How to answer the ‘why accounting?’ interview question

Do you have an interview in accounting coming up? While you can’t predict everything you’ll be asked, you can give yourself a head start. In this article, we look at common accounting interview questions, and how to answer them.

“Why do you want to work in accounting?”

This is your chance to highlight your strengths and show how your skills make you a great fit for a role in accounting. Take a look at these four important qualities for an accounting career, and see where you match up.

Attention to detail

Accuracy is key in accounting. Discrepancies, errors, and inconsistencies lurk in financial processes. So the ability to check and reconcile figures, and produce accurate documents is paramount.

If you have good attention to detail and notice the things other people miss, you’ll provide the business with a strong line of defence against potentially costly errors. And with today’s growing emphasis on financial transparency, a sharp eye for detail will ensure the organisation meets its accounting compliance obligations.

Problem solving

Problem solving is a big part of the job. Every organisation has challenges, most of which will have a financial impact. Accounting professionals can save the business time and money by identifying problems and proposing solutions.

You could resolve issues such as non-payment of invoices or balancing a budget. Or find ways to minimise tax payments. If you are good at – and enjoy – problem solving, you’ll thrive in accounting.

Communication skills

Accounting is not just numbers. It’s a career for good communicators. Once the numbers are crunched, that financial data needs to be explained to someone, either verbally or in writing. Can you summarise information for colleagues and clients? Present budget proposals and tax reports in a way your audience will understand? If so, your ability to speak and write with confidence and clarity will be put to good use.

Adaptability

Rapid change is part of business life. Whether it’s new legislation, technology, or directives within the organisation, all can affect the bottom line. And all can be mitigated by skilled accounting professionals. If you can adapt to new circumstances and perform effectively when challenges are thrown in your path, you can bring those skills to a career in accounting.

“Why do you think accounting is a great career?”

This question is your chance to show you understand the advantages of the profession.

Good career path

You might start off as an entry-level clerk, but the potential for advancement is largely in your hands. With the right training and support, accounting lets you plot your career path from junior associate to chief financial officer and all the levels in between.

Stable profession

Accounting is not going to disappear anytime soon. As long as money makes the world go around, organisations will need accounting professionals. The economic climate may fluctuate. But you’ll be in demand throughout the good times and the bad.

Fast-paced

Accounting is demanding but rewarding. From dealing with the audit and reporting season, to preparing for the end of the fiscal year, it’s engaging work and you’ll have the chance to use your full skillset.

Kickstart your accounting career with Eagle

Now you know how to prepare for your accounting interview, here’s how you can improve your employability. Qualifications look great on a CV. They impress employers and show your enthusiasm for the profession.

Eagle Education has a huge range of distance learning courses with accounting qualifications. Discover the different courses on offer, and gain the qualifications you need to progress your accounting career.