Accounting Interview Questions & Answers

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

The initial interview was a 45 minute, competency-based interview with a graduate recruiter from the firm.

Questions asked included 2 situational judgement questions, e.g. I am an experienced member of a team and I'm giving a presentation to a client. During the presentation new member of the team who has joined from a different business area questioned your methodology, how do you react? How would you take into the fact that the client was present? I mentioned that depending on how valid I thought their comments were, e.g. their comments may have been applicable to their previous business line but not the one in question, I would either give my opinion on why it wasn't valid or mention that it was a good point but I would leave it until the end of the presentation to discuss it in more detail.

Other questions included describing a challenging situation I have faced, a time when I have dealt with an angry customer, a company I think is doing badly (I mentioned RBS), what 4 key issues they faced, what opportunities they have to improve.

There were also motivation questions such as why public sector audit, what do you know about KPMG (I mentioned that they now audit more UK-listed companies than any other firm, that the professional support is excellent, exemplified by the fact that Raylene Whitford, a current KPMG employee and originally a traniee with the firm, won New Accountant of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards 2012). Finally there was an opportunity to ask them questions. My advice would be really take this opportunity to show your interest in the firm, ask questions like what is the office culture like, what do you think is the best aspect of working at KPMG, etc.

Tell me about a company which is doing badly. What 4 issues are facing them. What do you think is the biggest issue. What opportunities do you think there are for the company to improve.

Do as much preparation as you can. All the behaviours they will test are online and they will email you the specific behaviours they are going to test during the interview. Preparation is key. Also find out about the firm and be really sure you have good reasons for wanting to work at the firm. I found that preparing answers and having notes in front of me during the interview helped me calm down. Although my previous experiences with competency-based interviews have been negative, I really made sure I did my homework this time round and it seemed to have paid off. I managed to pass the telephone interview stage.

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I applied to the fast track option for Deloitte which was an intensive 3 step process taking place over 1 week.

The interview contained questions testing competencies in areas such as teamwork, leadership and knowledge of the market (I would point out that the presentation on the previous day actually gave advice on what they were looking for). In essence, the interview consisted of questions like 'tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision?'

Finally on passing this stage, I made the 5 minute presentation, which was then scrutinized by senior management. For example, I was questioned on why I had suggested a certain tax law change to see if I could stand against criticism.

'Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision' (Gauging the level of difficulty is key)
'Tell me about a time you had to multitask, and how did it work out?'(Finding a example which sounds difficult enough, opposed to 'I was doing 3 coursework assignments at once!')

On a more general basis, each interview question required 2-3 examples for each competencies. For example, I would have to describe 3 times when I had to work as part of a team. This can get tedious considering the interview is up to an hour long and I needed 2-3 examples for each question.

Be prepared: research the company and think about how YOU as a person would fit in there (e.g. do you car about corporate sustainability? are you outgoing?). You need to walk into an interview know what you are going to say about yourself, even if you do not know the questions.

Most companies do provide you with what they are looking for beforehand, so you can get an idea of what they are looking for.

Have more than one example for each competency, and make sure they are varied! I have failed in the past because most of my examples have been from my previous employer and I appeared one sided. Think of extra-curricular examples such as uni societies.

Lastly - when answering questions, be clear and to the point. The reason I did not get the offer is that my interviewer had to dig for more information by asking extra questions, as my answers were vague at times.

The assessment centre involved going to the company offices where we had a 20 minute presentation with a Partner on the story of Deloitte, followed by a 30 minute Q&A session with first and second year Trainees.

Once this was completed, we took part in 2 individual 'email exercise', the first of which where we had to respond to emails using multi-choice answers. The situation was that I was a manager in an office and was provided a large variety of documents which contained information such as work schedules for my team and their skill sets, costs of potential ventures, etc. This section tested both my attention to detail as well as consistency. The second part was composing an email to give an opinion on which venture a client should invest in, using the information provided. Each of these sections was 30 minutes long.

If we passed, we were invited back the following day and asked to prepare for a one-on-one interview and 5 minute presentation for senior management on changes to tax law.

First off let me mention that my experience of the selection process will probably be different to many of the graduates applying for this role (I applied through a recruitment agency). The first step of the selection process was the verbal and numerical tests, I was invited to sit these in the RSM office and did not take these online.
I was given a booklet with the numerical and verbal reasoning information mixed together, I was given 10 minutes to read through the booklet before being given the test paper with the questions on. It is important that you don't rush this step, read through all of the information and try to understand it. I was with 2 other people in the same room and they both made notes, I decided not to make any notes because of the time constraint and instead jotted down what information was on each page so I could easily refer back to it. I was given 20 minutes to answer 40 verbal reasoning questions and 35 minutes to answer 30 numerical questions. If you have reading the information properly this is not too hard, the difficultly lies in being able to access the correct information quickly.

