Accounting Interview Questions (2026): 25 Questions + Resume Keywords to Match
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🚨 Here's the truth most candidates miss: You won't get asked these questions if your resume doesn't prove you can answer them.
Recruiters use interview questions to verify what's on your resume. If keywords like "Month-End Close" or "GAAP Compliance" aren't on your resume, you'll never get the chance to showcase your expertise.
Why Accounting Interview Questions + Resume Keywords Matter
Most interview prep guides give you questions and answers. But they miss the crucial first step: getting the interview in the first place.
Here's what actually happens:
- ATS scans your resume for accounting keywords
- Recruiters verify your skills by asking interview questions
- Your answers confirm what your resume claims
The problem? If your resume doesn't include keywords like "Account Reconciliation" or "Financial Reporting," you'll never get asked about them-because you won't get the interview.
This guide gives you both:
- ✅ 25 common accounting interview questions with how to answer them
- ✅ The resume keywords that prove you can answer each question
Technical Accounting Questions
Question 1: "Walk me through the three financial statements and how they're connected."
Why interviewers ask this: This tests your foundational understanding of accounting. Every accountant must understand how the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Cash Flow Statement interact.
How to answer:
"The Income Statement shows revenue minus expenses, resulting in Net Income. Net Income flows to Retained Earnings on the Balance Sheet, increasing equity. The Cash Flow Statement reconciles Net Income to actual cash by adjusting for non-cash items like depreciation and changes in working capital. The ending cash balance ties back to the Balance Sheet."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Financial Statements | Summary, Experience bullets |
| Balance Sheet | Skills section |
| Income Statement | Experience bullets |
| Cash Flow Statement | Technical skills |
| Financial Reporting | Summary, Experience |
💡 Pro Tip: If "Financial Statements" isn't prominently on your resume, you may not even get this foundational question.
Question 2: "Explain the difference between accrual and cash accounting."
Why interviewers ask this: This reveals whether you understand GAAP principles and can work with accrual-based systems used by most companies.
How to answer:
"Cash accounting recognizes revenue when cash is received and expenses when paid. Accrual accounting recognizes revenue when earned and expenses when incurred, regardless of cash timing. Most businesses use accrual because it provides a more accurate picture of financial performance. GAAP requires accrual accounting for public companies."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Accrual Accounting | Skills section |
| GAAP | Summary, Skills |
| Accrued Expenses | Experience bullets |
| Revenue Recognition | Technical skills |
| Cash Basis | Experience (if relevant) |
Question 3: "How do you handle month-end close?"
Why interviewers ask this: Month-end close is a core accounting function. This question assesses your process knowledge and ability to meet deadlines.
How to answer:
"I follow a structured close checklist: First, I complete all journal entries for accruals, prepaid expenses, and depreciation. Then I reconcile all balance sheet accounts-bank, AR, AP, and intercompany. I prepare the trial balance, investigate variances, and generate financial statements. I typically close within 5 business days and document any issues for management review."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Month-End Close | Summary, Experience |
| Close Process | Experience bullets |
| Journal Entries | Experience bullets |
| Account Reconciliation | Skills, Experience |
| Financial Close | Summary |
Question 4: "What is a journal entry? Give me an example."
Why interviewers ask this: This tests your understanding of double-entry bookkeeping fundamentals.
How to answer:
"A journal entry records a financial transaction with debits and credits that must balance. For example, if a company purchases $10,000 of inventory on credit: Debit Inventory $10,000 (asset increases), Credit Accounts Payable $10,000 (liability increases). This follows the fundamental equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Journal Entries | Experience bullets |
| General Ledger | Skills section |
| Double-Entry Accounting | Technical skills |
| Adjusting Entries | Experience bullets |
| Accrual Entries | Experience bullets |
Question 5: "How do you ensure accuracy in your work?"
Why interviewers ask this: Accuracy is non-negotiable in accounting. This assesses your quality control processes.
