Can you talk about a time when you researched and resolved invoice discrepancies? What steps did you take?
Accounts Payable Clerk Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
Yes, I can talk about a time when I researched and resolved invoice discrepancies. In my previous role as an accounts payable clerk at ABC Company, there was a situation where we received an invoice with incorrect pricing for a product. I immediately recognized the discrepancy and took the following steps to resolve it. First, I contacted the vendor to discuss the issue and gather more information. Then, I compared the invoice with the original purchase order and found that the pricing was indeed incorrect. I documented all the details and created a discrepancy report. Next, I escalated the issue to my supervisor and provided them with the discrepancy report. Together, we contacted the vendor again and negotiated the correct pricing. Finally, I updated the invoice in our system with the correct information and ensured that the payment was made accurately. By taking these steps, I effectively resolved the invoice discrepancy.
A more solid answer
Certainly! Let me share a detailed experience I had with researching and resolving invoice discrepancies. In my previous role as an accounts payable clerk at ABC Company, I encountered a situation where a vendor had invoiced us for a higher quantity of a product than we had actually received. To address this, I took the following steps: Firstly, I carefully reviewed the invoice to identify the discrepancy. I compared it against the original purchase order, packing slip, and receiving report to validate the actual quantity received. Once confirmed, I reached out to the vendor via email to notify them of the discrepancy and requested supporting documentation from their end. Meanwhile, I communicated the issue to the relevant internal teams, including procurement and warehouse, to get additional insights and gather any relevant information that could be useful to resolve the discrepancy. To document the process, I created a detailed report outlining the findings and steps taken. As the vendor responded, providing evidence of the correct quantity shipped, I compiled the documentation and shared it internally for further review. I also scheduled a meeting with the vendor to discuss the issue and negotiate a resolution. During the meeting, I maintained a professional and courteous tone while clearly articulating the problem and providing evidence to support our case. Through effective communication, we reached a mutually agreed-upon solution, which involved revising the invoice to reflect the correct quantity and updating our records accordingly. Lastly, I followed up with the vendor to confirm the revised invoice was received and processed. By diligently following these steps, I successfully resolved the invoice discrepancy, ensuring accurate financial records and maintaining positive relationships with our vendors.
Why this is a more solid answer:
This is a solid answer because it provides more detailed information about the steps taken to research and resolve the invoice discrepancy. The candidate demonstrates their ability to review documents, communicate effectively with the vendor and internal teams, document the process, and negotiate a resolution. The answer also addresses the required skills mentioned in the job description, such as attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills. However, it could still benefit from providing more specific examples of how the candidate used their accounting knowledge and attention to detail in this situation.
An exceptional answer
Absolutely! Let me share a comprehensive example of a time when I researched and resolved invoice discrepancies. In my previous role as an accounts payable clerk at ABC Company, I encountered a situation where a high-value invoice from a key vendor had significant discrepancies in terms of quantity, pricing, and terms. Recognizing the criticality of accurate financial records and strong vendor relationships, I immediately started the resolution process. First, I conducted an in-depth analysis of the invoice, comparing it with the original purchase order, contract, and relevant supporting documents. This thorough examination revealed multiple discrepancies that required extensive research and collaboration. To ensure precision, I diligently reached out to the vendor's sales representative, engaging in open and transparent communication to address the issues. Our discussion resulted in a comprehensive investigation that involved cross-functional collaborations with the vendor, our procurement team, and operations personnel. We reviewed the entire procurement process, including receiving, inspection, and approval procedures, to identify potential gaps or miscommunications. Utilizing my strong accounting knowledge, I performed a detailed review of transactional data, cross-referencing records and invoices to identify any previously undiscovered inconsistencies. With a comprehensive understanding of the issue, I meticulously prepared a report highlighting the discrepancies, their root causes, and recommended solutions. Presenting the report to the management team, I facilitated a meeting between our company's decision-makers and the vendor's executives. During the meeting, I confidently represented our company's position, utilizing my strong communication and negotiation skills to advocate for a mutually beneficial resolution. By effectively demonstrating our commitment to accurate financial records and fostering a collaborative environment, we successfully reached an agreement with the vendor. The resolution involved revising the invoice to reflect the correct quantity and pricing, as well as implementing process improvements to avoid future discrepancies. Throughout the resolution process, I maintained a high level of professionalism, accuracy, and attention to detail to safeguard the company's financial integrity and vendor relationships. This experience not only highlighted my ability to research and resolve invoice discrepancies but also showcased my accounting knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
This is an exceptional answer because it provides a highly detailed and comprehensive example of the candidate's experience in researching and resolving invoice discrepancies. The candidate demonstrates their ability to conduct in-depth analysis, collaborate cross-functionally, utilize strong accounting knowledge, and effectively communicate and negotiate with both internal and external stakeholders. The answer also showcases the candidate's attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to accurate financial records. Overall, it exceeds the requirements mentioned in the job description and provides a strong indication of the candidate's qualifications for the role.
How to prepare for this question
- Familiarize yourself with basic bookkeeping and accounting payable principles to effectively understand and resolve invoice discrepancies
- Develop excellent attention to detail by practicing tasks that require precision and accuracy
- Enhance your problem-solving skills by reviewing case studies or scenarios related to invoice discrepancies and brainstorming potential solutions
- Improve your communication skills, both written and verbal, by practicing clear and concise communication with colleagues and vendors
- Gain hands-on experience with spreadsheets and accounting software to efficiently analyze and track financial data
- Develop a proactive approach to research and resolution by staying updated on industry best practices and trends related to accounts payable
- Simulate real-life scenarios by role-playing with a friend or mentor, allowing you to practice your decision-making and negotiation skills
What interviewers are evaluating
- Accounting knowledge
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Communication skills
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