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Accountant interview questions and answers

By the JobberNest team · Reviewed 3 November 2026

Finance interviews usually include a technical part, sometimes with a short Excel or accounts test. Interviewers want accuracy, honest answers about what you know, and clear explanations.

The questions

  1. 1.Walk me through your month-end close.

    What they're looking for: Whether you know the process end to end.

    How to answer: Describe the steps in order: cut-off, accruals and prepayments, bank and ledger reconciliations, journals, review, and reporting. Mention how long it takes and how you have improved it.

  2. 2.What is the difference between VAT and WHT?

    What they're looking for: Nigerian tax basics.

    How to answer: VAT is a tax on consumption charged on goods and services and remitted monthly. WHT is an advance payment of income tax deducted at source from certain payments. Explain how each is handled in the books.

  3. 3.How would you handle a bank reconciliation that doesn't balance?

    What they're looking for: Problem-solving method.

    How to answer: Check opening balances, then match items in order: deposits in transit, unpresented cheques, bank charges, errors and duplicates. Investigate anything old or unusual.

  4. 4.Tell me about a mistake you found in the accounts.

    What they're looking for: Attention to detail and integrity.

    How to answer: Describe how you found it, how you corrected it, who you told, and what you changed to stop it happening again.

  5. 5.What IFRS standards have you applied?

    What they're looking for: Technical depth.

    How to answer: Name the ones you've actually used, such as IFRS 15 (revenue), IFRS 16 (leases) or IAS 16 (property, plant and equipment), and give one practical example.

Questions to ask the interviewer

  • Which systems does the finance team use?
  • What are the main reporting deadlines?
  • Is there support for professional exams?

Tips

  1. 1

    Expect an Excel test

    Be comfortable with XLOOKUP or VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, pivot tables and basic formatting.

  2. 2

    Don't bluff technical answers

    Say what you know and how you would check the rest. Finance managers value honesty.

Questions people ask

Will they ask about ICAN?

Often. Be ready to say which level you've reached and your plan to finish.