How to answer:
"I use a multi-step approach: First, I reconcile accounts regularly rather than waiting until month-end. Second, I cross-reference data between systems-for example, matching subledgers to the general ledger. Third, I document my work so others can review it. Finally, I use Excel formulas and pivot tables to identify anomalies. In my last role, this approach helped me catch a $50K posting error before it affected financial statements."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Account Reconciliation | Experience bullets |
| Internal Controls | Skills section |
| Variance Analysis | Experience bullets |
| Quality Control | Summary |
| Audit Support | Experience bullets |
Question 6: "Explain GAAP and why it matters."
Why interviewers ask this: GAAP compliance is essential for financial reporting credibility.
How to answer:
"GAAP-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles-is the standard framework for financial reporting in the United States. It ensures consistency, comparability, and transparency across companies. GAAP covers revenue recognition, expense matching, and disclosure requirements. Compliance is mandatory for public companies and critical for audits, investor relations, and regulatory filings."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| GAAP | Summary, Skills (must include) |
| GAAP Compliance | Experience bullets |
| US GAAP | Technical skills |
| Financial Reporting | Summary, Experience |
| Regulatory Compliance | Experience bullets |
Question 7: "What accounting software are you proficient in?"
Why interviewers ask this: Software proficiency directly impacts productivity and training requirements.
How to answer:
"I'm proficient in QuickBooks Desktop and Online for small to mid-size businesses. I've also worked extensively with SAP for enterprise-level accounting, including GL, AP, and AR modules. I'm advanced in Excel-pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and macros for automation. I've also used NetSuite and have experience with BlackLine for reconciliation automation."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| QuickBooks | Skills section |
| SAP | Skills section |
| Oracle | Skills section (if applicable) |
| NetSuite | Skills section |
| Excel (Advanced) | Skills section |
| ERP Systems | Technical skills |
👉 Want to check if your resume includes the right software keywords?
Behavioral Accounting Questions
Question 8: "Tell me about a time you found an error in financial records. How did you handle it?"
Why interviewers ask this: This tests your attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills.
How to answer (STAR Method):
Situation: During month-end close at my previous company, I noticed a $75,000 discrepancy in our inventory account.
Task: I needed to identify the root cause and correct it before financial statements were finalized.
Action: I traced the variance to a duplicate posting from our purchasing system. I documented the error, prepared a correcting journal entry, and worked with IT to prevent future duplicates.
Result: The error was corrected within 24 hours, and we implemented a new control that prevented similar issues. Management commended me for catching it early.
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Variance Analysis | Experience bullets |
| Root Cause Analysis | Experience bullets |
| Internal Controls | Skills section |
| Error Correction | Experience bullets |
| Quality Assurance | Summary |
Question 9: "How do you handle tight deadlines, especially during month-end or year-end close?"
Why interviewers ask this: Accounting has non-negotiable deadlines. This assesses your time management and stress handling.
How to answer:
"I prioritize tasks based on dependencies-completing journal entries before reconciliations, for example. I use a close checklist to track progress and communicate proactively if I foresee delays. During year-end close, I front-load work by completing preliminary reconciliations early. In my last role, I consistently closed within 5 business days while maintaining 100% accuracy."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Month-End Close | Summary, Experience |
| Year-End Close | Experience bullets |
| Deadline Management | Summary |
| Close Process | Experience bullets |
| Financial Close | Skills section |
Question 10: "Describe a situation where you had to explain complex financial information to a non-financial audience."
Why interviewers ask this: Accountants often communicate with non-technical stakeholders.
How to answer:
"I was asked to present budget variance analysis to our operations team who had no accounting background. Instead of using technical terms, I created visual charts showing 'what we planned vs. what we spent' by department. I used dollar amounts instead of percentages and focused on the 'so what'-what actions we should take. The operations manager thanked me for making the data actionable."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Financial Reporting | Experience bullets |
| Variance Analysis | Experience bullets |
| Management Reporting | Skills section |
| Cross-Functional Collaboration | Experience bullets |
| Stakeholder Communication | Summary |
Question 11: "Tell me about a time you disagreed with a supervisor about an accounting treatment."
Why interviewers ask this: This tests your professional judgment and ability to advocate for correct accounting.
