Accountant Interview Questions

What should you focus on for an accountant interview?

Which topics make accountant interviews different?

Accounting principles and routine accounting work stand out. Compared with the full interview sample, these accountant interviews covered accounting principles, journal entries, month-end close, reconciliation, accounts payable and accounts receivable more often. The questions were mainly at junior and mid-level.

Start with checks that connect rules to daily work. Can you explain the debits and credits in an everyday journal entry? Can you explain the difference between accounts payable and accounts receivable, then describe what managing supplier payments involves?

Can you explain when to record an expense?

The difference between accrual-basis and cash-basis accounting was asked in 5 of 41 interviews. Related questions covered expenses recorded before an invoice or payment arrives, including payroll paid the following month.

Check whether you can explain both when to record the expense and which entries to make:

• How does accrual-basis accounting differ from cash-basis accounting?
• If an expense belongs to the current period but the invoice arrives later, how would you record it?
• If payroll is paid the following month, when would you recognize the expense and what entries would you make?

Can you walk through a close and reconciliation?

The month-end close walkthrough was asked in 5 of 41 interviews. The question included the process, daily schedule and reporting, so a definition alone would not cover it.

• Can you describe your close process, including your daily schedule, general ledger review and reporting?
• Can you explain how the main financial statements connect and when you use each?
• Can you explain the indirect method for preparing the statement of cash flows?
• Can you walk through a bank reconciliation, manually or in QuickBooks Online?
• How would you check discrepancies, duplicate transactions and payments?

What other parts of the job should you check?

The questions also covered accounting tools, workload and industry-specific work. Use these checks to find topics you need to review:

• Can you explain how you use Excel formulas and pivot tables in accounting work?
• How would you balance accounting jobs and study commitments without working excessive hours?
• For medical billing, can you explain billing and claims? For property, banking or cooperative roles, can you describe the relevant accounting work?

What Accountant interviews cover

The 20 most asked Accountant questions

Counted by interview, not by mention: a question asked twice in one conversation counts once.

1. What is the difference between accrual-basis and cash-basis accounting?

   Asked in 5 of 41 interviews · last asked Sep 7 · Concept · Junior

   Show answer

   Accrual accounting records revenue when earned and expenses when incurred, even if cash moves later. Cash accounting records revenue when cash is received and expenses when cash is paid. Accrual accounting shows unpaid bills and amounts customers owe, while cash accounting is simpler but can make monthly profit less useful.

   • The main difference is when revenue and expenses are recorded.
   • Accrual accounting includes accounts receivable and accounts payable.
   • Cash received is not always revenue; for example, loan proceeds are not revenue.

   CodeCopy

   You complete a service in March and receive payment in April.
   Accrual basis: record the revenue in March.
   Cash basis: record the revenue in April.

   What the interviewer checks: The interviewer is checking whether you understand how payment timing affects reported revenue, expenses, and profit.

   Other ways it was asked

   • “What is the difference between cash accounting and accrual accounting?”
   • “Can you explain the difference between cash basis and accrual basis in accounting?”
   • “Can you explain the difference between cash accounting and accrual accounting?”

2. Walk me through your month-end close process, including your daily schedule and reporting.

   Asked in 5 of 41 interviews · last asked Sep 28 · Case · Mid-level

   Show answer

   I use a close checklist with owners and deadlines, following the company’s timetable. In a five-day close, I check cutoff, post accruals, and reconcile cash on days one and two. On days three and four, I reconcile remaining balance sheet accounts and investigate variances. On day five, I get approval and issue financial statements with explanations.

   • Check that income and expenses are recorded in the correct month, including accruals and prepayments.
   • Each day, update the checklist, follow up on missing information, and flag delays early.
   • Keep supporting records for reconciliations and adjustments, and obtain review before closing the period.
   • Report profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow, explaining major differences from budget and prior periods.

   What the interviewer checks: The interviewer is checking whether you can organize an accurate close, meet deadlines, and explain the results.

   Other ways it was asked

   • “Walk me through your month-end close process.”
   • “Can you walk me through how you would do the month-end close process?”
   • “Could you walk us through a typical month-end close, including the steps, deadlines, and how long it takes?”

3. What are the three main financial statements, how do they connect, and when would you use each?

   Asked in 4 of 41 interviews · last asked Aug 29 · Concept · Junior

   Show answer

   The income statement shows profit over a period and helps me assess performance. The balance sheet shows assets, liabilities, and equity at a date and helps me assess financial position. The cash flow statement shows cash movements and helps me assess cash availability. Net income affects retained earnings, while ending cash matches the balance sheet.

