One question you might be asked is, “Why do you want to be an accountant?” or “Why Accounting?”. When interviewing for an accountant job, the interviewer will ask you various interview questions to get to know you better and your motivation to follow this job profile.
In this article, we’ll give tips on crafting the perfect answer. Let’s first discuss what the common interview questions an accountant interviewer can ask you are.
Table of Contents
What are some common interview questions for accounting positions?
Some common interview questions for accounting positions include:
- What experience do you have in accounting?
- Why accounting as a career?
- What made you decide that you want to be an accountant?
- What are the most important skills for an accountant?
- What do you think are the challenges of being an accountant?
- What are the biggest changes in the accounting profession in recent years?
For more Common Interview Questions with Answers
What interviewer is interested in knowing?
When interviewers ask why you want to be an accountant, they are looking for two things. First, they want to know if you have a genuine interest in accounting and whether you have the skill set necessary to be successful in the role. Second, they want to see if you would be a good fit for their company. To answer this question effectively, you should keep both things in mind.
How to formulate the answer to “why you choose to become an accountant?”
Think about why you are interested in accounting and what drew you to the field in the first place. Are you excited about working with numbers and solving complex problems? Do you enjoy working with clients and helping them manage their finances? Be sure to mention specific aspects of accounting that appeal to you and explain how you think you would excel in the role.
Consider why you want to work for the specific company you are interviewing with. Do you like their business model? Do you respect their values and culture? Are you impressed by their history of success? Be sure to mention specific things about the company that appeals to you and explains how your skills and interests would contribute to their team.
By taking the time to prepare thoughtful answers to these questions, you will demonstrate your genuine interest in accounting and give the interviewer confidence that you would be a great fit for their company.
What qualities make a good accountant?
When interviewers ask, “Why do you want to be an accountant?” they usually look for a few specific qualities in your answer. They want to know if you have the qualities that make a good accountant, and they want to see if you understand what the job of an accountant entails. Here are a few qualities that interviewers are looking for when they ask this question:
1. Attention to Detail: Accountants must be able to pay attention to detail to catch errors and prevent them from becoming bigger problems down the road.
2. Analytical Skills: Good accountants must analyze data and spot trends to make recommendations for their clients or employers.
3. Communication Skills: Accountants must communicate clearly and concisely in writing and person. This includes being able to explain complex financial concepts in plain language.
4. Ethics: Ethical behavior is essential for all accountants, as they handle other people’s money daily.
5. Integrity: Along with being ethical, interviewers will also be looking for signs that you have integrity. This means being honest and trustworthy and having a strong sense of personal ethics.
So, when answering this question, you need to craft your answer based on your skills, strengths, and motivation behind being an accountant.
Five best answers to the “Why do you want to be an accountant?” interview question
- I have always been good with numbers and enjoyed working with them. Accounting seemed the perfect fit when I was exploring different career options. I am excited about helping people manage their finances and grow their businesses. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. I saw accounting as a way to do that by helping people manage their money effectively. I am excited about using my skills to help your company make sound financial decisions that will benefit all stakeholders.
- I’ve wanted to be an accountant for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I often “practiced” by keeping track of my allowances and spending money. As I got older, I realized that accounting is much more than balancing a checkbook. It’s a complex and ever-changing field that requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I knew then that accounting was the perfect career for me.
- I didn’t originally set out to become an accountant, but after taking a few business classes in college, I quickly developed a passion for it. I love working with numbers and finding creative solutions to complex problems. After graduation, I started working in a small business’s accounting department and have loved it ever since.
- I’ve always been interested in numbers and problem-solving, so it seemed the perfect fit when I learned about accounting. I’ve worked in the field for several years now and enjoy helping businesses manage their finances effectively.
- My Father was an accountant, and I often went to his office after school. I enjoyed working with him and seeing how he helped businesses grow. After college, I worked in my Father’s accounting firm for a few years before branching out independently.
What are your goals for the future as an accountant?
As an accountant, I aim to help clients achieve financial goals while abiding by the law. I will achieve this by providing comprehensive and accurate reports which reflect the client’s business activities. In doing so, I hope to contribute to the success of businesses and advance my career as an accountant.
Conclusion
While there are many reasons someone might want to become an accountant, the most common answer is that they enjoy working with numbers and have a head for business. Accountants are often seen as the backbone of any company, providing critical financial information and advice that can make or break a business. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in accounting, emphasize your analytical skills and your ability to think strategically in your interview. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve success in this field.