Question 1

Walk me through how you close the books at month end.

Accepted Answer

I reconcile all bank and credit card accounts first, post accruals for expenses incurred but not yet billed, review the trial balance for anomalies, and finalize adjusting journal entries before locking the period, usually within 5 business days.

Question 2

How do you handle a discrepancy between the general ledger and a bank statement?

Accepted Answer

I isolate the exact date and amount of the mismatch, check for outstanding checks or deposits in transit, and trace it to the source transaction. If it's a data entry error I correct it with a documented journal entry, not a silent adjustment.

Question 3

How do you ensure compliance with GAAP in your reporting?

Accepted Answer

I follow the revenue recognition standard, ASC 606, matching revenue to when it's earned rather than when cash is received, and I keep documentation for judgment calls, like estimates for bad debt, so an auditor can trace the logic.

Question 4

Describe your process for preparing for an audit.

Accepted Answer

I organize supporting documentation by account well before fieldwork starts, reconcile any open items in advance, and prepare a schedule of significant estimates and judgment calls so the auditors aren't chasing me for basic backup during the audit.

Question 5

How do you handle a situation where you find an error in a prior period's financials?

Accepted Answer

I assess materiality first, since a small error might just need correction in the current period, but I flag anything material to my controller immediately for a proper restatement, since sitting on it creates bigger compliance risk later.

Question 6

What controls do you follow to prevent errors in accounts payable?

Accepted Answer

I require a three-way match between the purchase order, receiving report, and invoice before payment, and keep approval authority tiered by dollar amount, so anything over $5,000 needs a second sign-off before it goes out.

Question 7

How do you manage multiple deadlines during a busy close period?

Accepted Answer

I build a close calendar with each task and owner mapped to a specific day, prioritize items that block others, like accruals before the trial balance review, and flag any risk to the deadline to my manager as early as possible.

Question 8

Tell me about a time you identified a cost-saving opportunity through your analysis.

Accepted Answer

While reviewing vendor invoices I noticed we were paying two separate subscriptions with overlapping features. I flagged it to procurement, we consolidated to one vendor, and it saved the company about $18,000 annually.

Question 9

How do you approach variance analysis in a budget review?

Accepted Answer

I compare actuals to budget by line item, investigate anything over a 10 percent variance, and separate timing differences from real overspend, like a vendor invoice that landed early, before reporting the variance to leadership as a concern.

Question 10

How do you stay current with changes in tax law or accounting standards?

Accepted Answer

I follow FASB updates and subscribe to a professional newsletter through my CPA membership, and attend at least one continuing education course per quarter to keep my license current and stay ahead of changes before they hit our filings.

Accountant interview questions and sample answers

Job-specific questions

1. Walk me through how you close the books at month end.

2. How do you handle a discrepancy between the general ledger and a bank statement?

3. How do you ensure compliance with GAAP in your reporting?

4. Describe your process for preparing for an audit.

5. How do you handle a situation where you find an error in a prior period's financials?

6. What controls do you follow to prevent errors in accounts payable?

7. How do you manage multiple deadlines during a busy close period?

8. Tell me about a time you identified a cost-saving opportunity through your analysis.

9. How do you approach variance analysis in a budget review?

10. How do you stay current with changes in tax law or accounting standards?

Behavioral questions

11. Tell me about a result you are proud of.

12. Describe a time you improved how something was done.

13. Tell me about a time you had to deliver under pressure.

14. Give an example of working with a difficult colleague or customer.

15. What is something you learned from a mistake?

Before the interview

Interview questions for related jobs