I was then called back for an assessment day this consisted of an interview with a member of the HR team and an audit manager followed by a case study and a partner interview. I was the only person to attend this day so there was no group exercise.

The first interview was a competency based interview, they asked about my A level grades, my university experience and general examples of key competencies that I had demonstrated. I would suggest that you come with examples but don't learn answers off by heart, it should sound genuine. They then asked me to step outside and they discussed whether to take me on to the next stage, you could be sent home at this stage.

I then progressed to the case study. I was given a one page report on a company that was failing and was asked to produce a 10 minute presentation to a partner. The case study was not hard, most of the information is handed to you and its all common sense and commercial awareness. I was worried about this stage but for me it was the easiest of the lot.

I then had an interview with the partner, this was much less formal we discussed the case study, how RSM could help the company in its current situation and some general questions about myself, my education and my work experience. This interview was conservational and relaxed and the partner seemed really interested in what I had to say and was extremely passionate about the firm. I hope this helps for those who have interviews in the future, best advice is to be yourself, be honest, be relaxed and be prepared.

Describe a time when you have had to deal with a conflict?
Describe a time when you have had to convince someone of your potential?
Describe a time when you have persuaded a team to follow your direction?

One of the things that they said they like about me was that it was obvious that I had done my research. Read accountancy age, financial times or business news so you can show a genuine interest in the current financial climate.
Make sure you know what audit is what you will be doing day to day. If you can find out changes that have happened in the industry recently such as new European Audit Directives or changes to legislation that will effect the firm then this will give you an edge. Just relax, you are there because they are impressed with you up to this point. You are all graduates with next to no experience so be confident; if you go into an interview thinking it is the be all and end all you will become nervous, there are loads of opportunities for graduates so don't stress and enjoy the experience.

The interviews and assessment centre was rolled into one, I have described the structure and content of the assessment centre in the interview section.

The phone interview was super relaxed, it was the best one I've had - it felt like I was having a chat with a friend I haven't spoken to in ages and needed to catch up with.

Assessment day - There were 3 parts to this, a group case study, a partner interview about the case study and an one-to-one interview with all the competency questions.

I found the partner one the most difficult because they give you more information on the case study and I got asked about things in more detail, so, for example, I was asked to suggest some things the Partner may need to ask the CEO of this fictional company, I suggested knowledge of the 5 year plan, to which I was asked how you go about doing a 5yp.

I had absolutely no clue about the detail on how to do this, but they were fine with me saying I wasn't sure - you're not expected to know everything

Grant Thornton are all about the personality, just keep calm and be yourself - the reason I got the offer was because I was quite confident and relaxed. They also don't expect you to know everything so it's fine to admit gaps in your knowledge once or twice as long as you show a willingness to learn

We got about 20 mins to read the case study silently, then 30mins to discuss it as a group, with 5 to present.

We then got another 20ish mins to read the additional information before our partner interviews

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.)

Application started with competency questions, very typical: describe a time when you have: team work, leadership, overcome fear etc. Following this was a numeracy test and logical reasoning test (the sequence type you do in IQ tests). Once you have successfully completed this stage, it's the telephone interview. Naturally I swatted up on the company, however this was not necessary. It was entirely competency based with one question regarding the ACA exams, (just 'what do you know?'). The rest of the questions were what I had answered in the application process, however they had my answers in front of me so I had to have different examples.

My feedback was that she liked my honesty, if I said I didn't know or asked for more information on the type of answer she required, she saw that as a positive.

Through this stage, was an assessment centre, which contained a group task (to see team work), a numeracy test, logical reasoning test and written exam, all lasting 20 minutes. The written was the hardest as you are pushed for time. Just ensure it is in the form of a report as that is what they are looking for, content wasn't too important.

Final interview is with a partner or senior director. Mine was surprisingly informal, chatting about secondments and opportunities within the firm. This was to see how easily I held a conversation with a senior member. Again, I was asked very typical questions: what do you expect from Accenture, where do you want to be in 5 years etc. Lasted around 40 minutes, 20 minutes of questions, 20 minutes of informal chat. Not a strict interview.

One on one interview was hard. It was completely theory based.

Google typical competency questions as through the process you will be asked them all! Ensure you know what the role you are applying for does and read up on Accenture clients (they may ask). I also know someone who got asked about a recent news story they were interested in, so be prepared to answer that (if it is about one of their clients they are even more impressed). Be confident and don't be afraid to say that you don't know. At the end of the day, every graduate they take on is there to be trained. You don't need an accounting background, in fact the more diverse the better, gives you more to talk about.

