5 Ways to Prepare for a Remote Accounting Interview
Jillian Minore
Recruiter, Kruze Consulting
Jillian Minore is a professional recruiter with over 8 years of recruiting experience, half of that in hiring accounting and finance professionals within financial services consulting.
As a former social worker, she is candidate experience-centric and loves nothing more than helping an accountant find their next role. With a passion for traveling, she’s become an expert at crafting detailed lists for her next adventure.
Accounting interview tip #1
Understand the role
No two roles are created equal. A Controller in one company can be vastly different from a Controller in another. A position’s responsibilities are uniquely tailored for each specific company. The day-to-day duties can differ based on industry, company size, revenue, and the services provided.
With more and more job sites offering easy apply as an option, it’s become commonplace to skim over job applications. This isn’t inherently wrong when applying, but once you’ve landed an interview, it’s important to thoroughly review the job description.
One of the best ways to prepare for your next accounting interview is to know the role inside and out. Be prepared to highlight how your skills add value specifically to this position.
Accounting interview tip #2
Research the company
One of the most common mistakes a candidate makes during their interview is not researching the company. A lack of research shows the employer that you aren’t interested in them and what they do. Respect should be mutual. An interviewer took the time to research your resume and experience, the same is then expected for the candidate to research the company. If you aren’t willing to put in the effort for an interview, then what effort would you put into the job?
Read up on the company’s website, and know its mission, clients, and leadership team. At the bare minimum be prepared to discuss the service they provide. Employers want to see that candidates are excited to join the company, and research is the best way to do just that.
Accounting interview tip #3
Practice mock interviewing
The age-old adage of practice makes perfect is true for many things, including interviewing. There’s no better way to improve at something than by practicing it. Luckily, a remote interview compared to an in-person interview takes off some of the pressure and makes practicing easier.
An easy way to have a mock interview is through a video chat with a friend, family member, or partner. Consider potential questions that might be asked during your interview and prepare your answers. Understand that a variety of questions will be asked during your interview.
Your confidence will grow as you practice and become more comfortable answering various questions. Focus on your tone and speed. You want to provide enough detail, but not ramble. Practice explaining your experience, skills, and achievements, and how they would translate to that particular role.
Questions to Prepare For:
- Behavioral Questions: (i.e. Tell me about a time when you had to prioritize tasks to meet an urgent deadline. What was your strategy?)
- Technical Questions: (i.e. Can you walk me through the typical steps you would take during a month-end close process?”)
- Standard Questions: (i.e. What type of work environment do you prefer and what aspects of our company culture appeal to you most?)
Accounting interview tip #4
Prepare questions to ask
While preparing for the questions you might be asked during the interview is important, preparing the questions you want to ask the interviewer is equally essential. They are two sides of the same coin. There are a host of reasons to prepare questions to ask which benefits both parties.
To the interviewer asking thoughtful questions displays your interest in the position. Wanting to learn more about the company and role, is key in standing out in the candidate pool. However, it’s also beneficial for you as the interviewee. The questions you ask can determine if this is the right fit, everything from professional development, company culture, team structure, and even benefits. A good rule of thumb is to have at least three to five questions prepared for each interviewer.
Accounting interview tip #5:
Brush up on accounting fundamentals and industry trends
Understanding accounting concepts through and through might seem like an obvious tip for an accounting interview, but technical questions on an area you haven’t touched in some time can throw off even the best accountant. In most interviews you’ll be asked questions surrounding GAAP principles and both your experience and knowledge of core accounting functions such as financial statements. Come prepared for an interview not only knowing this information but also how you’ve applied it in your previous experiences.
Additionally, it’s essential to stay up to date on any industry trends before your interview. Accounting, tax, and finance are always evolving. New laws are passed, job markets shift, requirements for licenses can change, and there are always major developments in accounting companies.
The industry as a whole has seen a huge shift, particularly with technological advancements and market dynamics. Read reputable publications, attend relevant workshops, and participate in online webinars. During your interview, you can discuss these industry trends and how they are relevant to the company and this position.
Additional Accounting Interview Tips
- Show up on time
- Come prepared with your salary expectations
- Don’t speak negatively about prior employers and roles
- At the end ask about the next steps in the interview process
- Follow up with a thank you note after the interview
These tips can help you succeed in any accounting interview. Remember to thoroughly prepare and be confident. Interviews can be scary but stay calm and be yourself. Let your knowledge and enthusiasm for accounting shine through.
