How to ace an accounting interview: a complete guide

Passing an accountancy interview takes more than good grades or familiarity with financial statements. It requires preparation, self-awareness, and a clear understanding of what employers are looking for. If you're applying for accounting graduate jobs or schemes, this guide will walk you through every stage of the interview process—from preparation and research to technical questions and post-interview follow-up. If you want to see how this advice can be applied to a real interview, check out our guide on answering Deloitte interview questions. 

Before the interview: how to prepare

Preparation is key to succeeding in any interview. It begins long before you sit across from the interviewer and can make all the difference in standing out from other candidates.

Research the company

Demonstrating knowledge of the company shows initiative. Start with their website—pay attention to their values, services, clients, and any recent news or projects. Learn about their graduate programs, training structure, and corporate culture. Research recent financial activity such as mergers, acquisitions, or audits.

Also, consider the broader industry context. Is it a Big Four firm, a mid-tier accountancy firm, or an in-house corporate finance function? Each setting has its own expectations and culture.

Understand the role

Read the job specification thoroughly - during the interview you're going to tailor your answers to match the responsibilities listed in the job description.

Reflect on your experience

Think about your academic background, work experience, and extracurricular activities. Prepare examples that showcase your problem-solving skills, communication, attention to detail, and integrity - qualities highly valued in accountancy, as well as any skills listed in the job description. Make sure you're comfortable speaking about any finance projects or relevant internships you may have completed

What to expect from your accounting interview

Accounting interviews typically focus on both technical skills and behavioural traits. The selection process usually starts with a screening interview via phone, video, or a pre-recorded web platform. This stage assesses your communication skills, motivation, and cultural fit.

If successful, you may move on to a second or final round, which might include in-person or virtual interviews, case studies, technical assessments, or group exercises. You may also face psychometric tests covering numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and situational judgment.

Types of questions you may encounter:

• General competency questions: Evaluate your motivation, soft skills, and personality fit.
• Technical questions: Test your knowledge of accounting principles, audit practices, and tax law.
• Behavioural questions: Explore past experiences (often starting with "Tell me about a time when...").
• Scenario-based questions: Assess how you'd handle specific professional situations.

What interviewers are looking for

Interviewers are looking beyond your academic qualifications. They want to know if you're:

• Trustworthy and ethical: You'll be handling sensitive financial information.
• Detail-oriented and analytical: Accuracy is non-negotiable in this field.
• An effective communicator: You must explain complex information to non-finance stakeholders.
• A team player: Collaboration is essential in audits and project-based work.
• Commercially aware: Understanding the business landscape is a must.

Common interview questions and suggested responses

"Why do you want to be an accountant?"

Avoid clichés like “I’m good with numbers.” Instead, connect your interest to a specific experience or academic influence:

“I enjoyed finance modules at university and was part of the student finance society, where I helped organize a workshop on budgeting. That’s when I realized accounting was a natural fit for me. I’m drawn to how accountants help organizations make strategic decisions.”

"Why do you want to work for this company?"

Use your research to give a tailored answer:

“Your focus on sustainability, especially your recent white paper on ESG in audit services, really stood out to me. I also value your structured graduate program, which offers rotation and mentorship. It’s the kind of environment where I know I’ll grow.”

"Describe a time you worked in a team."

Use the STAR method:

“At university, I had a group project analysing a company’s financial performance. When a teammate fell ill, I proposed redistributing tasks and using a shared spreadsheet to track progress. We met the deadline and earned a distinction. I learned the importance of communication and adaptability.”

"Give an example of meeting a tight deadline."

“During my final year, I had a finance exam and a research paper due the same week. I used time-blocking and daily targets to manage both tasks, building in buffer time for revisions. I submitted the paper early and still had time to prepare for the exam.”

Technical and accounting-specific questions

These questions assess your foundational knowledge and how well you apply it. Even if you lack direct work experience, interviewers want to see that you understand the principles.

Examples:

• "Describe a sequence of financial statements."
  Explain the roles of the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, and how they relate to each other.
• "What is double-entry bookkeeping?"
  Define it and give an example, such as recording a purchase of office equipment as both an asset and a bank transaction.
• "How would you handle a discrepancy in a client’s accounts?"
  Show that you’d treat it seriously, maintain confidentiality, and report it appropriately.
• "What do you know about recent developments in accounting standards?"
  Mention updates to IFRS or trends like ESG reporting.

What Interviewers Want to See:

They’re assessing your familiarity with accounting concepts and your willingness to learn. If you don’t know the answer to a technical question, be honest rather than guessing.

After the Interview: What to Do Next

Expect follow-up

Most companies respond within one to two weeks, though it may take longer during busy periods. If applying through a graduate scheme, expect multiple stages and feedback along the way.

Send a thank-you email

Follow up within 24 hours. Keep it short and professional. Thank the interviewer, reaffirm your interest, and briefly reiterate your qualifications.

Handling rejection

If you don’t get the job, ask for feedback. Most firms will offer constructive insights. Use it as a learning opportunity.

Final Words: How to Stand Out

Accounting interviews are competitive, but preparation gives you an edge. Practice answering both general and technical questions, and tie your experiences to the role you’re applying for. Show you’ve researched the firm and align with its values.

Demonstrate that you’re a team player, eager to learn, and ready to grow. With the right attitude and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to landing your first accountancy role.