   • Net income increases retained earnings; losses and dividends reduce them.
   • Profit is not the same as cash received.
   • The indirect cash flow method adjusts profit for noncash items and changes in operating assets and liabilities.
   • For a board, I use all three to explain performance, financial position, and cash availability.

   What the interviewer checks: The interviewer checks whether you understand what each statement shows, how they connect, and when to use them.

   Other ways it was asked

   • “Can you describe the types of financial statements?”
   • “Describe the three financial statements and how they connect.”
   • “What financial reports do clients commonly need, and what information do balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow statements provide?”

4. How do you record an expense incurred this period when the invoice or payment arrives later?

   Asked in 3 of 41 interviews · last asked Oct 6 · Case · Junior

   Show answer

   I record the expense in the period it is incurred, not when it is paid. I debit the expense and credit accrued expenses if there is no invoice, using a reasonable estimate if needed. If the invoice is already received, I credit accounts payable instead. Payment later clears the liability.

   • Record the expense when incurred, even if the invoice or payment comes later.
   • Without an invoice, use a reasonable estimate and record an accrued liability.
   • When the invoice arrives, clear the accrual and adjust any difference; do not record the expense twice.
   • When paying, debit the liability and credit bank.

   CodeCopy

   March: Electricity used; invoice not yet received.
   Debit electricity expense ₦100,000; credit accrued expenses ₦100,000.
   April: Invoice arrives for the same amount.
   Debit accrued expenses ₦100,000; credit accounts payable ₦100,000.
   May: Bill is paid.
   Debit accounts payable ₦100,000; credit bank ₦100,000.

   What the interviewer checks: The interviewer checks whether you record expenses in the correct period and clear liabilities without counting expenses twice.

   Other ways it was asked

   • “You receive an unpaid ₦100,000 electricity bill in April for electricity consumed in March, payable next month. How would you record it in the books?”
   • “What journal entry should be recorded in March for a $1,000 electricity bill received in March but paid in April?”
   • “What is the journal entry for an expense when there is no invoice?”

5. How do you reconcile a bank account manually or using accounting software such as QuickBooks Online?

   Asked in 3 of 41 interviews · last asked Oct 6 · Tooling · Junior

   Show answer

   I compare the bank statement with the cash records. I record missing items, such as bank fees or interest, and investigate differences. Manually, I list outstanding checks and deposits in transit to confirm the adjusted balances agree. In QuickBooks Online, I enter the statement date and ending balance, match cleared transactions, and finish when the difference is zero.

   • Use the same cutoff date and confirm the opening balance agrees with the previous reconciliation.
   • Record missing transactions and correct errors; do not change records just to force a match.
   • Outstanding checks and deposits in transit are timing differences, not automatically errors.
   • Bank feed matching is not reconciliation; complete the reconciliation and save the report.

   What the interviewer checks: The interviewer checks whether you can explain the process, resolve differences, and use software without skipping review.

   Other ways it was asked

   • “How do you reconcile bank accounts, and what are the differences between system-supported and manual reconciliation?”
   • “How do you perform a bank reconciliation?”
   • “Can you walk me through how you would reconcile a bank account using QuickBooks Online?”

6. How would you balance multiple accounting jobs and study commitments without working excessive hours?

   Asked in 3 of 41 interviews · last asked Oct 6 · Scenario

   Show answer

   I would agree on realistic work hours and protect time for study and rest. I would plan around accounting deadlines and raise scheduling conflicts early. If the combined workload required excessive hours, I would reduce my commitments rather than risk errors or missed deadlines.

   • Check employer rules on outside work and protect each employer’s confidential information.
   • Plan for busy periods, such as month-end close and exams.
   • Do not promise the same working hours to two employers.
   • Discuss fewer hours or fewer commitments if the workload is not realistic.

   What the interviewer checks: The interviewer is checking whether you can set realistic limits while protecting accuracy, deadlines, and employer trust.

   Other ways it was asked

   • “How would you manage part-time and full-time accounting work while avoiding excessive hours?”
   • “How would you manage two full-time jobs while also participating in an academy program?”
   • “How would you handle two full-time jobs at the same time?”

7. When payroll is paid the following month, when do you recognize the expense and record the entries?

   Asked in 2 of 41 interviews · last asked Jul 27 · Case · Junior

   Show answer

   I recognize payroll expense in the month employees do the work, even if they are paid later. For March work paid in April, I debit payroll expense and credit payroll payable in March. In April, I debit payroll payable and credit cash.

