15 Accounting Manager Interview Questions [Updated 2025]

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Accounting Manager interview questions and answers.

Do you have experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems? Which ones have you used? See answer
Which accounting applications have you worked with recently and which one do you prefer? See answer
How would you answer questions from a client with little accounting knowledge and background? See answer
Do you have any strategies to identify and stop fraudulent activities? See answer
How familiar are you with the standards of the Accounting Standards Board (AcSB)? See answer
Do you have any professional experience that has helped you develop your communication skills? See answer
Would you prefer a bottom-up or top-down budget? See answer
How do you motivate your team as a manager? See answer
Have you participated in audits before? See answer
Have you helped a company save money and increase its working capital flow? How did you do it? See answer
How would you ensure that the organisation maintains accounting accuracy? See answer
What are your long-term career goals? See answer
What do you know about our organisation?
What tools do you need and use to prepare a budget?
How do you manage your work and meet targets?

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15 Accounting Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Do you have experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems? Which ones have you used?

An experienced accounting manager will have exposure to enterprise resource planning. Large organisations use enterprise resource planning applications to integrate various functions. The question will help you determine whether you will need to train the accounting manager. You will also know the specific systems the manager has used. They should also indicate the versions of the systems they have used.

The candidate's answer should demonstrate:

Basic understanding of ERP systems and programmes
Familiarity with popular systems
Knowledge of the latest ERP system versions, trends and updates or willingness to learn them

Example:

“I've worked with Microsoft Dynamics GP and Oracle Enterprise Manager in my previous roles. I am familiar with the concept of ERPs and confident that I can quickly learn a new system and become proficient.”

Which accounting applications have you worked with recently and which one do you prefer?

Accounting software helps your organisation to fulfil its account function. The accountant manager should have experience working with accounting software to accomplish basic accounting duties. They also need the knowledge to monitor the duties of other members of the department.

The answer the candidate gives should show:

Basic knowledge of how to use accounting software
They are familiar with accounting applications
Willingness to learn a new accounting software package

Example:

“I worked with accounting applications like FinancialForce, CGram Software and Microsoft Accounting Professional in my previous firms. I prefer using Microsoft Accounting Professional because it is reliable and fast when processing transactions. I can quickly learn how to use other software because I am proficient in using similar systems.”

How would you answer questions from a client with little accounting knowledge and background?

Accounting managers need to be able to simplify complex concepts for clients without accounting knowledge. Many clients may find specific accounting terminologies to be confusing. The candidate will be engaging with various clients on behalf of the organisation. Your ideal candidate needs to use easy-to-understand language and exercise patience and politeness with the clients.

The proper answer shows the candidate:

Can explain complex accounting processes and terminologies with simple language
Exercises patience, politeness and has excellent teaching skills
Understands accounting terms

Example:

“I understand that many people may find accounting terms very confusing. I usually simplify complex processes using simple language and analogies.”

Do you have any strategies to identify and stop fraudulent activities?

Accounting managers have a responsibility to protect the company's finances and values. One of the Accounting manager's duties is to monitor, eliminate and report fraudulent activities. You want a candidate who is familiar with software that monitors financial activity. Critical thinking is also necessary to mitigate fraud.

Look for the following traits in their answers:

Understand programmes that monitor fraud
A display of solid ethics and commitment to their duties
Knowledge of common signs and trends in fraudulent behaviour

Example:

“I perform manual checks and monitor ledgers using a resource planning platform. The use of automated tools makes it easier and faster to flag fraudulent activities.”

How familiar are you with the standards of the Accounting Standards Board (AcSB)?

The Accounting manager will ensure that the company's accounting function meets the standards the Accounting Standards Board sets. They guide performance and your accounting manager needs to be familiar with them and any updates.

Look for the following:

Knowledge of the accounting standards and changes on the standards from the accounting Standards Board of Canada
Illustrate the use of these standards in the past
Ability to apply these standards in various functions, such as preparing reports

Example:

“Accounting standards play an important role in guiding accounting processes and reports. I am familiar with the latest tax laws and I will ensure all accounting reports have adhered to the Accounting Standards Board of Canada.”

Do you have any professional experience that has helped you develop your communication skills?

The accounting manager communicates with clients, the accounting department, other departments and decision-makers. Your candidate should have excellent communication skills and experience using them.

Consider answers that show:

Competent interpersonal skills.
Experience with roles that require the use of communication skills
Proactive use of communication to meet company goals and avoid challenges

Example:

“I have previously worked as a sales manager who has helped me develop interpersonal communication skills. I work to provide clients information to help them make the appropriate business decision. My skills are also applied internally to report any issues."

Would you prefer a bottom-up or top-down budget?

Top-down and bottom-up budgets are a reflection of decision-making in an organisation. Bottom-up budgets mean that information from employees on the ground influences budgeting decisions and outcomes. On the other hand, top-down management implies that the administration has more influence on the budgeting decisions.

Your answer should show:

Familiarity with both budget styles and knowledge of the pros and cons of both
Knowledge of budgeting principles
Ability to prepare budgets on time

Example:

“In my previous job, I worked with a bottom-up budget. My previous team and I were always able to use various budgeting tools to gather the information and prepare the reports.”

