Accounting Manager interview questions and answers
This set of Accounting Manager interview questions is designed to help you identify skilled candidates to manage your accounting department. Similar job titles include Accounts Receivable Clerk.
10 good accounting manager interview questions
- Can you mention three types of special journals?
- What methods have you used to estimate bad debt?
- What accounting software have you used?
- What is fraud analysis? Can you walk me through the process you’d follow step-by-step?
- What ERP systems have you experience working with?
- How do you track your team’s progress on delegated tasks? Name any tools you use.
- What information and metrics do you need to prepare an annual budget?
- Are you familiar with SFAS (Statement of Financial Accounting Standards)?
- How do you ensure data accuracy and minimum errors in your reports?
- How would you deal with an error in customer payment?
Here are 10 essential interview questions and sample answers to help identify the best candidates for this role.
1. Can you mention three types of special journals?
This question assesses the candidate’s basic knowledge of accounting journals.
Sample answer:
“Certainly, the three types of special journals commonly used are the Sales Journal, Purchase Journal, and Cash Receipts Journal.”
2. What methods have you used to estimate bad debt?
This question evaluates the candidate’s understanding of credit risk and its impact on financial statements.
Sample answer:
“I have used both the percentage of sales method and the accounts receivable aging method to estimate bad debt.”
3. What accounting software have you used?
This question gauges the candidate’s familiarity with accounting software tools.
Sample answer:
“I have experience using QuickBooks, SAP, and Oracle Financials.”
4. What is fraud analysis? Can you walk me through the process you’d follow step-by-step?
This question tests the candidate’s understanding of fraud detection and prevention.
Sample answer:
“Fraud analysis involves identifying discrepancies in financial records. I would start by conducting internal audits, then move on to advanced data analytics to spot irregularities.”
5. What ERP systems have you experience working with?
This question assesses the candidate’s experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
Sample answer:
“I have worked with SAP and Microsoft Dynamics extensively.”
6. How do you track your team’s progress on delegated tasks? Name any tools you use.
This question evaluates the candidate’s leadership and project management skills.
Sample answer:
“I use tools like Asana and Trello to track the progress of tasks and ensure deadlines are met.”
7. What information and metrics do you need to prepare an annual budget?
This question tests the candidate’s understanding of budget preparation.
Sample answer:
“I would need historical financial data, projected revenue, fixed and variable costs, and key performance indicators.”
8. Are you familiar with SFAS (Statement of Financial Accounting Standards)?
This question gauges the candidate’s knowledge of financial accounting standards.
Sample answer:
“Yes, I am familiar with SFAS and ensure that our accounting practices are in compliance with these standards.”
9. How do you ensure data accuracy and minimum errors in your reports?
This question assesses the candidate’s attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Sample answer:
“I implement a rigorous review process and use automated error-checking features in accounting software.”
10. How would you deal with an error in customer payment?
This question evaluates the candidate’s problem-solving skills and customer service approach.
Sample answer:
“I would first verify the error, then communicate transparently with the customer and rectify the mistake promptly.”
What does a good accounting manager candidate look like?
A strong Accounting Manager candidate should have a deep understanding of accounting principles, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to think strategically. They should also be highly organized and have strong analytical skills.
Red flags
Be cautious of candidates who lack attention to detail, have poor communication skills, or seem disengaged during the interview. These could be indicators of a poor fit for an Accounting Manager role.
Accounting Manager Interview Questions
Accounting Managers develop and implement systems for collecting, analyzing and reporting financial information. They’re also responsible for managing accounting staff to ensure smooth day-to-day operation of the accounting department.
Your ideal candidates should have an academic background in accounting or finance, coupled with solid accounting work experience. You can use these questions to test their knowledge of accounts payable/receivable processes, reconciliations and budgeting activities. To succeed in this role, your candidates should be familiar with a variety of accounting procedures and have excellent analytical skills.
This is a senior-level position, which means your candidates will manage a team of accountants. You should ask about previous experience with leading a team to identify your candidates’ abilities to coordinate projects and delegate tasks. It’s equally important to find how your candidates perform under deadlines and whether they’re able to multitask while paying attention to detail.
Let’s summarize some of the questions and add a few more divided into specific types.
Operational and Situational questions
- Can you mention three types of special journals?
- What methods have you used to estimate bad debt?
- What accounting software have you used?
- What is fraud analysis? Can you walk me through the process you’d follow step-by-step?
- What ERP systems have you experience working with?
- How do you track your team’s progress on delegated tasks? Name any tools you use.
- What information and metrics do you need to prepare an annual budget?
- Are you familiar with SFAS (Statement of Financial Accounting Standards)?
- How do you ensure data accuracy and minimum errors in your reports?
- How would you deal with an error in customer payment?
Behavioral questions
- What resources do you use to stay up-to-date with changes in legislation?
- Have you ever implemented any improvements to accounting procedures?
- Describe a time when your team managed to achieve ambitious goals you set. What did you do to support them and how did you motivate them?
- What’s the most challenging analysis problem you’ve faced at work?