Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why are you interested in this Tax Advisor position?
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a Tax Advisor?
4. Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult client.
5. How do you stay up-to-date on tax law changes?
6. What is your experience with tax preparation software?
7. What are your salary expectations?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR method is a structured way to answer behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
* Situation: Briefly describe the relevant situation or experience.
* Task: Explain the task you were responsible for.
* Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation.
* Result: Share the positive outcome or result of your actions.

This framework helps you provide concrete examples of your skills and experience, making your answers more impactful and memorable.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
* Example Answer: “I’m a highly motivated and detail-oriented tax professional with [number] years of experience in [mention relevant experience, e.g., individual and corporate tax preparation]. I have a strong understanding of tax laws and regulations, and I’m proficient in using [mention relevant software]. I’m passionate about helping clients navigate the complexities of the tax system and achieve their financial goals. I’m also a strong communicator and team player, always eager to learn and grow.”
* Why this is a strong answer (STAR): This answer highlights your relevant experience, skills, and passion for the field. It showcases your ability to communicate clearly and concisely while demonstrating your dedication to client service and professional development.

2. Why are you interested in this Tax Advisor position?
* Example Answer: “I’m drawn to this position because [mention specific aspects of the role or company that resonate with you, e.g., the company’s reputation for client service, the opportunity to work with a diverse clientele, or the chance to learn and grow in a dynamic environment]. I’m confident that my skills and experience in [mention relevant skills] would make me a valuable asset to your team, and I’m eager to contribute to the success of [mention company name].”
* Why this is a strong answer (STAR): This answer demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and company. It shows that you’ve done your research and understand the company’s values and goals, aligning your own aspirations with the opportunity.

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a Tax Advisor?
* Example Answer: “My strengths include my attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to explain complex tax concepts in a clear and concise manner. I’m also a quick learner and always eager to stay up-to-date on the latest tax law changes. A weakness I’m working on is [mention a specific area you’re improving, e.g., time management]. I’ve implemented strategies like [mention a specific strategy you’re using to address the weakness, e.g., using a project management tool] to improve my efficiency.”
* Why this is a strong answer (STAR): This answer showcases your self-awareness and willingness to grow. By focusing on a specific weakness and outlining your efforts to address it, you demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.

4. Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult client.
* Example Answer: “I once had a client who was very frustrated with a tax audit. They were upset about the process and felt the IRS was being unreasonable. I listened patiently to their concerns, explained the audit process clearly, and worked with them to gather the necessary documentation. I also helped them understand their options and the potential outcomes of the audit. Ultimately, we were able to resolve the issue to their satisfaction, and they expressed their appreciation for my patience and understanding.”
* Why this is a strong answer (STAR): This answer demonstrates your ability to handle difficult situations with professionalism and empathy. It highlights your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to client satisfaction.

5. How do you stay up-to-date on tax law changes?
* Example Answer: “I subscribe to several reputable tax publications and online resources, including [mention specific publications or websites, e.g., Tax Notes, Journal of Accountancy]. I also attend industry conferences and webinars to stay informed about the latest tax developments. I find it crucial to be aware of any changes that could impact my clients’ tax obligations.”
* Why this is a strong answer (STAR): This answer demonstrates your commitment to professional development and staying current in the field. It shows that you value continuous learning and understand the importance of staying informed about tax law changes.

6. What is your experience with tax preparation software?
* Example Answer: “I’m proficient in using [mention specific software, e.g., Intuit Lacerte, Drake Software, TaxWise]. I’ve been using [mention software] for [number] years and am familiar with its features and functionalities, including [mention specific features, e.g., e-filing, tax planning tools, client portals]. I’m also comfortable learning new software and adapting to different platforms as needed.”
* Why this is a strong answer (STAR): This answer showcases your technical skills and ability to use industry-standard software. It demonstrates your familiarity with the tools necessary to perform the job effectively.

7. What are your salary expectations?
* Example Answer: “Based on my experience, skills, and the requirements of this position, I’m seeking a salary range of [mention a specific salary range]. I’m confident that my contributions will be valuable to your team, and I’m open to discussing compensation further.”
* Why this is a strong answer (STAR): This answer shows that you’ve researched the market and have realistic expectations. By providing a specific range, you demonstrate your professionalism and preparedness.