Accounting Job Interview Guide

Before you even land that interview for your dream job, you have to look for the right company and the right people.

Networking is important in job-hunting. Only 5 – 25% of jobs are advertised in newspapers or online ads, and as such, you can only find about the unadvertised opportunities by talking to as many people as you can and letting them know about what kind of job you are looking for.

First of all, don’t be afraid to ask people for their help. Chances are, they’ll feel flattered and important that you asked for their assistance for the job search. Make sure you bring copies of your resume or your business cards every time you go out. You never know who you’re going to meet and giving out your business card makes it easier for them to contact you!

You can also join a professional organization related to your career field as these are often the top venues for networking. Who knows, your friends in the industry might be your next colleagues or even bosses!

Once you’ve found a job, be sure you thank everyone in your network that has helped you out. Business contacts are important, and you should be polite with everyone. Keep on networking even while you have your new job because you never know when you’ll be needing their help again.

Numbers, budgets combined with intrigue and whodunit make up the career path of forensic accountants. These people mix their accounting, auditing and investigative skills to evaluate and construe business and financial data and can take part in trials as professional witnesses. They do have an unlikely combination of an delicate eye for detail, a firm background in both accounting basics and legal concepts and a be fond of the excitement that comes with law as well as order. Forensic accountants must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, having a CPA certification and if possible, be a certified forensic accountant (CrFA). They must be persistent and a creative thinker and an effective communicator with analytical and research skills.

Body language – It doesn’t matter whether you’ve done a single or a hundred interviews, you’ll still feel the jitters when you’re about to do one. Maintain your composure and avoid fidgeting while being interviewed.
Establish rapport with the interviewer – Some people are able to form opinions in the first few minutes of the interview. Asking relevant questions demonstrate that you are serious in your application for the position.
Present your experience, highlight your potential. –Let them realize the benefits they will gain in hiring you.
Negotiate for the salary. – Find out the current rate for the position before the interview for better bargaining. Present a range rather than a fixed amount.

Practice make perfect and rehearsing answers to possible questions will prepare you for the big day. Here is a list of some questions most likely to be asked:
What are your strengths? your weakness?
Give an account of your goals for the future.
When faced with a difficult superior, co-employee, client, how would you react? Can you give a specific incident.
How would you act under tight demands of the job?
What is your perception of an ideal manager?
Describe your best performance and why do you consider it as such.
Are you able to meet deadlines? Give an example.
When answering question, be sure to highlight your strengths.

The company controller’s function is multifaceted, varied and caters to the type and size of the organization. A CPA qualification and strong managerial skill are required for the position. He must keep abreast of existing guidelines. Following is a sample job description for the position:
Supervises the company budget and provides measures to direct expenditure.
Does accounting processes, reports and analysis of financial matters, directs the preparation of financial statements.
Analyzes and interprets the financial data and gives suggestions for the enhancement of financial systems and performance.
Coordinates the yearly audits
Makes available the chart of accounts
Looks after vendor and customer relations
Presents financial data to senior management.

Before attending an interview, do a research about the company so as to be prepared when asked about them. This would also give you a better understanding of the company’s goals and objectives, and you’ll give the impression that you’re interested about the organization. This could be done by browsing through the company’s website and looking up every information you can get about them, from the Head of the organization to their current projects and accomplishments. Be aware of the latest news; read copies of their press releases. While studying the company profile, you’ll also be able to weigh the pros and cons of being an employee of the said company.