20 Tax Manager Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Tax Manager interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. How do you stay on top of regulation changes in tax laws?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to ensure you keep yourself updated of changes in the industry to remain current, highly knowledgeable and at the top of your field.
Answer Example
"I follow [X organizations] on social media, subscribe to [X newsletters/publications] and attend conferences and seminars, such as [X]."
2. Why did you apply to our job posting and why do you wish to work for us?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer why you applied to this particular position and why you would like to work for this employer, specifically. For instance, mention a program or service you saw on their website that really excites you.
Make sure to always do your due diligence before an interview. Review the company website and social media pages to familiarize yourself with the company and products/services/initiatives available.
Answer Example
"I applied for this position because I have the required skills and educational/professional qualifications you require; I know that I am a perfect fit. One of the reasons why I would love to work for your company is due to the numerous industries your clients are in such as (X industries you saw on their website), which will enable me to acquire skills spanning various industries."
3. Tell me in what capacity your education has prepared you for this position.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer how and why you believed you education has prepared you for this role by emphasizing the skills acquired in school that will be transferrable to this job.
Answer Example
"I have worked on numerous tax related projects while in university and have developed excellent time and project management skills. I am positive these skills will enable me to manage any project successfully by respecting all timelines."
4. Tell me about your organizational skills.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your organizational skills as it pertains to the position you are applying for.
Answer Example
"I use to-do lists to keep track of my duties for the day, and prepare to-do lists for the following day each afternoon before leaving for the day. I also set reminders to be reminded of important meetings and deadlines."
5. Why did you decide to pursue a career as a Tax Manager?
How to Answer
Provide an answer as to the reasons that led you to pursue a career as a Tax Manager, and link this answer to the position you are applying for - so as to demonstrate your chosen career field/original career goal is in line with this role.
Answer Example
"I decided to pursue a career as a Tax Manager because I [X reasons for pursuing that career, such as loving numbers and opportunity to independently manage client accounts]. I sincerely feel the position I applied for is a perfect fit as I will be solely responsible for the success of projects and will be able to use my tax management skills and love of numbers on a daily basis."
6. What areas of tax management do you consider your strongest and which are you the most passionate about?
How to Answer
Answer this question by providing your strongest areas in tax management and the ones you are the most passionate about, and why.
Answer Example
"The areas of tax management I consider my strongest are [X areas], as I have had a lot of experience in these areas in my last position at [X company] as an [X last position title]. As you can see on my resume, I was responsible for [X duties related to your strongest areas]. I am also very passionate about [X areas of tax management]; I studied these areas thoroughly in school and these are some I would really like to gain further experience in."
7. Tell me about your time management skills.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your time management skills and your ability to meet all deadlines.
Answer Example
"I pride myself on my excellent time management skills. I always meet deadlines because I am extremely organized and do not wait at the last minute to get started on projects. I use lists and calendar reminders to ensure I do not forget anything and I review these lists daily."
8. Tell me about your technical skills, and the programs in which you are proficient.
How to Answer
Always do your due diligence beforehand by reviewing the job posting, company website and social media pages to familiarize yourself with the work involved. If technical skills are a requirements, including proficiency in specific programs, they are likely to already be outlined on the job posting.
If you applied for this role, the interviewer assumes you already know about these requirements, that you are already proficient and/or that you are currently studying for these programs (i.e., studies in progress).
Answer Example
"I am proficient in (X programs, including some mentioned as requirements on the job posting, if you are proficient). I am also currently studying for (X programs). I additionally read on your posting that you require knowledge of (X program); I am not yet proficient but am absolutely willing to study for this program)."
9. How do you handle stressful situations?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer what you do to handle situations calmly despite the high stress level by providing an example to support your position.
Answer Example
"I always remain calm and look for ways to be more efficient. For instance, if there is an unexpected deadline, I will determine what can be done to ensure the deadline can be met, I will write down the steps to take to ensure successful completion and will delegate a few tasks if necessary. In brief, I am always ready to adjust my approach because stressful situations are bound to occur in a professional environment."
10. Have you implemented tax changes in your current or last company?
How to Answer
Answer this question honestly to the best of your ability as this pertains to a specific area of the employment opportunity. If you are inexperienced in that area, say so by putting emphasis on your desire to learn and willingness to train.
Answer Example
"I have not implemented tax changes in any company, however I am a quick learner and am more than willing to receive training in any area requiring advanced knowledge as my employer will deem necessary."
11. Tell me about your professional qualifications.
How to Answer
Provide an overview of your professional experience while putting emphasis on your tax management experience as per the advertised position, proving you indeed have the qualifications required for this position.
Review the job description before your interview and answer this question by selecting some of the main duties on the posting and telling the interviewer you have performed these duties in the past, when and how.
Answer Example
"I pursued a Bachelor's degree in X at [X university] and upon graduation I worked as an Intern for [X company] where I was responsible for [X tax management duties ]. Since this internship, I have gained considerable tax management experience working for [X company] where I managed [X tax management duties] and for [X company] where I was responsible for [X tax management duties]. These are some of the reasons I believe I am a perfect fit for your position."