   • Record the expense when employees earn their pay, not when cash is paid.
   • The unpaid amount is a liability at month-end.
   • Payment clears the liability; it does not create another expense.
   • Record employer payroll taxes and benefits in the same period as the related work.

   CodeCopy

   Simplified example: March payroll of $10,000, paid in April.
   Assume no payroll deductions or employer taxes.
   March 31:
     Debit payroll expense       $10,000
     Credit payroll payable      $10,000
   April payment date:
     Debit payroll payable       $10,000
     Credit cash                 $10,000

   What the interviewer checks: The interviewer is checking whether you record payroll in the correct period and clear the liability without counting the expense twice.

   Other ways it was asked

   • “Under accrual accounting, what journal entries should be recorded in March and April for March payroll that is paid in April?”
   • “On an accrual basis, if payroll is paid in the first week of November but the time was worked in October, when would you recognize those expenses?”

8. What is the difference between accounts payable and accounts receivable?

   Asked in 2 of 41 interviews · last asked Oct 6 · Concept · Junior

   Show answer

   Accounts payable is money the company owes suppliers for goods or services it has received but not yet paid for. Accounts receivable is money customers owe the company for goods or services it has provided but not yet been paid for. Payables are liabilities, while receivables are assets.

   • Payables usually lead to cash payments; receivables usually lead to cash collections.
   • Both usually appear as current items on the balance sheet.
   • Paying a payable or collecting a receivable does not create a new expense or revenue.

   What the interviewer checks: The interviewer is checking whether you understand who owes whom and how each balance affects the accounts.

9. What are accounts payable, and what does managing them involve?

   Asked in 2 of 41 interviews · last asked Jun 26 · Concept · Junior

   Show answer

   Accounts payable are amounts a company owes suppliers for goods or services bought on credit. Managing them means checking and recording invoices, getting approval, and paying the correct amounts on time. It also involves checking supplier statements against company records and planning payments around available cash.

   • Accounts payable are usually short-term liabilities on the balance sheet.
   • Match invoices to purchase orders and proof of receipt where applicable.
   • Follow approval rules and prevent duplicate or incorrect payments.
   • Meet payment terms and resolve differences with suppliers.

   What the interviewer checks: The interviewer is checking whether you understand supplier debts and the controls needed to record and pay them correctly.

   Other ways it was asked

   • “What do you mean by payables?”
   • “What does accounts payable involve?”

10. What is the indirect method for preparing the statement of cash flows?

    Asked in 2 of 41 interviews · last asked Jul 29 · Concept · Junior

    Show answer

    The indirect method calculates operating cash flow by adjusting net income. I add back non-cash expenses, remove gains or losses linked to investing or financing, and adjust for changes in operating working capital. I report investing and financing cash flows separately. Year-to-year balance changes help, but I check actual transactions because not every balance change involves cash.

    • Add back non-cash expenses, such as depreciation.
    • Increases in operating current assets reduce cash flow; increases in operating current liabilities increase it.
    • The direct method reports operating cash receipts and payments; both methods give the same operating cash total.
    • Exclude non-cash investing and financing transactions from cash flows, and disclose them separately.

    What the interviewer checks: The interviewer checks whether you can turn profit into operating cash flow and distinguish cash movements from accounting changes.

    Other ways it was asked

    • “How do you prepare a cash flow statement using the indirect method, and how does that compare with calculating cash flows from year-to-year changes and actual cash transactions?”

11. How do you prepare month-end financial statements using Excel and meet regulatory reporting requirements?

    Asked in 2 of 41 interviews · last asked Jul 29 · Case · Mid-level

    Show answer

    I reconcile ledger balances, check the cutoff, and post accruals and other adjustments. I use the adjusted trial balance to prepare financial statements in Excel, checking formulas and totals against the ledger. I check the applicable accounting standards and regulatory reporting rules. I get approval, keep supporting records, and submit required reports by their deadlines.

    • Reconcile bank accounts, receivables, and payables before preparing the statements.
    • Prepare the balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, and other statements or notes required.
    • Check Excel formulas, control file versions, and investigate unusual changes from the previous month.
    • Reporting requirements depend on the jurisdiction and entity; month-end statements do not always require regulatory filing.

    What the interviewer checks: The interviewer is checking whether you can close the books accurately, control Excel errors, and meet applicable reporting rules.

