Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Accounting Assistant Roles – 2025

As an accounting assistant, you play a crucial role in ensuring the financial stability of a company. To help you prepare for your job interview, we have compiled a list of 20 questions and answers that will showcase your knowledge, skills, and experience in this role. Whether you are just starting your career as an accounting assistant or looking for a new opportunity, these questions cover all the essential areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your experience in the accounting field.
  A: I have been working as an accounting assistant for the past 3 years. Before that, I completed a one-year accounting program and obtained my certification. I have experience in handling accounts payable and receivable, reconciling bank statements, preparing financial reports, and assisting with month-end close.
• 2. What interests you most about working as an accounting assistant?
  A: I am drawn to the analytical and problem-solving nature of the job, as well as the opportunity to work with numbers and financial data. I also enjoy being a valuable member of a team and contributing to the financial health of a company.
• 3. How do you keep yourself updated with changes in accounting laws and regulations?
  A: I regularly attend webinars and seminars on accounting topics, and I am a member of professional organizations such as the AICPA and the Institute of Management Accountants. I also make it a point to stay updated with industry news and regularly read financial publications.
• 4. How would you handle a situation where a client or team member disagrees with your financial report?
  A: I would first listen to their concerns and gather information to understand their perspective. Then, I would explain the data and calculations used in the report and provide any necessary supporting documentation. If there is still disagreement, I would seek assistance from my supervisor or another team member to find a resolution.
• 5. How do you prioritize and handle multiple deadlines in a fast-paced work environment?
  A: I am highly organized and can effectively prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. I use a to-do list or a project management system to ensure I meet all deadlines. I also communicate with my team to address any potential conflicts and make adjustments as needed.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell me about a time when you identified and resolved an error in a financial report.
  A: In my previous role, I was responsible for preparing financial statements for a construction company. One month, I noticed a significant discrepancy between the budgeted and actual costs for a project. After investigating, I discovered an error in the cost allocation. I worked with the project manager to correct the error and ensure accurate reporting.
• 7. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult client or team member?
  A: In my previous job, I had a client who was unhappy with an increase in their invoices. I listened to their concerns and reviewed our contract to explain the reasons for the increase. I also presented them with data to show the value of our services. After our conversation, the client understood the situation and continued to work with us.
• 8. Describe a time when you had to complete a complex task with a tight deadline.
  A: In my previous role, I was part of a team responsible for streamlining the month-end close process. I was tasked with creating a new procedure for reconciling bank statements, which needed to be completed in a week. I worked extra hours and collaborated with my team to meet the deadline and successfully improve the close process.
• 9. Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult colleague.
  A: I once worked with a colleague who had a different approach to completing a project. We had differing opinions on the best way to proceed, but I maintained a professional attitude and listened to their ideas. We were able to find a compromise and successfully complete the project.
• 10. Can you give an example of when you had to multitask and how you handled it?
  A: In my last job, I was responsible for multiple client accounts and their respective financial reports. Some clients had overlapping deadlines, and I had to handle these tasks simultaneously while ensuring accuracy. I prioritized tasks and made sure to communicate any issues to my team and clients to meet all deadlines.

Situational Questions

• 11. What would you do if you discovered an error in the company's financial records?
  A: I would immediately bring it to the attention of my supervisor and work with them to investigate and correct the error. I would also review other related records to ensure the error did not affect other financial reports.
• 12. If you notice a team member struggling with their workload, what would you do?
  A: I would offer to help them with their workload or discuss delegating tasks to ensure they can handle their responsibilities effectively. I would also report any concerns to our supervisor to address the issue and find a solution.
• 13. How would you handle a situation where you have to work with a difficult client?
  A: I would remain calm and professional and focus on addressing their concerns. I would listen to them, provide explanations and solutions, and work towards finding a resolution that satisfies both the client and the company.
• 14. If a client needs a financial report on short notice, how would you handle it?
  A: I would confirm the deadline and prioritize the task to ensure its timely delivery. If necessary, I would also communicate with my team to allocate resources and complete the report accurately and within the deadline.
• 15. How would you handle a situation where a project is behind schedule?
  A: I would first analyze the reasons for the delay and determine if additional resources or adjustments to the budget are necessary. I would also communicate with the project manager and other team members to seek their input and find solutions to get the project back on track.

Technical Questions

• 16. What types of accounting software are you familiar with?
  A: I have experience working with QuickBooks, SAP, and Xero.
• 17. Can you explain the difference between accounts payable and accounts receivable?
  A: Accounts payable refers to money that a company owes to its suppliers for goods or services purchased on credit. Accounts receivable, on the other hand, refers to money that a company is owed from its customers for products or services delivered on credit. In simpler terms, one is money that a company needs to pay, and the other is money that a company needs to receive.
• 18. How do you handle a situation where there is a discrepancy in a financial statement?
  A: I would first review the statement and gather all necessary information to understand the discrepancy. Then, I would collaborate with my team and investigate the root cause and make any necessary adjustments to the statement.
• 19. What is the process for reconciling bank statements?
  A: The process for reconciling bank statements involves comparing the company's records with the bank statement to identify any discrepancies. The first step is to gather the necessary information, such as bank statements and canceled checks. Then, you compare the information, making adjustments for any outstanding items, interest, or bank fees. The final step is to prepare a bank reconciliation statement to ensure the company's records are accurate and complete.
• 20. What is the difference between cash basis and accrual basis accounting?
  A: Cash basis accounting records revenues and expenses when they are received or paid, respectively. Accrual basis accounting records revenues and expenses when they are earned or incurred, regardless of when the payment is received or made. In simpler terms, cash basis accounting focuses on the company's actual inflows and outflows of cash, while accrual basis accounting focuses on recognizing income and expenses in the period they occur.