Job Interview Tips 2016: Common Questions & Answers For Accounting Jobs

If you are going for an Accounting job interview, it is essential that you prepare exceptionally well. Why? Because an Accounting job demands accuracy and one wrong answer could discredit the qualifications & experience that has gotten you to the interview stage.

No one wants to lose out on a job because they did not take their time to rehearse the specifics. For this reason, here are common questions to expect in an Accounting job interview.

Common Interview Questions & How To Answer

1. Tell me about yourself?
By now you should have realised that this is a must-ask question in most job interviews. It is necessary as it gives the employer an opportunity to identify with you better. To give a suitable answer, focus on your qualifications and experience and how they match the job in question. Don’t give too much personal information; employers are more interested with your experience and why you want the job in question.

“My name is Josephat Kambo, I am a Certified Public Accountant and a Degree holder in Commerce, Accounting option. I have 2 years experience working as Accountant in Company X and possess a great concern for detail.(you can proceed to talk about the specifics of your job) I enjoy working with numbers, and I am now looking to work in a more demanding environment for further growth in my career.”

You can also answer this question by detailing what you do as an Accountant. More on this question here.

2. Take me through your daily, weekly or yearly activities as an Accountant
This is more of a direct question and the employer or recruiting officer wants to know if your experience as written on your CV can be articulated verbally. Do you relate to your job responsibilities? The good thing about this question is that it is open-ended, meaning that you can begin anywhere you feel comfortable. So rehearse this over and over.

Your answer – the employer expects you to demonstrate your understanding of various Accounting functions such as Bank reconciliations, reports (PNL, Monthly Clauses), Quickbooks, Petty Cash, Payroll, Invoices or any other detail that is related to the job you are interviewing for.

3. What is your understanding of Statutory Deductions/Tax Issues?
For Accounting professionals in Kenya, these are two areas you need to be well prepared for if you want to do well in the job interview. Do not assume that you know the basics, instead, identify with the new changes if any. For example, NHIF and NSSF rates for Statutory deductions.

When it comes to Tax issues or returns, the employer wants to know how knowledgeable you are with the iTax platform that is now being advocated for. Also, familiarize yourself with any changes in PAYE, VAT, Income Tax and Withholding Tax. Knowing the details will matter.

4. What is the most challenging Accounting task you have solved?
Here, the employer or interviewer wants to understand how you deal with problems in your job. Remember an Accounting job is all about numbers and accuracy, meaning that a small error is huge for you. In your answer, make sure you bring out your prowess in handling errors.

Suitable answer – “While working with XYZ company I was assigned to various challenging tasks including one where I was needed to… (give a challenging experience that you handled with ease).”

On the other hand, if you do not have the experience required, employers would want to know how you would handle difficult tasks. So think of a scenario before the interview.

The interview can be the reason you lose out on a job, but if you are well prepared you can ace it and get the job.

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