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Preparing for an interview is crucial for landing your first job as an Accountant. Crowe MacKay's HR team is here to help Accounting students and recent graduates understand the questions they may face and how to answer them effectively.
This guide covers various job options available for students, outlines the most common interview questions and practical strategies to answer them, and provides additional interview tips to enhance confidence.
It also explores how accounting careers can progress over time and highlights the benefits of starting a career with Crowe MacKay. With insights into why students choose Crowe MacKay as their preferred employer, this guide aims to empower candidates to navigate the early stages of their accounting careers effectively.
Job Options for Students
Articling is a term used primarily in Canada and involves working under the supervision of a licensed CPA to gain the necessary experience for certification. Articling positions are full-time, permanent roles designed for students who have completed their education and are ready to begin their professional careers.
Articling students are often involved in various tasks, including assisting audit teams, completing compilation and review files, and preparing personal and corporate tax returns. This hands-on experience is invaluable for those aiming to become certified public accountants.
Typical job titles include: Co-op Student, Staff Accountant, Summer Student.
1.Could you elaborate on your educational background and how it has prepared you for a career in accounting?
How to Answer: Highlight your coursework, projects, and relevant experiences that have equipped you with the skills needed for an accounting role.
Example: "I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Accounting. My coursework included advanced financial accounting, auditing, and tax law. Additionally, I completed a co-op term at XYZ Company, where I gained hands-on experience with financial reporting and auditing."
2. Tell us about yourself and your education and experience to this point.
How to Answer: Briefly summarize your educational background and any relevant work experience.
Example: "I recently graduated with a degree in Accounting from the University of Toronto. During my studies, I completed a summer internship at ABC Firm, where I assisted with auditing and tax preparation. I also volunteered as a treasurer for a local non-profit organization."
3. What do you do in your free time?
How to Answer: Mention hobbies or activities that showcase your skills or interests and personal hobbies.
Example: "In my free time, I enjoy reading financial literature and participating in a local investment club. These activities help me stay updated on industry trends and enhance my analytical skills. Outside of this, I enjoy hiking, camping, mountain biking and trying new cuisines."
4. Please explain why you chose accounting.
How to Answer: Discuss your motivation for choosing accounting as a career and any specific events that influenced your decision.
Example: "I chose accounting because I am interested in finance and numbers. My high school accounting class sparked my interest, and I pursued it in university. The logical and analytical nature of accounting appeals to me."
5. What are your strengths?
How to Answer: Highlight unique experiences, certifications, or skills that distinguish you from other applicants.
Example: "Besides my academic background, I am proficient in using accounting software like QuickBooks and SAP. I also completed a certification in advanced Excel, which has improved my data analysis skills."
6. What areas do you feel you need further development/polishing?
How to Answer: Be honest yet strategic. Mention areas you are actively working on improving.
Example: "I believe I could improve my public speaking skills. While I am comfortable with one-on-one interactions, I am taking a public speaking course to become more confident in presenting to larger groups."
7. Which of our company's core values resonate with you the most and the least?
How to Answer: Research the company's core values and select the ones most aligned with your own. Be honest about the one that resonates most, but explain how to adapt.
Example: "I resonate most with your value of 'We Care' because I truly appreciate companies prioritizing their people and fostering a supportive environment. When employees feel valued and cared for, they are more productive and committed."
8. Tell us about when you had to work under pressure with strict deadlines. What did you do? How did you deal with the pressure?
How to Answer: Structure your answer using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Example: "During my co-op term at XYZ Company, we had to complete a financial audit within a week. I prioritized tasks, worked extra hours, and collaborated closely with my team. We completed the audit on time, and our manager praised our efficiency."
9. Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at school or work and how you managed it?
How to Answer: Use the STAR method to provide a structured answer.
Example: "When my university switched to online learning due to the pandemic, I had to adapt quickly. I organized my study schedule, utilized online resources, and participated in virtual study groups. This adaptation helped me maintain my grades and stay connected with my peers."
10. How do you maintain motivation when faced with repetitive tasks?
How to Answer: Explain your approach to staying focused and productive.
Example: "I maintain motivation by setting small, achievable goals and taking short breaks to recharge. I also remind myself of the importance of these tasks in the bigger picture of the project."
11. What does work-life balance mean to you?
How to Answer: Share your understanding of work-life balance and how you achieve it.
