Finance Clerk interview questions and answers
Use these sample Finance Clerk interview questions to identify candidates who can perform basic accounting and finance administration tasks. Similar job titles include Accounts Receivable Clerk.
10 good finance clerk interview questions
- You need to retrieve data from a spreadsheet, but there are some formulas you don’t recognize. How would you go about getting what you need?
- A coworker asks to see the expense reports of another department. How would you respond?
- If you realized you made a mistake on a report, what would you do?
- What information would you need to compile a report on accounts receivable?
- What would you do if our system broke down while you were in the middle of a transaction?
- What would you do if your manager gave you inadequate instructions for a process you were unfamiliar with?
- What would you check first if you found a billing discrepancy?
- Describe your main duties as a Finance Clerk.
- What accounting software have you used?
- How do you ensure data entry accuracy?
Here are 10 essential interview questions and sample answers to help identify the best candidates for this role.
1. You need to retrieve data from a spreadsheet, but there are some formulas you don’t recognize. How would you go about getting what you need?
This question tests the candidate’s problem-solving skills and their ability to navigate complex spreadsheets.
Sample answer:
“I would first try to understand the formula by breaking it down. If I still couldn’t figure it out, I’d consult with a colleague who has more expertise in Excel formulas.”
2. A coworker asks to see the expense reports of another department. How would you respond?
This question assesses the candidate’s understanding of confidentiality and ethical considerations in the workplace.
Sample answer:
“I would politely inform them that I can’t share that information without proper authorization from a supervisor or the concerned department.”
3. If you realized you made a mistake on a report, what would you do?
This question evaluates the candidate’s integrity and their approach to rectifying errors.
Sample answer:
“I would immediately correct the mistake and inform my supervisor, providing both the incorrect and corrected versions for transparency.”
4. What information would you need to compile a report on accounts receivable?
This question tests the candidate’s understanding of accounts receivable and what goes into creating a comprehensive report.
Sample answer:
“I would need details like invoice numbers, customer names, amounts due, and due dates to compile a thorough accounts receivable report.”
5. What would you do if our system broke down while you were in the middle of a transaction?
This question assesses the candidate’s crisis management skills and customer service abilities.
Sample answer:
“I would first ensure that all data is saved or written down. Then, I would inform the customer about the situation and assure them that we are working to resolve it as quickly as possible.”
6. What would you do if your manager gave you inadequate instructions for a process you were unfamiliar with?
This question gauges the candidate’s initiative and problem-solving skills.
Sample answer:
“I would seek clarification from my manager first. If they are unavailable, I would consult any available resources or colleagues familiar with the process.”
7. What would you check first if you found a billing discrepancy?
This question tests the candidate’s attention to detail and their approach to problem-solving in financial matters.
Sample answer:
“I would first verify the amounts against the original invoices and contracts to identify the source of the discrepancy.”
8. Describe your main duties as a Finance Clerk.
This question helps you understand the candidate’s experience and whether it aligns with the job description.
Sample answer:
“My main duties include data entry, maintaining financial records, processing invoices, and assisting in the preparation of financial reports.”
9. What accounting software have you used?
This question assesses the candidate’s familiarity with tools commonly used in financial roles.
Sample answer:
“I have experience with QuickBooks and Microsoft Dynamics for accounting and financial reporting.”
10. How do you ensure data entry accuracy?
This question evaluates the candidate’s attention to detail and methods for ensuring accuracy in their work.
Sample answer:
“I double-check all entries and also use built-in verification tools within the accounting software. Periodic audits also help in ensuring accuracy.”
What does a good finance clerk candidate look like?
A good finance clerk candidate is meticulous, ethical, and proficient in accounting software. They should have strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
Finance Clerk Interview Questions
Finance Clerks conduct basic financial transactions and perform administrative tasks. They maintain billing records, calculate taxes and process receipts.
An accounting degree is not usually required for this role, but familiarity with financial regulations, like Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), will help candidates stand out. Excellent math skills are also essential. Consider testing candidates on their knowledge of MS Excel and/or Google Sheets.
Your future hires will handle sensitive financial data and keep organized records. Look for responsible people who exude professionalism. Your ideal candidates are detail-oriented and good multi-taskers. Those who prefer a structured work environment with organized procedures are more likely to stay motivated while performing repetitive tasks. If the position involves talking to clients, evaluate candidates’ communication and customer service skills.
Let’s summarize some of the questions and add a few more divided into specific types.
Operational and Situational questions
- You need to retrieve data from a spreadsheet, but there are some formulas you don’t recognize. How would you go about getting what you need?
- A coworker asks to see the expense reports of another department. How would you respond?
- If you realized you made a mistake on a report, what would you do?
- What information would you need to compile a report on accounts receivable?
- What would you do if our system broke down while you were in the middle of a transaction? What would you tell a customer who was waiting for the transaction to go through?
- What would you do if your manager gave you inadequate instructions for a process you were unfamiliar with?
- What would you check first if you found a billing discrepancy?
Role-specific questions
- Describe your main duties as a Finance Clerk.
- What accounting software have you used?
- What recordkeeping system do you use to ensure records remain confidential?
- Describe the process of a bank reconciliation.
- What types of documents do you need to verify an invoice?
- How do you ensure data entry accuracy?
Behavioral questions
- How do you prioritize your work when you have multiple duties?
- How do you stay focused when dealing with repetitive tasks?
- How do you learn about new finance regulations and laws?
- Describe a time when you had to complete a project under a tight deadline. How did you organize your schedule to make sure you wouldn’t fall behind?