Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Bookkeeper Roles – 2021

Are you searching for a bookkeeper job? Look no further! This guide provides a comprehensive list of interview questions and answers to help you demonstrate your experience, technical skills, and attention to detail. With these questions, you can showcase your ability to accurately and efficiently manage financial records while also being a valuable team player.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your previous experience as a bookkeeper?
  - I have worked as a bookkeeper for XYZ Company for the past 3 years. My main responsibilities included recording financial transactions, reconciling accounts, and managing billing and invoicing processes.
• 2. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your workload?
  - I use a time management system to prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. I also communicate with my team to ensure deadlines are met and to address any unexpected changes in workload.

Behavioral Questions

• 3. Can you give an example of a time when you identified and resolved a financial discrepancy?
  - In my previous role, I noticed a discrepancy in a client's payment. After investigating, I found that the client had mistakenly made a duplicate payment. I resolved the issue by contacting the client and issuing a refund for the duplicate payment.
• 4. How do you handle working under pressure or tight deadlines?
  - I am able to remain calm and focused under pressure by breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable goals. I also prioritize tasks to ensure that the most important tasks are completed first.

Situational Questions

• 5. What would you do if a vendor's bill does not match the agreed-upon amount?
  - I would first double-check the vendor's bill and compare it to the corresponding purchase order or contract. If there is a discrepancy, I would contact the vendor to resolve the issue and ensure that the correct amount is paid.
• 6. How would you handle a situation where a client was late on a payment?
  - I would first reach out to the client to remind them of the outstanding payment. If they continue to be late with payments, I would speak to my supervisor or the client's account manager to discuss a potential solution.

Technical Questions

• 7. What are the basic accounting principles?
  - The basic accounting principles include the accrual principle, the cost principle, the going concern principle, the economic entity principle, the matching principle, the full disclosure principle, the materiality principle, the consistency principle, the conservatism principle, and the periodicity principle.
• 8. Can you explain the difference between accounts payable and accounts receivable?
  - Accounts payable refers to money that a company owes to its suppliers or vendors for goods or services received, while accounts receivable refers to money that a company is owed by its clients or customers for goods or services provided.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 9. How do you stay organized and keep track of important deadlines?
  - I have a system of digital calendars, to-do lists, and reminder alerts to ensure that I don't miss any important deadlines. I also regularly communicate with my team to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
• 10. Can you tell us about a time when you had to collaborate with a team to complete a project?
  - In my previous role, I worked with a team to transition the company's financial records onto a new accounting software. We divided the tasks and regularly communicated to ensure a smooth transition. Our collaboration resulted in a successful implementation of the new software.

Industry-specific Questions

• 11. What are the most common types of financial statements?
  - The most common types of financial statements are the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
• 12. How do you handle discrepancies in financial documents, such as invoices or receipts?
  - I compare all related documents to ensure accuracy and investigate any discrepancies. If I am unable to resolve the issue, I bring it to the attention of my supervisor or the appropriate team member.

Customer Service Questions

• 13. Have you ever had to deal with an upset customer? How did you handle the situation?
  - In my previous role as a bookkeeper, I had to deal with an upset customer who received a late payment fee. I listened to the customer's concerns and apologized for any inconvenience. I then worked with the customer to find a solution that satisfied both parties.
• 14. How do you ensure customer satisfaction while also maintaining accurate financial records?
  - I prioritize communication with customers to ensure that their needs are met and address any issues promptly. I also double-check all financial records to ensure accuracy and take any necessary steps to make corrections if necessary.

Professional Development Questions

• 15. How do you stay updated on the latest accounting software updates and features?
  - I regularly attend training sessions and workshops offered by the software provider. I also keep up-to-date with industry news and trends and participate in online forums or groups to learn from other professionals.
• 16. Can you give an example of a time when you took the initiative to improve a work process or system?
  - In my previous role, I noticed that our team's billing process was inefficient, causing delays in customer payments. I proposed a new process that streamlined the billing process and resulted in faster payments from clients.

Additional Tips

• 17. How do you ensure accuracy in your work?
  - I double-check my work for any errors or discrepancies and have a colleague review my work before submitting it. I also make sure to stay organized and follow established processes to maintain accuracy.
• 18. How do you handle confidential financial information?
  - I am aware of the sensitivity of financial information and follow all company guidelines and industry regulations to ensure confidentiality. I also only share information on a need-to-know basis.
• 19. Why do you want to work as a bookkeeper?
  - I have always had a passion for numbers and problem-solving, and I enjoy working with a team to ensure the financial success of a company. Being a bookkeeper allows me to use my skills to contribute to the growth and success of a business.
• 20. Can you tell us about your experience using accounting software?
  - I am proficient in using popular accounting software such as QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and Xero. In my previous role, I was responsible for inputting data, generating reports, and troubleshooting any issues within the software.