Getting an accounting career started is both an exciting and a nerve-wracking journey, most especially when the spotlight is focused on job interviews. Whether you’re pursuing a Diploma of Accounting or a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, preparing for your interview is a crucial process.
Melbourne is home to numerous accounting firms, and having a strategic approach can help you stand out from the crowd.
This blog will provide you with key tips to help you succeed in accounting job interviews.
Before going into an accounting job interview, it is necessary to look back at some of the basic principles within accounting. Interviewers tend to ask questions on things considered fundamental as a way of illustrating how updated one is concerning the position.
This table provides a quick reference to these key accounting concepts:
Accounting Concept | Definition | Example |
| Accounting Equation | Assets = Liabilities + Equity | Assets: $100,000; Liabilities: $60,000; Equity: $40,000 |
| Double-Entry Bookkeeping | Every transaction affects at least two accounts | Debit: Cash, Credit: Revenue |
| Financial Statements | Reports that summarise the financial performance and position | Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement |
In getting ready for a job interview in the accounting field, research is extremely important. Knowing what the company’s culture, values, and recent achievements are may be a game-changer in the process.
Example: If you are applying for an accounting position in Melbourne, then being aware of recent mergers, acquisitions, or market expansions really shows that you are interested and engaged with the firm.
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In an interview, you may receive some incorporated personal questions aimed at drawing out your motivations and personality.
What are your reasons for taking up accounting?
Sample Answer: “I have a strong interest in numbers and analysis. I enjoy this field, solving complex problems while understanding the financial implications that emanate from the business decisions made. It offers a structured way with which to pursue these interests.”
What do you do in your spare time?
Sample Answer: “During my free time, I like to read about financial trends or the latest developments in the accounting world. I have also been doing some volunteer work as the treasurer of a local non-profit organisation, through which I have been able to apply or relate my accounting knowledge to a real-world scenario.”
The interviewers are expected to ask about your long-term career goals and why you want to work for their company.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Sample Answer: “In five years, I envision myself to be a top accountant, taking on more responsibilities and contributing to the firm’s strategic decisions.”
Why do you want to work for our company?
Sample Answer: “I’m particularly drawn to your company because of its strong reputation in the industry and your commitment to continuous learning and development. I am eager to contribute to and grow with a firm that values professional growth and is innovative.”
Essentially, behavioural questions have been designed to understand how you have handled situations in your past and how you might approach them in the future.
Describe a situation in which you were working together with a team to look for a solution to a problem.
Sample Response: “In my Diploma of Accounting, for example, I worked on a project in which I was required to deal with the financial performance information for a firm as a group. We later realised a variance in the financial statements, and I acted to ensure that we had a forum for the discussion so as to solve the problem. We distributed the tasks, and with proper coordination between us, we managed to solve the mishap, hence a good mark on our project.”
Can you maybe give an example for me from your own experience where you were in a difficult situation at school or work?
Sample Answer: “In the course of my Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping diploma, I remember one very trying moment where I was put under oodles of pressure with what seemed an impossible task with the tight deadline thrust upon me: the task was really intricate in detail, and a wrongly balanced amount could have spelled grief. I did the job in order, headed straight, and met the task on time and with high accuracy.”
You will likely be asked to discuss your technical competencies in accounting software during the interview.
For instance, “I became proficient in being able to use Xero for dealing with financial transactions, preparing reports, and preparing BAS statements through my studies. I am now better equipped to perform tasks as a result of using this tool.
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Mock interviews are a good way to which one can gain self-confidence and upgrade their performance in a real interview.
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Communication and your body language are as important in an interview as your technical knowledge.
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Preparation for a job interview in accounting is about many things other than just brushing up on one’s own technical knowledge. It involves reading oneself, practising, and strategising for development.
Understanding key accounting principles, researching a company, preparing for common interview questions, and getting your interview skills ready through dozens of mock interviews should instill confidence and poise in you.
Don’t forget, you’re not just looking to land any accounting job; you’re working towards kickstarting a long and fulfilling career in accounting. Enter every interview situation with authentic enthusiasm, a growth mindset, and a goal of being your best self.
