Role-specific questions
1. Explain the difference between an accrual and a prepayment with an example.
How to answer: Define the concept in one sentence, walk through the steps in order, then add a real example from your work.
2. How would you investigate a trial balance that does not balance?
How to answer: Answer with a short framework (two or three steps), then back it with a specific example and the result.
3. Describe a mistake you made in the books and how you fixed it.
How to answer: Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Close with a number and what you learned.
4. How do you prioritise tasks in the last week of a month-end close?
How to answer: Answer with a short framework (two or three steps), then back it with a specific example and the result.
Common questions for Accounting & Bookkeeping roles
How do you make sure your work is accurate under time pressure?
What interviewers look for: Describe checks you build in: checklists, reconciliations, reviews, and how you catch errors early.
Tell me about a deadline you nearly missed.
What interviewers look for: Own the problem, explain how you prioritised, and give the outcome and what changed afterwards.
What accounting software are you most comfortable with?
What interviewers look for: Be specific about modules and tasks, and be honest about areas where you are still learning.
Prepare a STAR story bank
- Situation: one or two sentences of context.
- Task: what you were responsible for.
- Action: what you did, step by step.
- Result: the outcome with a number, plus what you learned.
The Interview page in the app saves your own answers for each question and has a practice timer.