Article Assistant - interview questions & preparation tips

As an Article Assistant, you play a crucial role in the field of accountancy and auditing. Your position is an essential stepping stone towards becoming a Chartered Accountant, providing you with the hands-on experience necessary to excel in this industry. The skills you acquire and develop in this role, such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a deep understanding of financial regulations, are invaluable and highly sought after in the job market.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the various types of questions you may encounter during your interview, along with some sample answers to help you prepare. We’ll also provide you with some tips on how to conduct yourself during the interview and questions you can ask the interviewer.

📝 Common interview questions

During the interview, you can expect a mix of general and role-specific questions. These are designed to assess your suitability for the role, your understanding of the industry, and your ability to handle the tasks and responsibilities that come with it.

1. Question: Tell me about yourself.

   • Purpose: This question allows the interviewer to get a sense of who you are, your background, and your career aspirations.
   • Sample Answer: I recently graduated with a degree in accounting and am eager to start my career as an Article Assistant. I have always been passionate about numbers and problem-solving, which led me to pursue this field. During my studies, I interned at a local accounting firm where I gained practical experience in auditing and tax services.

2. Question: Why did you choose this career path?

   • Purpose: The interviewer wants to understand your motivation for pursuing a career in accountancy and auditing.
   • Sample Answer: I chose this career path because I enjoy working with numbers and have a keen interest in understanding the financial workings of businesses. I believe this role will provide me with the opportunity to apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting and further develop my skills.

3. Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

   • Purpose: This question helps the interviewer understand your self-awareness and honesty.
   • Sample Answer: One of my strengths is my attention to detail, which is crucial in this role. On the other hand, one area I’m working on is public speaking. I’ve joined a local Toastmasters club to improve this skill.

4. Question: Where do you see yourself in five years?

   • Purpose: The interviewer wants to know if you have long-term plans aligned with this career path.
   • Sample Answer: In five years, I see myself as a qualified Chartered Accountant, leading a team and contributing to the financial success of my clients.

5. Question: Why should we hire you?

   • Purpose: This question gives you the opportunity to sell yourself and convince the interviewer why you are the best fit for the role.
   • Sample Answer: I believe my academic background in accounting, coupled with my internship experience, makes me a strong candidate for this role. I am eager to learn, adaptable, and committed to delivering high-quality work.

🧠 Behavioral questions

Behavioral questions are designed to assess how you handle situations and challenges in the workplace. They give the interviewer insight into your problem-solving skills, decision-making process, and ability to work in a team.

1. Question: Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation at work.

   • Purpose: This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges.
   • Sample Answer: During my internship, there was a situation where we were unable to reconcile a client’s accounts due to missing invoices. I took the initiative to contact the client’s suppliers and managed to retrieve the missing invoices, which resolved the issue.

2. Question: Give an example of a time when you had to work as part of a team to achieve a goal.

   • Purpose: This question evaluates your teamwork and collaboration skills.
   • Sample Answer: In my previous role, our team was tasked with auditing a large corporation within a tight deadline. We divided the work based on our strengths and met regularly to update each other on progress. With effective communication and collaboration, we were able to complete the audit on time and received positive feedback from the client.

3. Question: Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision and what was the outcome.

   • Purpose: This question tests your decision-making skills and ethical judgment.
   • Sample Answer: During my internship, I discovered a discrepancy in a client’s financial statements. After discussing it with my supervisor, we decided to inform the client, who appreciated our honesty and took steps to rectify the error.

💼 Technical & role-specific questions

These questions are designed to assess your technical knowledge and skills related to the role of an Article Assistant.

1. Question: What is the difference between cash flow and fund flow?

   • Purpose: This question tests your understanding of basic accounting concepts.
   • Sample Answer: Cash flow refers to the movement of cash into or out of a business, while fund flow refers to the movement of funds, which includes both cash and credit.

2. Question: How would you handle a situation where you found an error in a financial statement?

   • Purpose: This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and ethical judgment.
   • Sample Answer: If I found an error, I would first double-check my work to ensure the error is not on my end. If the error still exists, I would report it to my supervisor and discuss the best course of action.

3. Question: How do you stay updated on changes in accounting regulations and standards?

   • Purpose: This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning and staying updated in your field.
   • Sample Answer: I regularly read industry publications and attend webinars and workshops. I’m also a member of a professional accounting association, which provides updates on changes in regulations and standards.

🎯 In-depth interview questions

1. How do you ensure accuracy in your work?
2. Describe a time when you had to explain a complex accounting concept to a non-accountant.
3. How do you handle tight deadlines and high-pressure situations?
4. What accounting software are you familiar with?
5. How do you approach problem-solving when you encounter a challenge at work?
6. How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks?
7. What steps do you take to ensure confidentiality of financial information?
8. Describe a time when you improved a process or procedure at work.
9. How do you handle feedback and criticism?
10. What motivates you in your work?

❓ Questions to ask the interviewer

1. What does a typical day look like for an Article Assistant at this firm?
2. What opportunities for professional development does the firm offer?
3. How would you describe the company culture?
4. What are the biggest challenges facing the firm right now?
5. How do you measure success for this role?

📚 Tips for the interview

• Preparation Tips: Research the company and role. Understand the industry trends and challenges. Review common accounting principles and practices.
• Dress Code: Dress professionally. A suit is a safe choice for both men and women.
• During the Interview: Maintain eye contact and use positive body language. Listen carefully to the questions and take a moment to structure your responses. Be honest and concise in your answers.
• Post-Interview: Send a follow-up email thanking the interviewer for their time and expressing your continued interest in the role.

📝 Summary

Remember, an interview is a two-way street. It’s not just about the company assessing your fit for the role, but also about you assessing if the company and role are a good fit for you. Be confident, be yourself, and don’t forget to ask questions. For further reading, consider "Cracking the Coding Interview" by Gayle Laakmann McDowell, which, despite its title, offers valuable insights into the interview process for various roles, including Article Assistant. Good luck!