Baker Tilly Interview Questions & Answers

The application process began with an application form which asked general questions such as why accountancy, why our firm, there were a few more unusual questions as well such as 'if you had £100,000 to invest what would you invest in?'. If you were successful in this you were moved on to the online tests which were the normal kind of verbal and numerical reasoning. Some people I spoke to at the assessment centre said that they had a phone interview as well, I personally didn't so I couldn't say what to expect but just be prepared. If you were successful in the tests you were invited to the assessment day. The day began with more numerical and verbal reasoning tests (no harder than the practice ones available online). Then there was a group exercise which was a discussion of which option was most financially viable for a company (don't worry it just needed common sense looking at pros and cons and making a decision as a group). We then took a break for lunch after which about half the group was told they had been unsuccessful and were sent home. Then came the interviews, the first was with a couple of members of the management team but was generally just competency based questions. Then you were given a presentation to do individually on the problems and possible solutions a company was having (again common sense) followed by a short Q&A. After this came the final interview with a partner and a member of the management where they asked you more competency questions and why this company, why accountancy, your interests etc.

What was the most difficult time you've ever had?

Make a good impression in the early stages of the assessment centre because people were sent home after lunch so just make sure to do some practice tests before you go and make yourself heard during the discussion. Make sure that you contribute, don't be shy but make sure to listen to others as well. I would also recommend just being yourself in the interview.

Numerical and Verbal reasoning tests
Group discussion
Interview (competency based 40 mins approx.)
Presentation
Final Interview (competency based 40 mins approx.)

Started with an online application, fairly straight forward stuff. Then onto tests at the head office in blackfriars, just numerical and verbal ones, fairly easy. Then got called back for an assessment day which started with 11 of us in a group exercise. We got given a case study about a business that was failing and 6 options that would turn it round and we had to decide as a group the pros and cons of all options and make a decisions. Just be confident, speak your mind and listen to others, try and be a team player (it's what they're looking for). They then got rid of 3 so there were 8 of us left. Went for manager interviews (just basic competency questions) which were fine. Got rid of another 3 of us so there were 5 left and then we had to do an individual presentation to a partner about a case study you were given (had 30 mins to prepare) then you had a chat with partner about you, what you wanted, why Baker Tilly etc. The X-factor style assessment day was pretty brutal when people left but if you make it through there's a sweet job at the end!

Why BT?
Why accountancy?
Where do you want to be in 5 years time?

Be confident, speak clearly, think logically and be a team player. You're all graduates with zero experience in the working world and on paper you're all the same so you need to stand out from the others on the day. Dress smart, have a shave and shine your shoes (basic stuff). Be confident, stand up and sit up straight all day. Be attentive and don't drift off at any point, they're watching your every move. Most importantly, you need to relax and be yourself as if you are, the rest will come easy. Do some reading on the company and express a genuine interest in your role / the company and talk with enthusiasm!

As above