What do you know about our organisation?

You want to ask a more open-ended question to get the candidates' entire perspective of your company. The candidate needs to research your company before the interview. You will also be able to learn how eager the candidate is to work for your company.

An ideal answer will show:

Knowledge of your values and goals as an organisation
A little background history
The products or services you offer

Example:

“I did some research online and discovered that you are one of the largest maple syrup producers in the province. Your company is larger than the organisation I've worked with previously. I feel drawn to your culture of providing quality products and trying to make a positive impact on the community through charitable actions.”

Have you faced a job with a demanding deadline? How did you manage it?

The accounting department and its manager usually work with deadlines and some are shorter than others. Your ideal candidate will have the responsibility of making sure the department and company as a whole meet these deadlines.

An appropriate answer shows:

The ability to work under pressure
Ability to multitask even with strict deadlines
The ability to fulfil the deadlines

Example:

“In my previous job, we used to prepare quarterly budgets and all the departments contributed to creating the budget. However, you may find some departments are yet to submit budget requests when the deadline is closed. I would reach out to the respective heads and politely request them to speed up the process. If needed, I could push a few extra hours to get the job done.”

How do you motivate your team as a manager?

The accounting manager is a leader in the accounting department. Research shows that proper positive motivation is necessary to improve a company's performance.

Look for the following in the answer:

Willingness to foster positive work relationships with team members
Dedication to understanding their team members better
Indicate how they could motivate a team member either by recognition or motivation

Example:

“I get to know my team better to understand their passions and what motivates every one of them. I will use one-on-one engagements or observance to understand them. Understanding cultivates trust. Trust motivates the team and establishes team chemistry.”

How do you manage your work and meet targets?

An accounting manager oversees multiple projects or tasks in the accounting department. The questions help you understand the methodologies the candidate uses to set targets and manage their work. Your accounting manager has the responsibility to balance the needs of the customer and the company. The question tests on their prioritization skills and decision-making skills to determine the most urgent needs.

Consider answers that show:

How the candidate prioritises work and meets targets
Communication with clients and team members
Collabouration with other departments

Example:

“First, I prioritise my work according to the urgency or deadline. Next, I engage my team members to provide help in their areas of expertise when necessary. I also engage my clients, especially the major ones, to help understand their needs better. Proper communication helps to ease operations and minimize disappointments.”

Have you participated in audits before?

Auditing helps to identify mistakes and reconcile accounts. The company may need to perform internal audits with the help of the accounting manager.

Consider the following in the answer:

Experience with audits
Understand the auditing process
Accounting skills

Example:

“Yes, I have helped to carry out internal audits in my firm. The audits were randomly carried out and required surrendering of all relevant files. We did catch some anomalies and reported the perpetrators to the management.”

Have you helped a company save money and increase its working capital flow? How did you do it?

The accounting manager is responsible for identifying areas where the company spends more than necessary. You want a candidate that can come up with strategies to help eliminate wasteful spending. Apart from good accounting skills, an accounting manager needs reliable analytical skills and decision-making skills.

Look for an answer that shows:

Ability to develop a plan to manage expenses
Assessment of past finances
Analytical and critical thinking

Example:

“In my previous role, I was analyzing supplier contracts and came across some redundancies. I reported the issue to my superiors, and they were able to take appropriate actions. We were able to save the organisation 10%.”

How would you ensure that the organisation maintains accounting accuracy?

A small accounting mistake can turn out to be costly. The accounting staff may miss some details. The accounting manager has the responsibility to assess the work of the accounting team for errors. They need to identify and prevent these errors. It is important for your organisation to get an accounting manager with close attention to detail to mitigate accounting errors.

Consider an answer that shows:

Commitment to accuracy
Ability to find and solve accounting errors
Close attention to detail

Example:

“I understand that a small accounting error can cost a business loss of resources. In my previous job, I proactively prevented errors by using Expensify, a tool that tracks a company's expenses.”

What are your long-term career goals?

It is essential to understand what your employee wants for their future. You need candidates who can align their goals to your organisation's objectives for the best mutual benefit. The candidates may show some uncertainty.

Think about answers that illustrate the following:

Mention where they are coming from and want to be in the future
Willingness to commit to your organisation in the long term
Motivation to be in the accounting field

Example:

“I have dedicated myself to the accounting field and I am seeking opportunities for advancement. I am willing to commit to your company in a long-term position if you let me.”

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Accounting Manager Interview Questions

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15 Accounting Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Do you have experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems? Which ones have you used?

Which accounting applications have you worked with recently and which one do you prefer?

How would you answer questions from a client with little accounting knowledge and background?

Do you have any strategies to identify and stop fraudulent activities?

How familiar are you with the standards of the Accounting Standards Board (AcSB)?

Do you have any professional experience that has helped you develop your communication skills?

Would you prefer a bottom-up or top-down budget?

What do you know about our organisation?

Have you faced a job with a demanding deadline? How did you manage it?

How do you motivate your team as a manager?

How do you manage your work and meet targets?

Have you participated in audits before?

Have you helped a company save money and increase its working capital flow? How did you do it?

How would you ensure that the organisation maintains accounting accuracy?

What are your long-term career goals?

Ready to get started?

Explore Interview Questions by Title

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