12. Why should we hire you?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer your strengths including your qualities and educational/professional qualifications and how they will benefit you in this role.
Answer Example
"In addition to my educational qualifications and experience which I believed prepared me for this role, I am a hard-worker, a team player and work tirelessly to get the job done. I thrive on challenges and always remain extremely committed to the success of any project."
13. What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve it?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer your greatest weakness which can nevertheless benefit you in this position.
Answer Example
"I am sometimes overly independent and incredibly meticulous as I am used to completing projects on my own instead of delegating them, to complete them in a quicker fashion. But I came to realize that I am working as part of a team of highly educated individuals who are as capable as I am and whose perspective can be greatly valuable. As such, I try to seek my colleagues' input as much as possible as we are all working to benefit the company."
14. What is your greatest strength, and how will it help you as a Tax Manager?
How to Answer
Answer by telling the interviewer what your greatest strength is, related to the position you applied for. Ensure to mention how this strength will contribute to your success as a Tax Manager.
Answer Example
"My greatest strength is that I am extremely dedicated. For instance, while employed for (X employer) as a (X position title), I (X further information on your past experience proving dedication to your work, relevant to the job position you applied for)."
15. Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
How to Answer
Provide an honest answer and do not hesitate to mention you would be open to eventually moving up the ladder should the opportunity arise, i.e., that growth opportunities will be more than welcome. This will demonstrate you have leadership skills, a willingness to learn beyond your original job scope, and a desire to commit to your employer.
Answer Example
"I see myself working for the same employer, being established and having grown with the organization and contribute to the bottom line. I hope to keep learning and being given the opportunity to prove myself as a valuable team member."
16. How have you saved your past or current employer money, and how to your stay within budget?
How to Answer
Provide the steps you took or would take to ensure you are cost sensitive.
Answer Example
"To stay within budget, I use a strategic approach by anticipating, and keeping track of, all upcoming expenses. I keep a record of all receipts and update my reports on a regular basis to ensure the most up-to-date information is easily accessible, enabling me to be prepared should an unanticipated expense be required. An example of a time I saved my employer money took place while working for (X company) as (X position title) (... further information proving you indeed saved your employer money)."
17. How will working for us help you reach your professional goals?
How to Answer
Answer this question by telling the interviewer what seems great about the company, e.g., their services, initiatives, growth opportunities, and so on.
Make sure to answer by providing evidence that you did your due diligence before the interview (e.g., by mentioning something exciting you saw on the job posting, company website or social media pages), which demonstrates you are serious about working for this employer specifically and are not simply looking for any job. Link this evidence to your professional goals proving this position was made for you and it is one in which you will excel.
For instance, you can point to their seemingly friendly company culture as per some specific programs or initiatives you came across on their website, and say how friendly and how much of a team-player you are - and that this is exactly the type of work environment you are looking for.
Answer Example
"I saw on your website that your company is participating in [X initiative]. This is a great initiative contributing to the company morale by strengthening relationships while giving back to the community. I always seek the opportunity to demonstrate my team playing skills and hope to work with colleagues I will consider part of my family."
18. What do you know about our company?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your knowledge of the company you applied for. It is imperative to always conduct your due diligence before an interview by reviewing the job description, company website and social media pages to familiarize yourself with the company and work involved. It is also important to show the interviewer you did not apply to the advertised position simply because you are looking for just any job, but that you wish to work for this company specifically.
Answer Example
"I reviewed the job description and website before this interview and know you are a company specializing in (X services you noticed on the company website). I am particularly excited about (X programs/initiatives) that I saw on your (website/social media pages) as I (X reasons you are excited about these programs/initiatives, such as passion or similar initiatives undertaken in school or volunteer capacity)."
19. What differentiates you from other Tax Managers?
How to Answer
Answer by emphasizing your greatest strengths against the advertised position. What do you pride yourself on the most? Which strengths will be, in your opinion, most beneficial to this role? Which will contribute to the company's success? Which strengths make you indispensable?
Answer Example
"I am a hard worker who does not hesitate to go above and beyond to ensure successful completion of projects, and I am more than willing to take on duties beyond my original job scope. I sincerely believe the company's success is my success."
20. What motivates you to perform to the best of your abilities?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your passion for this career, what motivates you to be the best in your field, and what you look forward to the most in this position.
Review the job posting and company website before your interview to familiarize yourself with the company and duties involved, and mention one or many duties that you look the most forward to (related to your motivation), and why. This will show the interviewer that you are passionate about your work and that you also did your due diligence before your interview.
Answer Example
"What motivates me the most is becoming the best in my field, and as a result having the opportunity to make an impact on a greater scale and contribute to the company's long-term success. For instance, with this position, what motivates me the most is the opportunity to (X newly acquired duties that will enable you to help the company be more successful, as per the job posting)."