SENIOR LEVEL

Tell us about a time when you faced resistance from a team member during an audit. How did you handle it?

Sample answer to the question

During an audit, I faced resistance from a team member who disagreed with some of the audit findings. Instead of getting into a confrontation, I took a calm and diplomatic approach to address the situation. First, I listened to their concerns and understood their perspective. Then, I explained the rationale behind the findings and provided supporting evidence. I emphasized the importance of objectivity and the need for accurate financial reporting. I assured the team member that their input was valuable and encouraged them to share any additional information that could help clarify the findings. By maintaining open communication and treating their concerns with respect, I was able to resolve the resistance and facilitate a constructive discussion within the team.

A more solid answer

During an audit, I faced resistance from a team member who disagreed with some of the audit findings related to their area of responsibility. I recognized that this resistance could hinder the progress of the audit and the overall team dynamics. To handle the situation effectively, I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with the team member to understand their concerns and actively listen to their perspective. I empathized with their position and acknowledged the importance of their expertise. I then explained the rationale behind the findings, providing concrete evidence and referencing the applicable auditing standards. I also emphasized the broader objectives of the audit and the significance of unbiased reporting to maintain the integrity of financial statements. Throughout the conversation, I maintained a respectful and professional tone, highlighting that the audit process is collaborative and not adversarial. By actively engaging the team member, addressing their concerns, and fostering open communication, I was able to gain their trust and cooperation for the remainder of the audit.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic response by providing more specific details and examples. It incorporates strategies such as scheduling a one-on-one meeting, actively listening, empathizing with the team member, and explaining the rationale behind the findings. It also highlights the importance of remaining respectful and professional throughout the conversation. However, it could further improve by mentioning any additional measures taken to ensure the team member's continued engagement and addressing any potential impact on team dynamics.

An exceptional answer

During an audit, I encountered resistance from a team member who strongly disagreed with the audit findings, expressing concerns about the potential consequences for their reputation and their department's performance. Recognizing the significance of addressing this resistance promptly and effectively, I took a proactive approach. First, I invited the team member to a meeting to discuss their concerns in a private and non-confrontational setting. I actively listened to their perspective, allowing them to fully express their viewpoints without interruption or judgment. I demonstrated empathy by acknowledging their worries and validating their expertise, emphasizing that the objective was not to place blame but rather to ensure accurate reporting and identify areas for improvement. In order to address their concerns, I offered a compromise by suggesting a collaborative review of their department's processes to ensure that any inaccuracies or misinterpretations were rectified. This approach allowed us to resolve the resistance and foster a sense of ownership and accountability within the team member. Throughout the process, I maintained open lines of communication, provided regular updates on the audit progress, and expressed gratitude for their continued engagement and dedication to the overall objectives of the audit. As a result, the team member not only became an active contributor to the audit but also played a vital role in identifying opportunities for process improvements, ultimately strengthening the team's performance and the organization's overall financial reporting.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a comprehensive and detailed response. It mentions the specifics of the team member's concerns and the potential consequences, highlighting the candidate's proactive approach. It includes strategies such as inviting the team member to a private meeting, actively listening without judgment, demonstrating empathy, and offering a compromise. It also emphasizes the importance of ongoing communication, updates, and gratitude. The exceptional answer showcases the candidate's exceptional leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. One improvement could be to address any potential impact on team dynamics and how it was mitigated.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on a specific experience when you faced resistance from a team member during an audit. Consider the details of the situation, your approach to resolving the resistance, and the outcomes achieved.
Practice explaining the rationale behind audit findings and linking them to the broader objectives of the audit and financial reporting integrity.
Consider scenarios where compromises or collaborative solutions could be offered to address team members' concerns while maintaining audit objectives.
Think about how you can foster open communication, empathy, and engagement with team members during potentially challenging situations.
Reflect on the importance of ongoing communication, updates, and expressing gratitude to build trust and maintain motivation within the team during audits.

What interviewers are evaluating

Leadership
Communication
Problem-solving
Teamwork