Tips for interviewing Accounting Technicians
Hiring the right accounting staff is essential for any business. As an employer it’s important to ask the right questions but also conduct interviews in the right way. Remember, not only are you sizing up the candidate but they are also assessing you as a potential employer. Below are some helpful tips on interviewing candidates and on making the right impression.
Preparation
- It’s important for the interviewer to be prepared - Know what it is you’re looking for in a potential employee, compile a list of questions relevant to the job and know the type of person you want
- Make sure you read the candidate’s CV thoroughly and make a note of any queries you have. For example, are there any unexplained gaps in the CV? Have they moved around frequently?
Initial stages of interview
- From the start it’s important to be both friendly and professional towards the candidate. You have to make them feel at ease; offer a firm warm handshake and a friendly smile. If they’re relaxed and comfortable they are more likely to be open and candid.
- Start assessing them before the formal interview has begun:
- Take note of their body language. Do they maintain eye contact, smile, sit upright?
- Are they friendly and enthusiastic? Do they act like they really want this job?
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Interview questions
- Always try to use open ended questions that require more than a yes/no answer:
- What is their motivation for moving job?
- Why did they apply to your company?
- Why have they chosen accounting as a career choice?
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- Have candidates explain their CV, and make sure they go into detail. For example, ask them to explain a typical day’s work.
- Ask them to explain their experience relevant to the job requirements. For example, you can ask them about:
- Creditors/debtors (accounts payable and receivable)
- Bank and cash reconciliations
- Posting to journals
- VAT and tax returns
- Payroll procedures (PAYE and PRSI)
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- Assess their technical skills and level of knowledge. Ask them to explain at length:
- Can they take accounts to Trial Balance stage?
- Have they assisted in month-end procedures and preparing management accounts?
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- Furthermore, you can give them a scenario/problem and ask them how they would deal with the situation. This will give you a chance to assess their ability to ‘think on their feet’ and give you an insight into their thought process.
- Make sure to ask about their experience with accounting software packages. For example, if your Accounts Department operates Sage software you need to know if the candidate has used this before. If not, you need to ascertain what packages they have used and to what level.
Closing the interview
- You should give the candidate a chance to ask any questions they may have. The more informed they are about the role, the easier it will be to say ‘yes’ to any offer.
- Find out about their current salary and notice period.
- It’s also a good idea to learn about other roles and companies where they have interviewed. Find out at what stage they are with these interviews as you don’t want to lose a great candidate to the competition.
- Tell the candidate when they can expect to have feedback or a decision and make sure you contact them as agreed.
The second interview
- Conducting a second interview is a good way to confirm your initial opinion of a candidate and to deal with any queries or reservations you might have.
- Make sure another colleague or team member is present as a second opinion will prove useful. If possible have them meet with their potential manager/supervisor to see how well they interact.
Your staff are your most important asset, so it’s imperative you hire the right people the first time. By taking the time to prepare and implement a good interview and recruitment process you’ll not only hire the best people, but in the long term you’ll save yourself time and money.
Need further assistance with hiring accounting staff?
Go to the Recruiting an Accounting Technician.
Visit the Accounting Technicians Recruitment website.