How to answer:
"My supervisor wanted to capitalize a $30,000 software license that should have been expensed under our company policy. I respectfully presented the GAAP guidance and our internal policy to support my position. I also showed the impact on our financial ratios. After reviewing the documentation, he agreed with me. I learned the importance of backing opinions with authoritative sources."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| GAAP Compliance | Experience bullets |
| Policy Development | Skills section |
| Audit Support | Experience bullets |
| Technical Accounting | Skills section |
| Professional Judgment | Summary |
Question 12: "How do you stay current with accounting standards and regulations?"
Why interviewers ask this: Accounting standards evolve constantly. This shows commitment to professional development.
How to answer:
"I maintain my CPA license with continuing education credits focused on new standards. I subscribe to the AICPA and FASB updates, and I participate in our firm's technical training. Recently, I completed training on the new lease accounting standards (ASC 842) and revenue recognition updates. I also follow industry publications like Journal of Accountancy."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| CPA | Certifications section |
| Continuing Education | Summary |
| GAAP Updates | Technical skills |
| Lease Accounting | Experience bullets (if applicable) |
| Revenue Recognition | Experience bullets (if applicable) |
Software & Technical Questions
Question 13: "How proficient are you in Excel? Give me an example of an advanced function you've used."
Why interviewers ask this: Excel is the universal accounting tool. Advanced skills indicate efficiency and analytical capability.
How to answer:
"I'm advanced in Excel. I regularly use VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and pivot tables for analysis. I've built macros to automate reconciliation formatting, saving 2 hours per month-end. I also use SUMIFS for multi-criteria analysis and Power Query for importing data from multiple sources. Recently, I created a dynamic financial model using array formulas that updates automatically when new data is added."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Advanced Excel | Skills section |
| VLOOKUP | Skills section |
| Pivot Tables | Skills section |
| Macros | Skills section |
| Data Analysis | Experience bullets |
Question 14: "Describe your experience with ERP systems."
Why interviewers ask this: Most companies use ERP systems for integrated financial management.
How to answer:
"I've worked extensively with SAP for three years, focusing on the FI (Finance) and CO (Controlling) modules. I handled GL postings, AP/AR transactions, and financial reporting directly in SAP. I also have experience with Oracle Financials for journal entries and month-end close. I'm comfortable navigating ERP systems and can usually become proficient in new systems within 2-3 weeks."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| SAP | Skills section |
| Oracle | Skills section |
| ERP Systems | Technical skills |
| Financial Systems | Experience bullets |
| System Implementation | Experience (if applicable) |
Question 15: "How do you ensure data integrity when working with multiple systems?"
Why interviewers ask this: Modern accounting involves data from multiple sources. This tests your control mindset.
How to answer:
"I always reconcile data between systems before using it for reporting. For example, I tie subledger balances to the GL monthly. I use Excel to identify discrepancies through pivot table comparisons. I also document data sources and transformation steps so my work is auditable. When we implemented a new AP system, I created reconciliation controls that caught interface errors before they affected financial statements."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Data Reconciliation | Experience bullets |
| Internal Controls | Skills section |
| Data Integrity | Experience bullets |
| System Integration | Technical skills |
| Audit Trail | Experience bullets |
👉 Before your interview, make sure your resume proves you have these software skills.
Scenario-Based Questions
Question 16: "A vendor claims we haven't paid an invoice, but you can't find record of it. How do you handle this?"
Why interviewers ask this: This tests problem-solving, vendor relations, and research skills.
How to answer:
"First, I'd request a copy of the invoice from the vendor with their invoice number and date. Then I'd search our AP system using their vendor ID and amount. If not found, I'd check if it was coded to a different vendor or account. I'd also verify the PO existed and was received. If we genuinely didn't receive the invoice, I'd request a duplicate and expedite payment. Throughout, I'd maintain professional communication with the vendor."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Accounts Payable | Experience bullets |
| Vendor Management | Skills section |
| Invoice Processing | Experience bullets |
| Payment Processing | Experience bullets |
| Vendor Relations | Experience bullets |
Question 17: "You discover a potential fraud during your work. What do you do?"
Why interviewers ask this: Ethics and proper escalation are critical in accounting.