    Other ways it was asked

    • “Can you walk me through how you would prepare your end-of-month statements?”
    • “How do you prepare financial statements, and are they prepared in Excel or as part of regulatory reporting?”

12. How do you prepare and file GST returns accurately while meeting compliance requirements?

    Asked in 2 of 41 interviews · last asked Jun 12 · Case · Junior

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    I prepare GST returns by checking invoices and reconciling sales, purchases, and GST balances with the accounts. I verify tax rates, eligible input tax credits, and any special transactions under local GST rules. I resolve differences and get approval before filing. I file and arrange payment by the deadlines, then keep supporting records and filing confirmations.

    • Confirm registration requirements, filing frequency, deadlines, and record retention rules for the relevant country.
    • Reconcile GST collected and eligible credits, including credit notes and adjustments.
    • Check special rules for imports, exports, exempt sales, and complex transactions; seek advice when needed.
    • Review the return before submission and confirm filing acceptance and payment.

    What the interviewer checks: The interviewer is checking whether you can prepare accurate returns, apply local GST rules, and meet deadlines.

    Other ways it was asked

    • “If you were tasked with preparing a GST return for a client with complex transactions, what steps would you take to ensure accuracy and compliance?”
    • “How do you file GST returns, and what compliance requirements must a business meet?”

13. What are Excel VBA macros, and how do you create and use them?

    Asked in 2 of 41 interviews · last asked Jul 29 · Tooling · Junior

    Show answer

    Excel VBA macros are programs that automate tasks, such as formatting reports or checking accounting data. I create them using Record Macro on the Developer tab, or write VBA in the Visual Basic Editor. I save the workbook as .xlsm and run macros from the Macros menu or a button.

    • Recording a macro turns supported Excel actions into VBA code that you can edit.
    • Test macros on a copy of the data and check the results.
    • Only enable macros from trusted sources because they can run harmful code.
    • VBA macros run in desktop Excel, not Excel for the web.

    What the interviewer checks: The interviewer checks whether you can automate Excel tasks, save and run macros correctly, and use them safely.

    Other ways it was asked

    • “How do you create and use macros in Excel?”
    • “What are VBA macros, and how can you use them?”

14. How do you learn unfamiliar accounting software quickly?

    Asked in 2 of 41 interviews · last asked Jun 12 · Behavioral · Junior

    Show answer

    I learn unfamiliar accounting software by practicing the tasks I will use most, using a demo account or test data. I use short tutorials and help guides to learn the steps, then check that entries and reports are correct. I ask an experienced user to review my work before I change live records.

    • Start with daily tasks, such as invoices, payments, and bank reconciliation.
    • Practice with test data, not live company records.
    • Check results against source documents and expected balances.
    • Use help guides and ask focused questions when stuck.

    What the interviewer checks: The interviewer wants to know whether you can learn quickly while keeping accounting records accurate.

    Other ways it was asked

    • “Do you have experience using QuickBooks Online or similar accounting software? If so, how have you used it? If not, how would you approach learning new software tools?”
    • “Describe a time when you had to learn a new accounting tool or software quickly.”
    • “How do you approach learning a new accounting tool or software quickly?”

15. What accounting entry would you record at period-end for materials received against a purchase order when the supplier invoice has not yet arrived?

    Asked once · last asked Sep 7 · Case · Mid-level

    Show answer

    I would debit inventory and credit goods received not invoiced (GRNI), an accrued liability, for the materials received. I would use the purchase order price to estimate the amount. If the receipt already created this entry, I would not record it again.

    • Record the materials and liability in the period received, even without an invoice.
    • Use the quantity received, not the full purchase order quantity.
    • When the invoice arrives, clear GRNI against accounts payable and check any price difference.

    What the interviewer checks: The interviewer is checking whether you record inventory and liabilities in the correct period without counting them twice.

    Other ways it was asked

    • “What accounting entry would you record at period-end for goods received before the supplier invoice arrives?”

16. How do you distinguish current from noncurrent assets, including receivables?

    Asked once · last asked Mar 11 · Concept · Junior

    Show answer

    Current assets are expected to be collected, sold, or used within the normal operating cycle or within 12 months of the reporting date. Cash and assets held for trading are usually current, but restrictions can change cash classification. Receivables follow the timing test; amounts outside it are noncurrent.

    • Trade receivables can be current beyond 12 months if collection falls within the normal operating cycle.
    • Split long-term loan receivables into current and noncurrent portions based on when payments are due.
    • Doubtful collection affects the receivable’s value; it does not automatically make it noncurrent.

