Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Accounts & Office Assistant – 2025

Preparing for an interview for an accounts & office assistant role? Here are some questions and answers to help you demonstrate your skills, experience, and suitability for the job. These questions cover a range of topics including accounting knowledge, office administration, and customer service.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about yourself and your experience in the field of accounting and office administration.
  Answer: I have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and have been working as an accounts & office assistant for the past three years. In my current role, I handle various accounting tasks, such as processing invoices, reconciling bank statements, and preparing financial reports. I also have experience in managing office operations, including answering calls, scheduling appointments, and organizing meetings.
• 2. What motivated you to pursue a career as an accounts & office assistant?
  Answer: I have always been interested in numbers and have a strong attention to detail, which led me to study accounting. After gaining some experience in the field, I realized that I also enjoy handling administrative tasks and being the go-to person in the office. This is what sparked my interest in pursuing a career as an accounts & office assistant.
• 3. How do you prioritize and manage your tasks when you have multiple deadlines to meet?
  Answer: I use a combination of task lists and calendars to stay organized and prioritize my tasks. I make sure to complete any urgent or time-sensitive tasks first, and then move on to others. I also communicate with my manager and team to discuss deadlines and make sure that everyone is on the same page.
• 4. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult client or coworker?
  Answer: In my previous role as an accounts & office assistant, I had a client who was constantly dissatisfied with our services. I listened to their concerns and offered solutions to address their issues. I also made sure to communicate effectively with my team and the client, and we were able to resolve the issue and maintain a positive working relationship.
• 5. How do you ensure accuracy when entering data and solving numerical problems?
  Answer: I triple-check all data entries to ensure accuracy and use formulas and functions to solve numerical problems. I also take my time to review all calculations and ask for a second opinion from a colleague or manager if needed.

Accounting Knowledge

• 6. What is the difference between accounts payable and accounts receivable?
  Answer: Accounts payable refers to the money a company owes to its vendors or suppliers for goods or services received, while accounts receivable refers to the money a company is owed by its clients or customers for goods or services provided.
• 7. How do you handle discrepancies in financial records?
  Answer: I first try to identify the source of the discrepancy by reviewing records and communicating with relevant parties. If the discrepancy cannot be resolved, I bring it to the attention of my manager for further investigation and resolution.
• 8. Can you explain the difference between debit and credit?
  Answer: Debit refers to an increase in assets or expenses and a decrease in liabilities or equity, while credit refers to an increase in liabilities or equity and a decrease in assets or expenses. In simple terms, debit means money coming in and credit means money going out.
• 9. How do you ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations?
  Answer: I keep myself updated on any changes in accounting standards and regulations and make sure to follow them in my daily tasks. I also make sure to document all financial records and transactions accurately and maintain organized records for auditing purposes.
• 10. Can you tell us about your experience with bookkeeping?
  Answer: In my current role, I am responsible for maintaining accurate and organized financial records, including recording transactions, reconciling bank statements, and preparing invoices and receipts. I also have experience using accounting software and spreadsheets for bookkeeping purposes.

Office Administration

• 11. How do you handle confidential information in the workplace?
  Answer: I understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality in the workplace and make sure to handle sensitive information with utmost care. I keep all physical and digital documents secure, and only share them with authorized individuals as necessary.
• 12. How do you handle a high volume of phone calls?
  Answer: I make sure to answer all calls promptly and professionally. I also have a system for prioritizing calls and handling multiple calls at once if needed. If I am unable to answer a call, I make sure to return it or redirect it to the appropriate person as soon as possible.
• 13. How do you ensure efficiency in office operations?
  Answer: I am organized and pay close attention to detail, which helps me maintain a high level of efficiency in office operations. I also believe in open communication and teamwork and make sure to delegate tasks effectively and support my colleagues when needed.
• 14. Can you tell us about a time when you had to multitask in a fast-paced environment?
  Answer: In my previous role, I had to handle multiple tasks at once while also assisting with a busy event. I prioritized tasks and made sure to communicate with my team to ensure everything ran smoothly. Despite the fast-paced environment, I was able to complete all tasks accurately and on time.
• 15. How do you handle unexpected tasks or changes in your daily schedule?
  Answer: I am adaptable and can handle unexpected tasks or changes in my schedule by reprioritizing my tasks and managing my time effectively. I also make sure to communicate with my team and manager to ensure everyone is aware of the changes and any potential ripple effects.

Customer Service

• 16. How do you handle angry or dissatisfied customers?
  Answer: I remain calm and professional and try to understand the root cause of their dissatisfaction. I listen to their concerns and offer solutions to address their issues. If needed, I will involve my manager or supervisor to resolve the situation.
• 17. How do you handle a customer request you are unable to fulfill?
  Answer: I communicate honestly with the customer and explain the situation to them. I also try to offer alternative solutions or refer them to someone who may be able to assist them. I make sure to maintain a positive and helpful attitude to leave a good impression on the customer.
• 18. Can you provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond to assist a customer?
  Answer: During our busy season, a customer was very anxious to receive a product that was out of stock. I went above and beyond to source the product from another store and had it shipped to our location for the customer to pick up. The customer was extremely grateful and left us a very positive review.
• 19. How do you handle confidential customer information in your role?
  Answer: I understand the importance of maintaining customer confidentiality and make sure that all customer information is handled with the utmost care. I only share information with authorized individuals as needed and make sure to keep all sensitive information secure and organized.
• 20. How do you stay updated on the latest customer service trends and practices?
  Answer: I make sure to attend workshops or conferences related to customer service, and I also follow industry publications and blogs. I also seek feedback from customers and colleagues to continually improve my customer service skills.