20 accounting job interview questions and how to ace them

Feel confident and relaxed at your next job interview by preparing responses to these common accounting interview questions. Whether you're asked about your accounting background, technical knowledge, understanding of regulations, or accounting processes, we've got you covered. 

And by planning what you want to say in response to the questions we know you’re likely to be asked, you can boost your chances of landing that dream accounting job. So let us begin…

General icebreaker questions

At the beginning of an accounting job interview, you will probably have to answer a few general questions. These could include:

1. Can you tell us about your background and experience?
You are almost certain to be asked this at some point during your interview. When answering, provide a brief overview of your education and any relevant accounting qualifications, such as AAT. Then highlight any relevant workplace experience or – if you have not worked in accounting before – other jobs and voluntary roles you have done. 

2. What motivated you to pursue a career in accounting?
Many people choose accounting because they enjoy working with numbers. Try to think of ways to make your response stand out, perhaps with an anecdote that demonstrates your problem-solving skills. Your answer should also show commitment to finance, so don’t be afraid to mention your ambitions in the field. 

3. Why do you think you’re a good fit for this role?
In answering this question, the aim is to show the interviewer that you’ve understood the role and researched the company. So, talk about how your skill set meets the job description and include some facts about the company – such as any recent achievements or changes. 

As training company managing director Karen Meager told us in an interview a few years ago: “Do a bit of research on the company and pick out three of four facts that you find interesting, such as who their biggest or quirkiest customers are and what their most impressive achievement was last year.”

Top tip 

When we spoke to her for an AAT Comment article, coaching expert Katherine Bryant also recommended looking at things from the other side of the desk. 

“Speaking from a perspective of ‘why I want this role and why it’s good for me,’ rather than ‘here’s the value I’ll add to your team’ is one of the most common mistakes people make,” she said. “Yes, they want you to be happy, but they need to see how you’ll contribute too.”

Questions about your accounting background

Employers need to be sure that you have the requisite knowledge and skills for the role. So, be ready to discuss your education, including any relevant qualifications, in answer to questions such as:

4. Have you obtained any professional accounting qualifications?
This question’s purpose is to determine your level of knowledge, so list any accounting qualifications you already have, as well as any you are working towards at the time of the interview. If you have done A levels or a degree in a related subject, you should also mention these at this point. 

5. How do you stay updated with the latest accounting practices and regulations?
Taking an interest in the latest laws and regulations in the accounting field indicates both professionalism and dedication. So be prepared to talk about how you ensure you stay up to date with changes in accounting standards, financial reporting requirements, and compliance obligations. 

6. What accounting software are you familiar with?
In today's digital age, it’s vital to be proficient with accounting software such as Sage, QuickBooks, or Xero. So, be ready to demonstrate your ability to navigate these tools and perform tasks such as recording transactions, generating financial statements, and analysing data.

Behavioural questions in an accounting job interview

Behavioural questions aim to assess your problem-solving skills, your ability to handle tight deadlines and high-pressure situations, and your approach to teamwork and collaboration. A such, questions you might get in an accounting job interview include: 

7. Can you describe a challenging accounting problem you faced and how you solved it?
Employers often want to know how you approach and solve problems. So, be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you successfully resolved complex accounting issues or implemented innovative solutions. Your response should include an explanation of the problem, the steps you took, and the positive outcome achieved.

8. How do you manage your time and meet deadlines when working on multiple accounting projects?
Meeting deadlines and working under pressure are important skills for an accountant. So, consider how to highlight your ability to prioritise tasks, stay organised, and manage your time. It can help to provide examples where possible.

9. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration within a team?
Accounting often involves working in teams, so employers will often want to test your ability to contribute positively to group projects. So, try to have some examples of successful collaboration experiences ready to go if this questions comes up. 

Top tip

While it’s important to showcase your professional capabilities, interviewers also want to get an idea of how you will fit into the existing team.

As one recruitment expert told us in a recent interview: “Many people think they have to put the most professional version of themselves forward at interview.

“They forget that an interview is all about making a human connection and for both parties to assess if they are the right personality and culture fit for each other.”


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Technical accounting job interview questions 

Accounting job interview questions often cover technical topics via questions such as:

10. What are the main differences between UK GAAP and IFRS?
Employers frequently assess candidates' knowledge of accounting principles and standards, such as UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). So, make sure you understand them in readiness for your interview. 

