Top interview questions to expect

Top 7 Behavioral Interview Questions for CPA Candidates
1. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult client.
2. Describe a situation where you had to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
3. Give me an example of a time you used your analytical skills to solve a complex problem.
4. Share an experience where you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a common goal.
5. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge or obstacle in your work.
6. Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision and explain your thought process.
7. Give me an example of a time you went above and beyond to provide excellent customer service.

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR Framework for Answering Behavioral Interview Questions
The STAR framework is a structured approach to answering behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Here’s how to use it:

– Situation: Briefly describe the situation or context in which the event occurred.
– Task: Explain the specific task or challenge you were responsible for.
– Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation or complete the task.
– Result: Describe the positive outcome or result of your actions.

By using the STAR framework, you can provide clear, concise, and structured answers to behavioral interview questions, highlighting your skills, abilities, and experiences.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult client.

STAR Answer:

Situation: I was working as a CPA for a small accounting firm, and I had a client who was consistently late with their payments.

Task: My task was to collect the overdue payments from the client and maintain a professional relationship with them.

Action: I reached out to the client several times via email and phone, but they did not respond. I then sent a formal letter requesting payment, and I finally received a response. The client explained that they were going through a difficult financial situation and asked if we could work out a payment plan.

Result: I agreed to a payment plan with the client, and they were able to catch up on their payments. I also maintained a positive relationship with the client, and they continued to do business with our firm.

Why is this answer strong?

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the CPA’s ability to handle difficult clients professionally and effectively. It also shows the CPA’s communication and negotiation skills, as well as their ability to find creative solutions to problems.

2. Describe a situation where you had to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

STAR Answer:

Situation: I was working on a complex tax return for a large corporation, and I had to meet a tight deadline. I was also responsible for several other projects, and I had to juggle all of them simultaneously.

Task: My task was to prioritize the tasks and meet all of the deadlines without compromising the quality of my work.

Action: I created a to-do list and prioritized the tasks based on their importance and urgency. I then worked on the tasks one at a time, starting with the most important and urgent ones. I also delegated some of the tasks to other team members to lighten my workload.

Result: I was able to complete all of the tasks on time and to the best of my ability. I also received positive feedback from my supervisor and my clients.

Why is this answer strong?

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the CPA’s ability to prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and work under pressure. It also shows the CPA’s delegation and teamwork skills.

3. Give me an example of a time you used your analytical skills to solve a complex problem.

STAR Answer:

Situation: I was working on an audit for a manufacturing company, and I came across a discrepancy in the financial statements.

Task: My task was to investigate the discrepancy and determine the root cause of the problem.

Action: I gathered all of the relevant data and analyzed it using various analytical techniques, including ratio analysis, trend analysis, and variance analysis. I also interviewed several employees to get their insights into the situation.

Result: I was able to identify the root cause of the discrepancy, which was a misclassification of expenses. I reported my findings to my supervisor, and the company was able to take corrective action.

Why is this answer strong?

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the CPA’s analytical skills, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. It also shows the CPA’s ability to work independently and to communicate their findings effectively.

4. Share an experience where you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a common goal.

STAR Answer:

Situation: I was working on a project to implement a new accounting system for a large corporation. I was part of a team of CPAs and IT professionals who were responsible for the implementation.

Task: My task was to work with the other team members to ensure that the new system was implemented on time and within budget.

Action: I met with the team regularly to discuss our progress and to identify any potential roadblocks. I also worked closely with the IT professionals to ensure that the new system was compatible with the company’s existing systems.

Result: The new accounting system was implemented on time and within budget. The system has been a success, and it has helped the company to improve its financial reporting and decision-making.

Why is this answer strong?

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the CPA’s teamwork skills, communication skills, and ability to work with people from different backgrounds. It also shows the CPA’s ability to contribute to a common goal and to see a project through to completion.

5. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge or obstacle in your work.

STAR Answer:

Situation: I was working on a tax return for a client who had a complex financial situation. The client had several investments and business interests, and it was difficult to gather all of the necessary information.

Task: My task was to complete the tax return accurately and on time, despite the challenges.

Action: I met with the client several times to gather the necessary information. I also researched the relevant tax laws and regulations to ensure that the return was prepared correctly.

Result: I was able to complete the tax return accurately and on time. The client was very pleased with my work, and they continue to do business with our firm.

Why is this answer strong?

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the CPA’s ability to overcome challenges, work independently, and meet deadlines. It also shows the CPA’s research skills and their ability to apply tax laws and regulations to complex situations.

6. Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision and explain your thought process.

STAR Answer:

Situation: I was working on an audit for a client who was suspected of fraud. I had to decide whether to report the suspected fraud to the authorities.

Task: My task was to weigh the evidence and make a decision that was in the best interests of the company and the public.

Action: I gathered all of the relevant evidence and analyzed it carefully. I also consulted with my supervisor and other experts to get their insights into the situation.

Result: I decided to report the suspected fraud to the authorities. The company was very grateful for my decision, and the public was protected from potential harm.

Why is this answer strong?

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the CPA’s ethical decision-making skills, their ability to weigh evidence, and their courage to make difficult decisions. It also shows the CPA’s commitment to protecting the public interest.

7. Give me an example of a time you went above and beyond to provide excellent customer service.

STAR Answer:

Situation: I was working with a client who was struggling to understand a new tax law.

Task: My task was to explain the new law to the client in a clear and concise way.

Action: I met with the client several times to explain the new law. I also prepared a handout that summarized the key points of the law.

Result: The client was very appreciative of my help. They said that I had made the new law easy to understand.

Why is this answer strong?

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the CPA’s ability to provide excellent customer service. It also shows the CPA’s communication skills, their ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise way, and their willingness to go above and beyond to help their clients.