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Accounting Interview Tips

By Terry Reyes posted 02-27-2019 07:08 PM

  
Have you been called for an accounting interview? If yes, then preparing for such an interview will take more than dressing up. There are many considerations to look at if you want to pass an accounting interview. Here are eight accounting interview tips. 

1. Research 
Before sending off your application form, ensure you finish researching into the accounting organization you are applying. It is ideal that you refresh your mind prior to the interview and understand the particular business you are hoping to join. For example, if you are interviewing for a role focused on tax, be sure to fully comprehend the objective and function of the tax department and the expectations of the company from you. Additionally, it is good to understand the values and culture of the accounting firm better. Referencing them at a particular point during the interview will show your understanding of the firm. 

2. Have Knowledge of the Accounting Industry 
It is essential that you show your up-to-date knowledge and commercial awareness of the accounting industry if you intend to prove that you deserve a place on a scheme of accounting graduates. You could even be asked questions regarding topical business stories in the course of the interview. Therefore, it is ideal that you continually read the news and relevant publications as well as sites, like the Financial Times. If you don’t usually do this, be sure to do it every day prior to the interview. 

3. Know Your Application Form and CV 
Undoubtedly, you will be asked questions relating to your application form and CV. Hence, review these documents in advance. But ensure that you don’t recite what you wrote in your application form and CV as you answer the interview questions. Use what you have written on the documents as a basis for your answers and expand on the information offered in them to offer comprehensive answers and add more insights. 

4. First Impressions Matter 
In an industry such as this one, you will be interacting with customers regularly. Hence, the impression you make will reflect the accounting firm you work for. For this reason, the interviewers will put a lot of importance on the impression you make. Therefore, go for the interview as if you were an accountant already. Dress well and look enthusiastic, happy, and confident. Men's dive watches might make you look outstanding, but you also need to wear a nice suit and ensure that your belt and leather shoes have the same color. Greet everyone with a warm handshake and wear a smile. Everyone refers to interviewers, interviewees in the case of group interviews, and any staff member of the organization you meet. Your interaction during the interview process will be looked at. This is because accounting is based on both relationships and numbers. 

5. Be Enthusiastic and Honest 
You need to be honest the whole time and allow your personality to be seen. Provide the interviewers with honest reasons as to why you are looking to work in the accounting firm and inform them exactly why you are looking to develop your career with the organization’s business stream that you have applied. 

6. Offer Evidence 
When providing answers as to key competencies, always offer evidence that strengthens your suitability for the role. Don’t just give instances from your time in college, but also use relevant instances from work experience placements and volunteering, as well as extra-curricular activities. Attempt using convincing anecdotal evidence where you can. Offer some context and discuss your achievements as you reflect on the lessons learned. 

7. Show Communication Skills 
Accounting organizations are searching for graduates who are engaging, confident, and can talk to customers while building relationships with them. In addition to being a math nerd, you need to have excellent communication skills. Attempt your best to create rapport with the interviewers. As you show confidence, ensure you are not arrogant. Also, ensure there is clarity in your speech, and your personality is seen. 

8. Get Clarification 
If you fail to comprehend a question, politely seek clarification from the interviewer. The interviewers will not think of you differently if you did not get the question the first time. Getting clarification is better than giving the wrong answers. 

Conclusion 
Whichever accounting position you are interviewing for, these tips will give you a competitive edge over other interviewees. You will be more likely to get the job you want.
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