designation which qualifies me to lead accounting based projects for your firm. This is a unique combination and I feel it is just part of what makes me a stand out candidate."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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11. Tell me about your experience as an Accountant.
How to Answer
It's best to start at the beginning of your accounting career, and work your way to your most recent position. Talk about any complicated projects you have worked on, who you have supported, and if you have ever led a team.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I began my career with company XYZ immediately after graduating with my Bachelor's Degree in Finance. I have worked my up from there to a Senior Accountant role with the same company. I primarily work with corporate accounts but do have experience in personal accounting as well."
Written by Rachelle Enns
12. Why did you choose to pursue a career as an Accountant?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about how you came to choose Accounting as your career path. You can make the answer a bit personal if you wish.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Growing up, my father was an Accountant and my mother was a bookkeeper. I always took an interest in problem solving and numbers. Accounting was a natural career for me to pursue."
Written by Rachelle Enns
13. Do you work well on a team? How do you define teamwork?
How to Answer
As an Accountant, much of your work will likely be independent but some project teamwork will be required. Talk to the hiring manager about your ability to work as part of a team.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am a strong team player and will often take on a leadership role when given the opportunity. To me, teamwork means that everyone ensures that the project is running smoothly by doing their part. On larger projects that require teamwork I feel it is always best to utilize each individuals' strengths and have them feel accountable for their work."
Written by Rachelle Enns
14. How do you control errors in your work?
How to Answer
While working on a project, errors can happen. Talk to the interviewer about how you manage/control these errors.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am always sure to check in regularly when it comes to the progress of a project. I ensure that my staff members feel comfortable bringing up changes and suggestions to me when they see room for improvement. Having everyone's eye out for required changes and potential errors really helps with controlling any potential mistakes."
Written by Rachelle Enns
15. Describe to me what qualifications you feel a person applying for this position will need, in order to have the most success?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager that you are able to understand the qualifications required to be successful in this position and that you personally possess these qualities.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I feel the qualifications required for this role would be a strong mixture of education and experience. You would really benefit from a candidate who has experience working on more complicated corporate financial portfolio's, which I certainly do."
Written by Rachelle Enns
16. Do you work well under pressure?
How to Answer
As an Accountant, you will often be working on high pressure deadlines. Assure the hiring manager that you are able to be productive even under high pressure situations.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"As an Accountant, I am very accustomed to working under very tight and important deadlines. They don't bother me at all and I work quite well under intense conditions."
Written by Rachelle Enns
17. What has been the most significant decision you made at work this year?
How to Answer
As a Senior Accountant, you will have to make important decisions on a regular basis. Talk to the hiring manager about the biggest work related decision you have been asked to make.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"The most significant decision I have been asked to make this year was when our firm was downsizing. I needed to make recommendations on who to lay off. It was very difficult but I remained diplomatic when making the recommendations."
Written by Rachelle Enns
18. Take me through your latest budget preparation.
How to Answer
Take the hiring manager through your budget preparation steps. Be to the point when giving your answer. If the interviewer would like for you to elaborate on particular steps, they will ask.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My latest budget preparation was a very in-depth project. I began by updating the budget assumptions. Then, reviewed any bottlenecks. Next, I determined whether any step costs existed and then created a budget package."
Written by Rachelle Enns
19. Describe the systems you have in place for keeping track of assignments given to staff members.
How to Answer
Being able to manage the timeline and delivery of multiple assignments is really vital. Talk to the hiring manager about how you remain organized and on track.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Currently, I manage 6 staff members. In order to ensure that all assignments are tracked, I use a web based service called Freedcamp. This allows me to track the stage that each project is in. Everyone can update their progress in office and remotely as well."
Written by Rachelle Enns
20. How have you monitored the regulations that affect your accounting position?
How to Answer
Discuss with the hiring manager how you keep on top of new regulations that affect the Accounting industry.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am a member of IFAC and, as such, I am able to stay up to date on new regulations that affect the accounting industry. I am also a strong researcher which helps me to keep on top of the regulations and any changes. "
Written by Rachelle Enns
21. How do you stay organized as an Accountant?
How to Answer
Being organized is very important when you are working with numbers and finance. Discuss with the hiring manager how you are able to remain organized on the job.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I stay organized by utilizing all programs provided to me by the firm I currently work for. We use a couple of web based programs that are very easy to use. Also, I ensure that my team meets every day in order to discuss our priorities and upcoming deadlines."
Written by Rachelle Enns
22. How do you prioritize your work when you have multiple deadlines to meet?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about how you are able to prioritize your work when there are multiple deadlines present.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"When I have multiple deadlines present, I am able to prioritize by keeping a full understanding of what my client is looking for. I realize that all deadlines must be met so I will, of course, work any overtime hours required to meet my deadlines."
Written by Rachelle Enns
23. Tell me about a time you handled a complex financial project with a tight deadline that required precise data collection and analysis.
How to Answer
Assure the hiring manager that you are able to meet very tight deadlines on complex projects. Give an example of the project by discussing the clients' needs, any support you have received during the project, what the expectations were, and how you met them.
Written by Rachelle Enns
24. Tell me about the latest changes in tax laws.
How to Answer
How do you remain up to date on tax law changes? Talk to the hiring manager about how you ensure that you stay up to date on the latest tax law changes.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I stay up to date on the latest tax laws through subscribing to a variety of finance and accounting related publications such as money.com, Forbes and time.com."
Written by Rachelle Enns
25. Give me an example where you used your skills to bring down costs for a client.
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager about a time that you have been able to present cost-savings to a client through the utilization of your accounting skills. Walk them through your example, bringing the situation to life for them.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am very proud of my ability to bring down client costs through my very thorough analysis process. Last year I was able to save one of my commercial accounts an additional $3500 per month by taking a much closer look at their expenditures and making recommendations for streamlining."
Written by Rachelle Enns
26. If hired, how do you intend on making a difference with our company?
How to Answer
Making a difference quickly after being hired is really important to the interviewer. How will you do this?
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I plan to make a difference with your company right away by bringing my organizational and strong corporate accounting skills to you. I have the ability to influence clients and mentor staff which I plan to utilize in order to make an impact on your firm immediately."
Written by Rachelle Enns
27. What do you know about our company?
How to Answer
Display that you have researched the company prior to your interview. Talk to the interviewer about your findings.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have researched your company a great deal prior to the interview and I was also familiar with your firm prior to applying as well. What I enjoy most about your company is your clean reputation in this city. Your brand is a great one and the level of customer service is impressive."
Written by Rachelle Enns
28. What is your preferred industry to work in?
How to Answer
Are you a generalist, or do you prefer to be an accountant in a particular industry? Talk to the hiring manager about your industry preference. Be careful not to express interest in an industry that the hiring company does not have work in.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I really do prefer corporate accounting within the hospitality industry. I think this is because I am familiar with the industry and find it easier to uncover unique ways for my clients to leverage their money."
Written by Rachelle Enns