11. Can you explain how you perform financial analysis using ratios?
Employers will want to assess your analytical skills, often by asking about your ability to perform complex financial analysis, including ratio analysis and variance analysis. They may also quiz you on the preparation of financial reports such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.

12. What is the accounting equation? 
A core principle of accounting, the accounting equation demonstrates that a company’s liabilities and equity are equal to its assets. As such, you will may be asked to explain it during an accounting job interview. 

Questions on accounting laws and regulations

Employers want to ensure you have a solid understanding of the legal framework surrounding financial practices. Questions you are likely to face on this subject include: 

13. Can you explain the process of tax planning and reporting?
Tax laws are crucial in accounting, and employers will want to assess your understanding of tax regulations and how they impact the business. So, practice discussing your knowledge of tax planning, tax reporting, and any experience you have with tax compliance.

14. What steps do you take to ensure compliance with financial regulations?
When answering this question, you should explain your approach to ensuring compliance with financial regulations via audit procedures and internal controls. The aim is to show the interviewer you can be thorough and follow any processes they already have in place. 

15. Can you discuss any experience you have with internal controls and risk management?
Risk management is an important element of many accounting roles. So, be ready to highlight any relevant experience you have in this area to showcase your understanding of their significance in maintaining compliance standards.

Accounting job interview questions about processes

Employers will want to assess your familiarity with critical processes such as accounts payable and accounts receivable. Questions you are likely to have to answer during your interview therefore also include:

16. Can you describe your experience in managing accounts payable processes?
Accounts payable refers to managing and paying invoices received from vendors. In your interview, you can demonstrate an understanding of this process by discussing your experience in handling vendor invoices and maintaining good relationships with suppliers.

17. What strategies do you use to ensure timely collection of accounts receivable?
Accounts receivable focuses on managing the company's outstanding invoices and ensuring timely collection of payments. Your answer to this question could therefore include any experience you have in monitoring customer accounts, following up on overdue payments, and using accounting software to track receivables.

18. How have you been involved in budgeting and forecasting activities?
Budgeting and forecasting are essential aspects of accounting. So, prepare some examples of your involvement in creating budgets, analysing financial data, and forecasting future revenues and expenses. You can also discuss any tools or software you have used to facilitate this process.

Top tip

It’s tempting to try to answer all interview questions in a way that demonstrates your knowledge. But be wary going off on too much of a tangent as this could indicate you are not really listening to your interviewer.

“Answering the questions you want to answer rather than those actually asked does not bode well for your ability to take guidance or work well in a team,” Bryant said.

Questions to wrap up an accounting job interview

If the interview goes well, you’ll probably be asked a couple of questions designed to see how serious you are about taking the job in question. And how you answer these can make or break your chances of getting a call back. Questions of this kind you should prepare for therefore include:

19. What are the workplace benefits that appeal to you the most?
The aim of this question is to find out what you want from your next job in terms of non-monetary advantages, such as a free laptop or a season ticket loan. So be honest about your expectations – it’s already a good sign you’re being asked this, so it’s important to make sure the role is a good fit for you too.

20. Have you got any questions for me?
It’s vital to prepare a few questions that you have about the role, as you will almost certainly be asked this at some point during your interview.

These could include:

  • Can you describe a typical day in this role?
  • What are the good and bad points about working here?
  • I’m keen to maintain a good level of CPD. Can you explain what CPD opportunities would be available in this role?

How to prepare for your accounting job interview

Researching the company and understanding its financial landscape is essential preparation for any job interview. 

It’s also important to gather relevant documents and examples of your previous work in case you’re asked to provide evidence of your qualifications and accomplishments.

To make a good first impression on the day, it’s also sensible to:

  • Wear professional attire: being well groomed shows respect for the interviewer and indicates that you take the opportunity seriously
  • Be open and honest: smile, make eye contact, and be enthusiastic about the job on offer
  • Remember you’re on show: aim to make a good impression on everyone you see, from the receptionist to anyone you meet on the stairs or in the lift

As AAT Comment writer Jason Hesse warned in an article on interviews: “One trick that many interviewers use is to ask the receptionist or PA what they made of the latest interviewee: were they nice, polite, did they pick their nose on the way in? Be aware that you’re being watched.”

Last but not least, don’t forget to follow up with a quick thank you after your interview. As career coach Sarah Jones said when we interviewed her back in 2018: “Make sure you follow up with a LinkedIn message or email afterwards. That extra effort can make all the difference.”


Jessica Bown is an award-winning freelance journalist and editor.

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