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JUNIOR LEVEL

Tell me about a time when you had to address ethical concerns in your role as an auditor.

Auditor Interview Questions
Tell me about a time when you had to address ethical concerns in your role as an auditor.

Sample answer to the question

In my role as an auditor, I encountered an ethical concern when I discovered a discrepancy in the financial records of a client. During a routine audit, I noticed that there were inconsistencies in their expense reports. Instead of ignoring it, I immediately brought it to the attention of my supervisor. Together, we investigated the issue further and found evidence of fraudulent activity. We confronted the client with our findings and reported the situation to the appropriate authorities. This experience taught me the importance of upholding ethical standards in my role as an auditor.

A more solid answer

During one of my audits, I encountered an ethical concern when I noticed discrepancies in a client's financial records. Upon further investigation, I discovered evidence of embezzlement by a senior executive within the company. Understanding the severity of the situation, I immediately reported my findings to my supervisor and provided them with all the evidence I had gathered. We collaborated with the company's legal team to gather additional information and build a strong case against the executive. Throughout this process, I ensured that every step taken was in line with ethical guidelines and industry regulations. I also maintained open and transparent communication with my supervisor and the legal team to ensure that they were informed about the progress of the case. Ultimately, this case was reported to the appropriate authorities, resulting in legal action being taken against the executive. This experience reinforced the importance of thoroughness, integrity, and effective communication in addressing ethical concerns as an auditor.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides specific details about the ethical concern, including the discovery of embezzlement by a senior executive. It highlights the candidate's strong attention to detail in identifying the issue and their proactive approach to addressing it. The answer also emphasizes the candidate's effective communication with their supervisor and the legal team. However, it could be further improved by providing more information about the outcome of the case and the impact of the candidate's actions in addressing the ethical concern.

An exceptional answer

In my role as an auditor, I encountered a significant ethical concern while conducting an audit for a client in the manufacturing industry. During the audit, I discovered irregularities in the procurement process that indicated potential kickback schemes involving several employees within the company. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, I immediately reported my findings to my supervisor and the company's senior management. To address the ethical concerns, we launched a thorough investigation, working closely with the company's internal audit team and legal counsel. We interviewed key personnel, reviewed relevant documents, and conducted forensic analyses of financial transactions. Throughout the investigation, I ensured that our actions were guided by ethical standards and industry regulations. As a result of our findings, the company took immediate disciplinary action against the individuals involved and strengthened their internal controls to prevent similar incidents in the future. I also provided recommendations for process improvements to enhance transparency and mitigate the risk of fraud. This experience highlighted the critical role of auditors in upholding ethical standards and the importance of effective collaboration and communication to address ethical concerns in a timely and appropriate manner.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a detailed and specific example of an ethical concern involving potential kickback schemes within a client's organization. The candidate demonstrates their ability to identify the concern, report it to the appropriate stakeholders, and collaborate effectively with internal audit and legal teams. The answer also highlights the candidate's recommendations for process improvements and the impact of their actions in addressing the ethical concern. Overall, the answer showcases the candidate's strong ethical mindset, analytical skills, and communication abilities.

How to prepare for this question

  • Familiarize yourself with ethical guidelines and regulations relevant to the auditing profession.
  • Reflect on past experiences where you encountered ethical concerns in your role as an auditor and consider the actions you took to address them.
  • Practice explaining ethical scenarios and your approach to addressing them, highlighting your attention to detail, ethical decision-making, and effective communication.
  • Be prepared to discuss the lessons you learned from these experiences and how they shaped your professional growth as an auditor.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Ethics
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication

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