The assessment centre contained a group task (to see team work), a numeracy test, logical reasoning test and written exam, all lasting 20 minutes. The written was the hardest as you are pushed for time since you also have to read a 16 page booklet in this time. Just ensure it is in the form of a report as that is what they are looking for, content wasn't too important.

The group task (for me there were 6 people) was how to make a company more sustainable. We were all given a sheet to read to the group and we had to decide how we would invest the company's money to bring the highest publicity with the best economic options. They were not really interested in what we picked, it was how we came to the decision and the balance of listening and giving our opinions that they were interested in.

We then had lunch (where they say you are not assessed). While you are not assessed, still be on your best behavior and ask insightful questions as I have since sat in as an employee and once the candidates have left, I have been asked by management who I thought was good enough for the job.

If you score highly enough on the exams (you get the results through the post) and impress in the group presentation, you get through to the final interview. It is rare if you get to this stage to then no be offered a job.

I had two interviews for Deloitte, the first was with a previous graduate and the second was with one of the partners.
The first interview was mainly competency based and lasted around an hour, with roughly 5 questions being asked. The questions centered around commercial awareness, leadership skills, teamwork skills, problem solving skills and achievements. Each question was followed by a few smaller questions relating to my previous answer and were quite probing.
I passed the first interview and then attended the partner interview which was much more intense. This involved a presentation revolving around the changes being made in the accounting industry which I found very challenging! I could tell my interviewer had strong opinions on the topic and so I thought it was quite difficult to please him. I also had a few more competency based questions, as well as questions regarding my motivation for the job and hopes for my career.

The presentation was the most difficult part as I found it difficult to find information beforehand that I could talk about confidently.

Make sure presentation is well prepared and that you have some fairly recent examples for your competency based questions- a few of mine were examples from high school and this was part of my feedback. Commercial awareness is also a big factor!

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The final interview is with a senior employee of GT. The environment is very relaxed and I didn't feel under pressure whatsoever. I was asked the usual Why GT, Why Tax, and then tested on 6 competencies. The interview lasted around 45 minutes and with good preparation is an enjoyable experience.

There weren't any. I don't think GT were trying to catch me out, rather they were being cooperative in the process.

Be prepared for the telephone interview questions and build on these for the assesment centre.

I was definitely nervous before but having visited the office, the calm and relaxed atmosphere eased my concerns. The day was split into three: case study alone, then a competency interview, then an interview regarding the case study, then a final group exercise.

Firstly there is an online application form to pass.

Then there are two stages to the Public Sector Internal Audit (PSIA) recruitment process which is different to the other schemes the recruit for.

The first stage interview was with a senior manager. Firstly I received a test booklet which I had 45 minutes to complete. it contained a mix of numeracy questions and verbal reasoning questions. The numeracy isn't difficult (just brush up on your mental maths as its without a calculator). The verbal reasoning was things like word association- however these can be practised for free online.

After this there was a comprehension exercise. I was given a sheet of A4 with a case study on. (wont go into details as I believe each is different). I had 10 minutes to read and make notes. Then I was asked things like "What is the issue here? Who are the key stakeholders? What potential solutions can you think of and are there any issues you may encounter with these."
This was something you can't really prepare for, just make sure you think of the stakeholders carefully and make sure you see the bigger picture.
From there the rest of the interview was a standard competency based interview with questions like; " Why Mazars? Why PSIA ( the scheme you've picked? Tell me about a time you've lead a team? What makes a good role model in your opinion, and when have you acted as one?"
Just prepare answers to a broad range of competencies and you should be fine. Also be sure to know Mazars key values.

I was informed I was successful in a few days. The second interview was with a company partner (director). I had to prepare a 5 minute presentation on internal audit, to give at the start of the interview, you will be told this in advance.
After the presentation the interview is a standard competency based interview. Questions like "when have you been creative? When have you adapted your style to suit a team?"
The interview was more relaxed. There were also questions about my work history and university degree, this seemed to be done to get a feel of me as a person.
My only advice for this interview would be prepare standard competency question answers using th STAR technique, and once you're there smile, and let your personality come across- they want to see you, not a robot.

Tell me about a time you have let a team.

When have you had to work flexibly and how did you demonstrate this?

When have you encountered issues in your work of personal life, and how have you looked to over come them?

What motivates you and how do you keep self motivation?

Prepare thoroughly.
Use well thought out examples for competency questions.

Most importantly try not to be nervous and remember to smile. Mazars want to see you personality and how you would fit into the team , as much as anything else.

No assessment centre. There are two rounds of 1:1 interviews.