/Corporate Controller/ Interview Questions
JUNIOR LEVEL

Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a conflict within a team.

Corporate Controller Interview Questions
Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a conflict within a team.

Sample answer to the question

Once, while working on a group project, there was a conflict between two members of the team. One team member wanted to take the project in a different direction, while the other preferred the original plan. To resolve the conflict, I facilitated a team meeting where each member voiced their concerns and ideas. I actively listened to both sides and encouraged open communication. After hearing everyone's input, I proposed a compromise that incorporated elements from both perspectives. The team agreed on the solution, and we were able to move forward collaboratively. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication and finding common ground to resolve conflicts within a team.

A more solid answer

During a financial audit project, there was a disagreement between two team members regarding the appropriate treatment of certain expenses. As the team leader, I scheduled a meeting to address the conflict. I facilitated an open and respectful discussion where both parties explained their perspectives. While one team member argued for a conservative approach, the other believed in adopting a more lenient method. To find a resolution, I encouraged them to collaborate and find common ground. After thorough analysis and research, we reached a consensus and documented our decision with supporting evidence. This experience highlighted the importance of effective communication, active listening, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in resolving conflicts within a team.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more detailed and specific example of a conflict resolution situation within a team. It includes specific details about the project, the conflict, the resolution process, and the outcome. The answer also addresses several evaluation areas mentioned in the job description, such as collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. However, it can be further improved by including information about the success and impact of the resolution on the project or team.

An exceptional answer

During a critical month-end close process, two team members had conflicting approaches to managing the workload. One team member proposed prioritizing certain tasks, while the other believed in a different order. The disagreement caused delays and increased stress within the team. To resolve the conflict, I decided to hold a team meeting to discuss the issue. I encouraged all team members to share their perspectives and concerns. After understanding the different viewpoints, I proposed a revised prioritization plan that incorporated elements from both approaches. The team appreciated the compromise, and we implemented the plan together. As a result, we successfully met the month-end close deadline, reduced stress levels, and improved collaboration within the team. This experience highlighted my ability to mediate conflicts, make data-driven decisions, and ensure the team's goals are met.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a highly detailed and specific example of a conflict resolution situation within a team. It includes specific details about the project, the conflict, the impact of the conflict on the team and project, and the successful resolution. The answer also addresses the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description, such as collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and the ability to handle stress and meet deadlines. It showcases the candidate's strong leadership skills and ability to mediate conflicts effectively. The answer can be further improved by mentioning any specific financial reporting impacts or improvements resulting from the resolution.

How to prepare for this question

  • Reflect on past experiences where conflicts arose within a team setting and think about your role in resolving them.
  • Be prepared to provide a detailed description of the conflict, including the project, parties involved, and the impact on the team or project.
  • Highlight your communication skills by explaining how you encouraged open dialogue and actively listened to all perspectives.
  • Emphasize your problem-solving abilities by describing how you facilitated a resolution by finding common ground or proposing compromises.
  • Connect the resolution of the conflict to the overall success of the team or project, showcasing the positive outcomes resulting from your actions.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving

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