    What the interviewer checks: The interviewer checks whether you apply the timing rules and distinguish collection risk from current versus noncurrent classification.

    Other ways it was asked

    • “What distinguishes current assets from noncurrent assets, and what criteria are used to classify them?”
    • “How do you determine whether an asset is current, particularly when a receivable may not qualify?”

17. Besides useful life, what criterion determines whether an asset is recognized as property, plant, and equipment rather than expensed?

    Asked once · last asked Mar 11 · Concept · Mid-level

    Show answer

    The key criterion is materiality, usually applied through the company’s capitalization threshold. Low-cost items are generally expensed, even if they last several years. To qualify as property, plant, and equipment, an item must also be held for business use, have expected future benefits, and have a reliably measurable cost.

    • The capitalization threshold follows company policy; there is no universal amount.
    • Consider whether low-cost items are material when taken together.
    • Tax rules for deducting asset costs may differ from financial reporting rules.

    What the interviewer checks: The interviewer is checking whether you understand materiality and why a long useful life alone does not justify capitalization.

18. What inventory categories appear on a manufacturing company's balance sheet?

    Asked once · last asked Mar 11 · Concept · Junior

    Show answer

    The main categories are raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods. Raw materials are inputs not yet used, work in progress is partly completed production, and finished goods are ready for sale. Manufacturing supplies may be included in inventory. These categories may appear together as inventory, with details in the notes.

    • Raw materials are inputs held for production.
    • Work in progress includes materials, labor, and allocated manufacturing overhead for partly completed goods.
    • Finished goods are completed products not yet sold.
    • Inventory is usually a current asset; category details may be shown in the notes.

    What the interviewer checks: The interviewer is checking whether you understand how inventory moves through the manufacturing process and is reported.

    Other ways it was asked

    • “What types of inventory are included in a manufacturing company’s balance sheet?”
    • “What inventory categories, besides raw materials and supplies, does a manufacturing company report?”

19. A business buys goods worth ₦100,000 on credit, with payment due next month. Which accounts are involved, and which should be debited and credited?

    Asked once · last asked May 8 · Case · Junior

    Show answer

    Debit Inventory by ₦100,000 and credit Accounts Payable by ₦100,000, because the business receives goods and owes the supplier. If the business uses a periodic inventory system, debit Purchases instead of Inventory. Cash is not affected until payment is made.

    • Debit Inventory under a perpetual system, or Purchases under a periodic system.
    • Credit Accounts Payable to record the amount owed to the supplier.
    • When paid next month, debit Accounts Payable and credit Bank or Cash.

    What the interviewer checks: The interviewer is checking whether you can record a credit purchase and distinguish it from a cash payment.

20. If you make a ₦100,000 sale this month, receive 20% this month, and collect the remaining 80% next month, how would you record the transaction on the balance sheet and recognize revenue in this month's P&L?

    Asked once · last asked May 8 · Case · Mid-level

    Show answer

    I would recognize the full ₦100,000 as revenue in this month’s P&L, assuming the goods or services were provided this month. On the balance sheet, cash increases by ₦20,000 and accounts receivable by ₦80,000. Next month’s collection increases cash and clears the receivable; it does not create new revenue.

    • Under accrual accounting, revenue is recognized when earned, not when cash arrives.
    • Debit cash ₦20,000, debit accounts receivable ₦80,000, and credit revenue ₦100,000.
    • Revenue is not profit; related costs and expenses must also be recorded.

    What the interviewer checks: The interviewer is checking whether you understand accrual accounting and can separate revenue from cash collection.

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How this list is made

Every question here was asked by a real interviewer in a real job interview that a candidate ran MeetAssist in. After the call, the interviewer's questions are pulled from the transcript. Practice sessions, tests, exams and anything that was not a job interview are dropped.

Questions are rewritten so they make sense on their own: names of people, employers and clients are removed, and speech-to-text mistakes are fixed. Small talk, logistics and questions about one candidate's own résumé are left out. Rephrasings of the same question are merged, and the count is the number of different interviews it came up in.

The interviews come from candidates who use MeetAssist, so they lean towards software, data and AI roles: the shares describe these interviews, not every Accountant interview. Answers to the most asked questions are written and checked by an editor; a "common mistake" is shown only when reviews of real answers in these interviews show it, with the count.

41 interviews, 26 candidates, Nov 2025 to Oct 2026. Updated every month with new interviews.