Interview Questions

Question 1

How do you organize your accounts and accounting tasks, especially when you have tight deadlines?

Answer 1

1. Utilize calendar (ask task scheduler) and look ahead at week/month
2. Prioritize by deadline and determine how much time each task will take
3. Have a clear plan for each task
4. Communicate with co-workers and manager and keep them informed and collaborate with co-workers.
5. Flexibility

Question 2

Share your familiarity with accounting computer programs and software.

Answer 2

1. TCSO - used county system to enter purchase order and invoice information
2. CalVans - Quickbooks for both AP and AR
3. KCOE - FMS
4. Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel

Question 3

Describe a time in your profession where you delivered beyond your expectations.

Answer 3

When we were short-staffed, I was happy to step in and help fill in the gaps for positions in my same classification as well as above (staff accountant). We had a vacancy for a while and I did whatever I could to help to ensure that the districts were tended to and got what they needed.

Question 4

Name all components of an invoice.

Answer 4

1. Invoice number
2. Invoice date
3. Vendor name/contact info
4. PO number
5. Payment terms
6. Due date
7. Item/Number of items
8. Price

Question 5

Describe your experience with financial reports.

Answer 5

When balancing several general ledgers monthly, I often utilize reports in FMS to help me research issues. Labor distribution reports, etc.
I also generate several reports for STRS reporting throughout the month which help me to find and correct misreportings and payroll errors.

Question 6

What is SACS?

Answer 6

Standard Account Code Structure. A state-wide, uniform financial reporting format.

Question 7

Describe your experience with double-entry accounting.

Answer 7

Each account has a debit and credit. Every transaction affects at least two accounts, one debited and the other credited. For example, if I’m processing a transfer for an electronic credit card refund for Armona, the funds initially get deposited into a holding account. I will create a transfer that debits that holding account and credits the district’s original expense account.

Question 8

What is a general ledger?

Answer 8

The report that contains all the accounts in which all debits and credits are posted. There is usually a GL for every fund.

Question 9

What are your strengths?

Answer 9

Resourceful person. If I don’t know the answer, I will find it (researching, asking co-workers)
Always wanting to learn (personally and professionally).
Organized. Good note-taker.
Patient when guiding districts and co-workers.
Team player.

Question 10

What are your weaknesses?

Answer 10

Introvert (not a weakness) I have always struggled with public speaking. But getting better.

Question 11

What experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?

Answer 11

1. Worked in schools for the past 8 years. I feel I know how the AP process works and how each department affects each other. Having a hand in each department (ap, payroll, hr) has given me a good overview.
   Experienced in balancing general ledgers (strs holding, vld, electronic credit card)
   A lot of experience auditing. Payroll monthly as well as helping with auditing AP.
   Did AP for TCSO (very similar to how it is processed at schools). 100+ vendors
   CalVans: preparing deposits and taking payments. Making sure all payments are accounted for and accounts were credited appropriately. Following up on late payments and applying late fees as necessary.

Question 12

Why should we hire you?

Answer 12

I am really eager to learn more. Dependable. Patient and easy to work with. I believe my experience has given me the skills I need to excel in this position.

Question 13

What would your current manager say about you?

Answer 13

Trustworthy. Dependable. I have a positive attitude towards my work and my co-workers. Always willing to step up and be a team player.

Question 14

Why should we hire you?

Answer 14

I’m confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to be successful in this position. I take pride in my work and will do everything I can to contribute to the positive work culture of this district.

Question 15

Questions for Interviewer

Answer 15

• The person you select for this position, what advice would you give them to excel in their work.
• Do you encourage and offer professional development to your employees?
• I reviewed the job description pretty thoroughly but it would be really helpful to hear from your perspective how you would explain the duties and expectations of this position?
• What kind of additional responsibilities can be gained over time in this position?

Question 16

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Answer 16

I see myself in a position where I can dedicate myself to improving my skills and learning everything I can. I’d eventually like to take on additional responsibilities to further improve my skills so that I can do my job more efficiently and effectively.

Question 17

What are your organizational skills?

Answer 17

• Time management: prioritize most crucial tasks and look ahead on my calendar to see where in my day I can devote time to each task.
• Clearly marked files (physical and digital)
• Orderly workspace. I know where everything is.
  *Rule of thumb: leave for the day with the thought of “if I were out of the office tomorrow, would my co-worker/manager be able to find what they needed on my desk with minimal effort?