Top interview questions to expect

Top 7 Questions to Expect in a Tax Accountant Behavioral Interview:
1. Tell me about a time you had to work on a complex tax issue. How did you approach it?
2. Describe a situation where you had to explain a tax concept to a client in a clear and concise manner.
3. Share an instance where you identified a potential tax liability or savings for a client.
4. Give an example of how you handled a challenging or difficult client and maintained professionalism.
5. Tell me about a time you collaborated with other professionals to complete a tax-related task.
6. Share a situation where you stayed updated on the latest tax laws and regulations.
7. Describe how you manage multiple tasks and prioritize your workload during tax season.

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a structured way to answer behavioral interview questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Situation: Briefly describe the situation or context in which the event took place.
Task: Explain the specific task you were assigned or the goal you were trying to achieve.
Action: Detail the actions you took to address the task or achieve the goal.
Result: Describe the positive outcome or tangible results of your actions.

By using the STAR framework, you can provide clear and concise answers that highlight your skills, abilities, and accomplishments.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about a time you had to work on a complex tax issue. How did you approach it?

Answer:
Situation: During tax season, a new client came to me with a complex tax situation involving multiple businesses and investments.

Task: I had to carefully review the client’s financial documents, research relevant tax laws, and analyze various scenarios to identify potential tax savings and liabilities.

Action: I created a detailed plan outlining the steps needed to resolve the tax issues. I communicated regularly with the client, keeping them updated on my progress and seeking their input.

Result: After weeks of diligent work, I successfully resolved the tax issues, resulting in significant savings and peace of mind for the client.

Why it’s strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle complex tax issues, their attention to detail, and their effective communication skills.

2. Describe a situation where you had to explain a tax concept to a client in a clear and concise manner.

Answer:
Situation: During a consultation with a small business owner, I noticed they had misconceptions about depreciation deductions.

Task: I needed to explain the concept of depreciation, its benefits, and how it applies to their business.

Action: I used simple language and analogies to break down the concept and make it relatable. I provided concrete examples and calculations to illustrate the impact of depreciation on their taxes.

Result: The client gained a clear understanding of depreciation, and we were able to implement a tax strategy that maximized their savings.

Why it’s strong: This answer showcases the candidate’s ability to communicate complex tax concepts effectively, adapt to the client’s level of understanding, and build rapport.

3. Share an instance where you identified a potential tax liability or savings for a client.

Answer:
Situation: While reviewing a client’s tax return, I noticed a discrepancy in their reported income.

Task: I had to investigate the discrepancy and determine if it was an error or if the client had overlooked a source of income.

Action: I contacted the client to gather more information, reviewed their financial statements, and consulted with other tax professionals.

Result: I discovered that the discrepancy was due to a misclassification of income. By correcting the error, we were able to minimize the client’s tax liability and prevent potential penalties.

Why it’s strong: This answer highlights the candidate’s analytical skills, attention to detail, and proactive approach to identifying potential tax issues.

4. Give an example of how you handled a challenging or difficult client and maintained professionalism.

Answer:
Situation: I had a client who was very demanding and frequently expressed dissatisfaction with my work.

Task: I needed to maintain professionalism and address the client’s concerns while ensuring the quality of my work.

Action: I scheduled regular meetings with the client to address their concerns. I actively listened to their feedback and explained my reasoning behind the decisions I made. I also provided regular updates on the progress of their tax return.

Result: Over time, I was able to build a rapport with the client and address their concerns. They eventually became more satisfied with my work and expressed appreciation for my professionalism.

Why it’s strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle difficult clients, maintain professionalism under pressure, and build relationships with clients.

5. Tell me about a time you collaborated with other professionals to complete a tax-related task.

Answer:
Situation: I was working on a large tax project that required the expertise of multiple professionals.

Task: I needed to coordinate with other tax accountants, financial analysts, and legal advisors to ensure that all aspects of the project were completed accurately and efficiently.

Action: I took the lead in organizing regular meetings, setting clear expectations and timelines, and facilitating communication among team members.

Result: The project was completed successfully and on time, thanks to the effective collaboration and teamwork of the professionals involved.

Why it’s strong: This answer highlights the candidate’s teamwork skills, leadership qualities, and ability to coordinate complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.

6. Share a situation where you stayed updated on the latest tax laws and regulations.

Answer:
Situation: With tax laws constantly evolving, it is crucial to stay updated to provide accurate advice to clients.

Task: I made a conscious effort to stay informed about tax law changes and industry trends.

Action: I regularly attended tax seminars and conferences, subscribed to tax journals and newsletters, and participated in online tax forums.

Result: My knowledge of the latest tax laws and regulations allowed me to provide valuable insights to clients, helping them make informed decisions that optimized their tax positions.

Why it’s strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s commitment to continuous learning, their proactive approach to staying updated, and their dedication to providing exceptional service to clients.

7. Describe how you manage multiple tasks and prioritize your workload during tax season.

Answer:
Situation: During tax season, it is common to face a surge in workload and competing deadlines.

Task: I needed to effectively manage my time and prioritize tasks to meet all deadlines while maintaining accuracy.

Action: I created a detailed schedule, setting specific deadlines for each task. I broke down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. I also utilized productivity tools and techniques to optimize my workflow.

Result: By effectively managing my time and prioritizing tasks, I was able to complete all tax returns accurately and on time, ensuring client satisfaction during the busy tax season.

Why it’s strong: This answer showcases the candidate’s time management skills, their ability to prioritize tasks, and their resilience in handling high-pressure situations.