Ace Your Bookkeeper Interview: Common Questions and Answers
According to a survey by the National Society of Accountants, bookkeeping is one of the most in-demand accounting services. As such, competition for bookkeeping jobs can be fierce. One way to stand out in the job search process is to prepare for common interview questions. In this article, we’ll go over some common bookkeeper interview questions and provide tips on how to answer them.
Why do you want to work as a bookkeeper?
One common question asked during a bookkeeper interview is why you want to work as a bookkeeper. This question helps the interviewer understand why you want the job and why you are interested in it. To answer this question, be honest about why you chose bookkeeping as a career path. Perhaps you enjoy working with numbers and find satisfaction in organizing financial records. Or maybe you appreciate the stability and flexibility of bookkeeping jobs.
What experience do you have with accounting software?
To be a good bookkeeper, you need to know how to use accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero. Therefore, an interviewer may ask about your experience with such software. Be sure to highlight any specific software you are familiar with and how you have used it in your previous positions. If you don’t have experience with a particular piece of software, emphasize your ability to learn quickly and your general knowledge of accounting principles.
How do you ensure accuracy in your work?
Accuracy is key in bookkeeping, as even small errors can have significant consequences. To answer this question, describe your process for ensuring accuracy in your work. This could mean checking your work twice, using accounting software to make some tasks easier, or having a coworker look over your work. Be sure to emphasize your attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.
Can you give an example of a time when you identified and resolved a financial discrepancy?
An interviewer may ask you about a time when you found a financial mistake and fixed it to see how well you can solve problems. To answer this question, provide a specific example from your work experience. Tell what you did to figure out what was wrong, how you fixed it, and what you learned from the experience. Be sure to highlight any successes or recognition you received for your work.
What is your experience with financial reporting?
Financial reporting is a key responsibility of bookkeepers. Therefore, an interviewer may ask about your experience with financial reporting. Be sure to highlight any specific types of financial reports you are familiar with, such as balance sheets or income statements. Describe how you make sure your reports are correct and on time, and emphasize your attention to detail.
Personal anecdote:
I remember being asked during a bookkeeper interview about my experience with bank reconciliations. I was nervous at first because I had only done this job a few times in my last job. However, I emphasized my general knowledge of accounting principles and my willingness to learn. I got the job and was able to quickly pick up on the specific procedures for bank reconciliations at my new company.
Statistic:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.