How to Prep for an Accountant Interview: 9 Tips from Business Leaders
To help you ace your entry or mid-level accountant job interview, we asked industry experts and hiring leaders for their top advice. From discussing handling errors effectively to demonstrating a passion for the profession, here are the nine specific tips these professionals shared to help you prepare.
- Discuss Handling Errors Effectively
- Showcase Proficiency with Accounting Software
- Highlight Process Improvement Experience
- Provide Real-World Impact of Numbers
- Research the Organization Thoroughly
- Showcase Critical Thinking Skills
- Prepare for an Excel-Based Interview
- Ask Insightful Questions
- Demonstrate Passion for the Profession
Discuss Handling Errors Effectively
Be ready to talk about how you handle errors. Mistakes happen in every industry, whether it’s human errors or issues caused by software or data-related problems. In accounting, these errors can be particularly stressful due to their impact on finances, which can be very sensitive both to individuals and companies.
However, you should be ready to talk about how you handle such situations during your interview, as questions about overcoming obstacles or failures are quite common. The best tactic is to prepare a story about how you successfully addressed an error. If your professional experience is limited, you can go back to a time when something went wrong on a student project or even while managing your personal or family finances.
To structure your response effectively, use the STAR method, adapting it to the specific question. This framework can be very helpful in describing how you handle difficult situations while focusing on positive outcomes and showcasing your problem-solving abilities and proactive attitude.
Maja Kowalska, Career Expert & Community Manager, Zety
Showcase Proficiency with Accounting Software
Over the years, I’ve found that preparing entry- to mid-level candidates for job interviews involves a few key strategies. One tip I would give to a job seeker preparing for an entry- or mid-level accountant job interview is to thoroughly review and be ready to discuss their experience with accounting software and other industry-standard tools. Employers often seek candidates who are proficient with software like QuickBooks, Excel, SAP, Salesforce, or Oracle.
Showcasing your experience with these tools can set you apart from other candidates. Additionally, prepare examples of how you’ve used these tools in past roles or projects to solve problems. This approach will allow you to demonstrate your technical skills and your ability to apply your knowledge in real-world situations.
TK Morgan, Founder and Visionary, Tuesday At 1030
Highlight Process Improvement Experience
Interviewees should emphasize their experience in developing or refining accounting processes. For example, they can mention how they identified a recurring issue with delayed payments or missed deadlines and took the initiative to find a solution. They can explain how they implemented a new system or adjusted existing procedures to solve the problem.
The interviewee should also try to use specific metrics to illustrate the impact of the changes they implemented. This approach showcases their ability to address inefficiencies and problem-solving skills, which are highly valuable in an accounting role.
Daniel Kroytor, Founder and Director, Tailored Pay
Provide Real-World Impact of Numbers
My ability to connect those numbers to real-world business outcomes set me apart. In one interview, I shared how I streamlined a small business’s expense-tracking system, which led to a 20% reduction in unnecessary costs. I didn’t just talk about the numbers; I showed how those numbers impacted the business’s bottom line. That’s what made me stand out.
Employers want to see that you’re not just crunching numbers—you’re using them to drive decisions and add value. So, when you walk into that interview, be ready to share specific examples of how your analytical skills have made a tangible difference.
Christopher Pappas, Founder, eLearning Industry Inc
Research the Organization Thoroughly
I’ve consulted on hundreds of hires. What makes any accounting candidate stand out? First of all, they’re prepared for the interview. They’ve found out everything you can about the organization and the position.
The best-prepared applicant I ever encountered went far beyond checking out the company’s website and online articles about the company, and actually called a number of employees who held the type of position she was applying for as well as several of their managers. So she was able to show her understanding of the specific issues these employees faced and the ways the company wanted to deal with those issues.
Barry Maher, Principal, Barry Maher & Associates
Showcase Critical Thinking Skills
I value a candidate’s ability to think critically. Taking a moment to process a question, even if it feels uncomfortable, demonstrates strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. It shows me that the candidate is focused on providing an accurate and thoughtful response rather than rushing to give an answer.
Kimberley Tyler-Smith, VP of Strategy and Growth, Resume Worded
Prepare for an Excel-Based Interview
Be prepared for an Excel-based interview section. A large part of an accountant’s job, especially an entry- or mid-level accountant job, involves utilizing Excel. Throughout your prior job experience and schooling, you’ve probably become pretty accustomed to Microsoft Office as a whole, but for this interview, you should brush up on higher-level Excel shortcuts and formulas in case you have to show off your Excel knowledge.
Rubens Basso, Chief Technology Officer, FieldRoutes
Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of your interview, you will most likely be given the opportunity to ask questions. I believe this is your opportunity to express your interest in the position and the firm. Prepare a few intelligent questions that demonstrate you’re considering the job from a strategic standpoint.
For example, you could inquire about the company’s financial risk-management strategy, how they address changes in accounting legislation, or what issues the accounting staff is currently facing. Another useful question may be regarding prospects for professional development inside the company, demonstrating your desire to advance with the organization. Inquiring about the technologies and systems currently in use can also help you determine how your experience corresponds with their requirements.
Thoughtful questions can help you stand out by expressing your enthusiasm to contribute meaningfully to the organization and your readiness to face the role’s responsibilities.
Timothy Allen, Director, Oberheiden P.C.
Demonstrate Passion for the Profession
As someone who regularly recruits for accounting roles at all levels, I’d advise the job seeker to demonstrate passion for the profession. Explain that you believe the interviewing company is an ideal place for you to grow your career in the field you love.
Really “show up” for your interview by coming prepared and polished to show how much you care about landing that specific role. And be sure to share your desire for continuous learning and demonstrate the knowledge you’ve already gained. Such sincere enthusiasm will propel you to the top of the short-list and improve your chances of securing the job.
Susan Snipes, Head of People, Remote People
