Prepare for your Accounting Associate interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your accounting experience. It’s important to show them that you have a strong background in working with numbers and financial data so they know you’re qualified for the job.
Answer Example: "I’ve been working as an accounting associate for the past five years, so I am very comfortable working with numbers and financial data. During my time as an accounting associate, I’ve learned how to use different software programs to record and track company finances. I’m also familiar with accounting principles like double-entry accounting and accrual accounting."
This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience level with accounting software. It’s important to mention which programs you’re most comfortable using and why.
Answer Example: "I have extensive experience using Microsoft Excel for creating spreadsheets, managing financial data and creating financial models. I also use QuickBooks for small business accounting software because it’s easy to navigate and provides all the features I need to manage client accounts. In my last role, I learned how to use Sage 50cloud for enterprise accounting software, which has more advanced features than QuickBooks."
This question is a great way to assess your understanding of the role and how you plan to fulfill it. Your answer should include a few key responsibilities of an accounting associate, as well as how you plan to use your skills and experience to help the company succeed.
Answer Example: "As an accounting associate, my main goal is to provide high-quality service to clients while ensuring that their financial records are organized and accurate. I also look forward to working with other members of the team to ensure that all projects are completed on time and within budget. In my previous roles, I’ve found that collaboration is key to success, so I plan to continue this practice in my new position."
This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with auditing procedures and standards. Use examples from previous work experience to highlight your knowledge of these processes and procedures.
Answer Example: "In my last role as an accounting associate, I worked on a project where we had to audit all of our client’s financial records for compliance with GAAP standards. This involved reviewing all of our client’s transactions and documents to ensure they were recorded accurately. It was important for me to understand these procedures and standards so that I could accurately complete the audit."
An accounting associate should be able to identify mistakes in financial reports and resolve them quickly. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience in this area and can explain how you would handle it in their company. In your answer, explain what mistake you identified and what steps you took to fix it.
Answer Example: "In my last position as an accounting associate, I noticed that one of our clients had not been billed for their monthly subscription service. This mistake could have resulted in lost revenue if we hadn’t caught it. I immediately contacted the client to let them know about the error and assured them that we would fix it immediately. Then, I worked with our billing department to ensure the client received their subscription service without any additional charges."
This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your experience and how you view your role within their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few specific tasks that you would be responsible for as an accounting associate.
Answer Example: "My primary role would be to support the senior accountant with all of their projects and tasks. I am familiar with most accounting software programs and can easily navigate through them to complete necessary tasks. I also have experience with creating financial reports and analyzing data to identify trends or issues."
This question can help the interviewer assess your accounting skills and how you would react in a challenging situation. Use examples from past experiences where you noticed a discrepancy, investigated it and corrected the problem.
Answer Example: "If I noticed a discrepancy in one of my reports, I would first make sure that it was an actual error and not just an oversight on my part. If it was indeed an error, I would correct it immediately so that it does not affect any other reports or calculations. Then, I would look into why the error occurred in the first place so that I can ensure it does not happen again."
Accounting associates often work under tight deadlines. Employers ask this question to make sure you can meet their company’s expectations for productivity. In your answer, explain how you manage to stay organized and complete tasks on time. Share an example of a time when you worked under pressure or a deadline and how you overcame the challenge.
Answer Example: "I work well under pressure because I am always prepared for any situation. In my last role, I had to prepare financial reports for our quarterly meetings within two weeks. I knew this was a tight deadline, so I organized my time wisely and prioritized my tasks. I also made sure to ask for help when needed. Working under pressure can be stressful, but I find that if I stay organized and focused, I can usually get everything done."
This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with accounting processes that are specific to large organizations. Use examples from previous work to highlight your skills in this area, such as how you managed payroll for a large company or organization.
Answer Example: "In my last role, I worked with payroll data for over 1,000 employees at a time. I was responsible for entering information into the system correctly so that it could be processed correctly by the deadline. This required me to be organized and efficient when entering information so that there were no errors in the system. My attention to detail helped me ensure that all employees received their correct wages each week."
Internal communication is an important part of any organization’s success. The interviewer may ask this question to see how you would improve communication between accounting staff and managers. In your answer, explain the steps you would take to ensure all employees are up to date on company news and updates.
Answer Example: "I believe that improving internal communication between accounting staff and managers starts with having an effective communication strategy in place. I would first make sure that all employees knew about the company’s communication policies and procedures. Then, I would work with management to create regular communication channels such as monthly meetings where staff can ask questions and receive answers."
The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with accounting software. If you have previous experience using bookkeeping software, describe what type of software it was and how you used it. If you don’t have any experience working with bookkeeping software, explain that you are willing to learn new software programs.
Answer Example: "I have worked with several different types of bookkeeping software in my previous positions. I am familiar with the basics of Intuit QuickBooks, FreshBooks and Xero accounting software. In my last role, I was responsible for entering all incoming invoices into the company’s QuickBooks account and tracking expenses using the expense tracking feature. I also used the invoicing feature to send out bills to clients."
Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and experience. They want to know what makes you unique from other candidates, so they can decide if you’re the right fit for their company. When answering this question, think of two or three things that make you stand out from other accounting associates. These things can include your experience, education or personality traits.
Answer Example: "I believe my experience and skills make me stand out from other accounting associates. I have been working as an accounting associate for five years now, during which time I have gained extensive knowledge of financial reporting standards and procedures. My knowledge of Microsoft Excel has also helped me create efficient spreadsheets for data analysis."
This question can help the interviewer determine your career goals and how you plan to achieve them. It’s important to have a plan in place for achieving certifications, so be sure to outline what steps you’ll take to obtain them.
Answer Example: "I plan on taking the Certified Public Accountant exam in the next two years. I’ve already started studying for the exam by taking online courses and reading up on current tax laws. I also plan on attending seminars and conferences where I can network with other CPAs and learn from their experiences."
This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. You can answer by identifying one or two skills and explaining why they are important for accounting associates.
Answer Example: "I think the most important skill for an accounting associate is communication. Accounting is a team-based job, and I often work with other professionals like accountants and bookkeepers. Good communication skills allow me to collaborate effectively with these people and ensure that our work is accurate and timely."
This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with auditing and how often you perform them. Use your answer to highlight your knowledge of auditing procedures, including any certifications or training you’ve received.
Answer Example: "I perform audits once or twice a month, depending on the size of the company I’m working with. I always make sure to follow the company’s guidelines when performing an audit so that I’m sure to capture all necessary information. In my last position, I worked with a small business that only required quarterly audits. However, at my current job, I perform monthly audits for a larger company."
This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. It also shows the interviewer that you are willing to take responsibility for your work and find solutions to problems. Your answer should include steps you would take to fix the bug, as well as highlight any relevant skills or experience you have in this area.
Answer Example: "I would first check the user manual for any updates or fixes. If there were none, I would contact customer service to see if they had any suggestions. If none of these options worked, I would call in another colleague to help me complete my tasks."