Example: "Work-life balance means managing work responsibilities while having time for personal interests and relaxation. I achieve this by setting clear boundaries and prioritizing tasks effectively, but then I enjoy weekend downtime by exploring the outdoors."
12. What motivated you to apply?
How to Answer: Connect your career goals with what the company offers.
Example: "I was motivated to apply to Crowe MacKay because of your strong emphasis on professional development and commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment. Your focus on innovation and excellence strongly aligns with my personal goals to advance my skills and contribute to impactful projects as I begin my career in accounting."
13. What sets you apart from other candidates?
How to Answer: Highlight unique skills or experiences.
Example: "My proficiency in multiple accounting software programs and my hands-on experience from internships sets me apart. My strong communication skills also enable me to work effectively with diverse teams."
14. What management style do you work best under? And what do you expect of your leadership?
How to Answer: Be honest about your preferences while showing flexibility.
Example: "I work best under a supportive and collaborative management style that encourages open communication. I expect leadership to provide clear guidance, constructive feedback, and opportunities for professional growth."
15. Tell us about your strengths. What contributions do you feel you can add to the team?
How to Answer: Focus on relevant strengths and how they benefit the team.
Example: "My strengths include attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and effective communication. These qualities will help me contribute to accurate financial reporting and seamless team collaboration."
16. What do you want to accomplish with this job? What are some of your career goals?
How to Answer: Share your short-term and long-term goals.
Example: "In the short term, I aim to deepen my accounting knowledge and gain practical experience. In the long term, I aspire to obtain my CPA designation and advance to a leadership role within the firm."
17. Can you travel for this position to client sites for 3-5 weeks a year?
How to Answer: Be honest about your availability and willingness to travel.
Example: "Yes, I am open to traveling for this position. I understand the importance of meeting clients on-site and am willing to accommodate travel requirements."
Dress professionally in business attire to make a positive first impression. Even if the company's culture is casual, it's better to be slightly overdressed for the interview.
Research the company thoroughly before the interview. Understand its mission, values, services, and recent news. This will help you answer questions and show genuine interest.
Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. Positive body language demonstrates confidence and engagement.
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview. Express gratitude for the opportunity, reiterate your interest in the position, and briefly mention a highlight from the interview.
Arrive 10-15 minutes early for the interview but avoid coming too early, as the hiring team may not be ready for you. Punctuality demonstrates reliability and respect for the interviewer's time.
Avoid speaking negatively about past or current employers. Maintain a positive tone and focus on what you've learned from previous experiences.
Responding quickly and professionally to a job offer is crucial, whether you accept or decline.
Delays can affect hiring decisions and other candidates. If accepting, confirm in writing. If declining, do so respectfully and as soon as possible. In the rare case you need to rescind an offer, notify the employer immediately.
Clear, timely communication shows professionalism and helps maintain a positive impression for future opportunities.
You can follow this path to be a partner, or you have other opportunities to follow the service line or area that you’re interested in, such as Advisory, Tax, Insolvency or Valuations. If you join our firm, you can be assured that career options are plentiful.
Crowe MacKay has been recognized with the Best of Accounting Award for Employee Satisfaction in 2024. This award highlights our commitment to creating a positive and fulfilling work environment.
At Crowe MacKay, your growth is our success. You'll gain hands-on experience across diverse industries, applying your education in real-world scenarios. No matter which office you join, you’ll collaborate with teams across our eight regions and connect with professionals globally through the Crowe Global network.
We prioritize mentorship and knowledge sharing. With an open-door policy, you'll have direct support from supervisors, managers, and partners. Plus, your CFE mentor will provide guidance to keep you on track with your studies and case writing. At Crowe MacKay, we don’t just invest in your career—we invest in you.
Crowe MacKay is a member firm of Crowe Global, one of the top global accounting networks. With over 200 accounting and advisory firms in more than 145 countries, Crowe Global has served clients for over 100 years. Our affiliation with Crowe Global allows our professionals to provide exceptional service and trusted expertise through our international network and resource sharing.
Preparing for an entry-level accountant interview involves understanding the types of questions you may face and crafting thoughtful, relevant answers. Practice and preparation are crucial to presenting yourself as a confident and capable candidate.
Approach your interviews confidently, knowing you have the knowledge and skills to succeed. Good luck!
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