How to answer:
"I would document what I observed without discussing it with the potential perpetrator. I'd gather supporting evidence-transaction records, approvals, and dates. Then I'd escalate to my supervisor or, if they're involved, directly to the CFO, internal audit, or ethics hotline. I'd maintain confidentiality and avoid making accusations until an investigation is complete. I understand my obligation under professional ethics to report suspected fraud."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Internal Controls | Skills section |
| SOX Compliance | Experience bullets |
| Audit Support | Experience bullets |
| Ethics | Professional summary |
| Fraud Prevention | Experience bullets (if applicable) |
Question 18: "How would you approach reconciling a complex account with a significant unexplained balance?"
Why interviewers ask this: Reconciliation is a core skill. This tests your systematic approach.
How to answer:
"I'd start by aging the items-separating current period entries from older ones. I'd focus on large items first using 80/20 logic. For each item, I'd trace back to source documents. I'd check for timing differences, like in-transit payments. I'd also compare to prior period reconciliations to identify recurring issues. If the balance remains unexplained, I'd involve relevant departments and document my research for audit purposes."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Account Reconciliation | Experience bullets |
| Balance Sheet Reconciliation | Experience bullets |
| Complex Reconciliations | Experience bullets |
| Root Cause Analysis | Skills section |
| Documentation | Experience bullets |
Industry-Specific Questions
Question 19: "What experience do you have with audit support?"
Why interviewers ask this: External and internal audits require accounting support.
How to answer:
"I've supported external audits for the past three years, serving as the primary contact for our auditors. I prepare PBC (Prepared by Client) schedules, pull documentation for samples, and respond to audit inquiries. I also prepare the annual audit schedule and coordinate with other departments. During our last audit, I reduced audit completion time by one week by organizing materials proactively."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Audit Support | Experience bullets |
| External Audit | Experience bullets |
| Internal Audit | Experience bullets |
| Audit Documentation | Experience bullets |
| SOX Testing | Experience bullets (if applicable) |
Question 20: "Describe your experience with budgeting and forecasting."
Why interviewers ask this: FP&A-related skills are valuable for senior accounting roles.
How to answer:
"I support our annual budget process by preparing departmental templates and consolidating submissions. I create rolling 12-month forecasts by updating actuals and adjusting projections. I analyze budget-to-actual variances monthly and prepare management commentary explaining significant differences. I've also built scenario models to project cash flow under different revenue assumptions."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Budgeting | Skills section |
| Forecasting | Skills section |
| Variance Analysis | Experience bullets |
| Financial Planning | Summary |
| Management Reporting | Experience bullets |
Question 21: "What's your experience with tax compliance?"
Why interviewers ask this: Tax intersects with accounting in many roles.
How to answer:
"I prepare 1099s annually, ensuring accurate vendor classification and threshold compliance. I support sales tax filings by reconciling taxable sales and preparing state returns. I also assist with provision calculations by preparing the current and deferred tax schedules. While I don't prepare corporate returns, I provide supporting schedules to our tax team and auditors."
🎯 Resume Keywords to Include:
| Keyword | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Tax Compliance | Experience bullets |
| 1099 Processing | Experience bullets |
| Sales Tax | Experience bullets |
| Tax Preparation | Skills section |
| Tax Returns | Experience bullets |
Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Question 22-25: Turn the Tables
Strong candidates ask thoughtful questions:
22. "What does a typical month-end close look like here, and what's the timeline?" Shows you understand the rhythm of accounting work.
23. "What accounting software and systems does the team use?" Shows you're thinking about productivity and fit.
24. "How does the accounting team collaborate with other departments?" Shows you understand cross-functional work.
25. "What are the biggest challenges the accounting team is currently facing?" Shows you're solution-oriented and want to add value.
Resume Keywords Master List for Accounting Interviews
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Core Processes | General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Month-End Close, Account Reconciliation, Journal Entries |
| Financial Reporting | Financial Statements, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement, Management Reporting, Variance Analysis |
| Compliance | GAAP, SOX Compliance, Internal Controls, Audit Support, Tax Compliance |
| Software | QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Excel, Advanced Excel, ERP Systems |
| Technical Skills | Accrual Accounting, Budgeting, Forecasting, Financial Analysis, Data Reconciliation |
Related Resources
- 60+ Accounting Resume Keywords - Complete keyword list to get the interview
- How to Pass ATS in 2026 - ATS optimization guide
- Free ATS Resume Scanner - Check your resume keywords instantly
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