/Director of Accounting/ Interview Questions
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Tell me about a time when you identified and resolved a financial discrepancy or error.

Director of Accounting Interview Questions
Tell me about a time when you identified and resolved a financial discrepancy or error.

Sample answer to the question

In my previous role as an Accounting Manager, I encountered a financial discrepancy relating to an invoice from a vendor. The discrepancy arose when the vendor's invoice amount did not match the total amount that was recorded in our accounts payable system. To resolve this, I first reviewed the vendor's original invoice and compared it with the purchase order and receiving documents to identify any discrepancies. After careful examination, I discovered that the vendor had mistakenly charged us for an additional item that was not received. I immediately reached out to the vendor and provided them with the relevant evidence to support my findings. Through effective communication and negotiation, I was able to rectify the error and obtain a credit for the incorrect charge, resulting in a significant cost savings for the company.

A more solid answer

During my time as an Accounting Manager at Company XYZ, I encountered a financial discrepancy when reconciling our bank statements. After comparing the records, I identified an unauthorized transaction that resulted in a discrepancy of $5,000. To resolve this issue, I conducted a thorough investigation by reviewing transaction logs, bank statements, and corresponding documentation. Through my analysis, I discovered that the unauthorized transaction was a result of a fraudulent activity by an employee. I promptly reported the incident to the management and provided them with all the necessary evidence, including surveillance footage and transaction records. I also worked closely with the bank to initiate a fraud investigation and recover the funds. This experience showcased my strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to effectively communicate with both internal and external stakeholders.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about the financial discrepancy, including the amount and the nature of the discrepancy. It also demonstrates the candidate's analytical and problem-solving skills by describing the steps taken to investigate and resolve the issue. Additionally, the answer highlights their excellent communication and interpersonal skills through their interactions with management and the bank. However, it could be improved by providing more context about the company's accounting processes and procedures, as well as the impact of the resolution on the organization.

An exceptional answer

In my role as an Accounting Manager at Company ABC, I encountered a significant financial discrepancy during the annual audit process. The auditors identified a discrepancy of $100,000 between our revenue records and the financial statements. This discrepancy had the potential to lead to severe financial implications and damage the company's reputation. To address this issue, I immediately assembled a cross-functional team consisting of representatives from the finance, sales, and operations departments. We conducted a comprehensive review of all revenue-related processes, including sales contracts, billing systems, and revenue recognition policies. Through this analysis, we identified a flaw in our revenue recognition procedures that had led to revenue being recognized prematurely. I worked closely with the team to develop and implement new controls and policies to ensure accurate revenue recognition going forward. Additionally, I collaborated with the auditors to provide them with all the necessary documentation and explanations to resolve the discrepancy and ensure the accuracy of our financial statements. This experience not only demonstrated my strong analytical and problem-solving skills but also showcased my ability to lead teams and drive process improvements.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a detailed account of the financial discrepancy, including the amount and the potential consequences of the error. It highlights the candidate's leadership skills by assembling a cross-functional team and leading the resolution process. The answer also emphasizes their ability to collaborate with external stakeholders, such as auditors, and their commitment to process improvement. Overall, the answer showcases the candidate's comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and their ability to effectively address complex financial discrepancies. However, it could be further improved by quantifying the impact of the resolution on the company's financial performance and by discussing any lessons learned from this experience.

How to prepare for this question

  • Familiarize yourself with various types of financial discrepancies and errors that can occur in an accounting role, such as discrepancies in bank reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable, and revenue recognition.
  • Reflect on your past experiences and identify a specific financial discrepancy or error that you successfully resolved, ensuring that it aligns with the job description's requirements and responsibilities.
  • When sharing your story, provide specific details about the nature of the discrepancy, the steps you took to identify and resolve it, and the impact of your actions on the organization.
  • Highlight the relevant skills and competencies mentioned in the job description, such as your expertise in accounting software, advanced MS Excel skills, and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with others by discussing any teamwork or cross-functional efforts involved in resolving the discrepancy.
  • Discuss any lessons learned from the experience and how it has improved your approach to identifying and resolving financial discrepancies in the future.
  • Practice your response to ensure that it is concise, well-structured, and highlights your skills and experiences effectively.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Accounting software expertise
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Related Interview Questions

More questions for Director of Accounting interviews