This is a simple, but in-depth question which may receive a wide variety of responses. What’s most important to look for is enthusiasm about the job. For example, accounting can become redundant and monotonous at times. How does the staff accountant candidate continue to enjoy the job when things aren’t always so exciting? What can they bring to your company? And, where do they see themselves several years down the road? What to look for in an answer:

• Forward-thinking responses
• How they can be an asset to your company
• Enjoy the aspect of recording transactions

This is a basic accounting question that any staff accountant applicant should be able to answer easily. Look for both verbal and non-verbal cues to see if they truly understand their responses. The replies will tell you whether you are interviewing an entry-level or experienced applicant. Moreover, even entry-level candidates should understand the basic differences between AR and AP. A textbook answer is much easier than applying AP and AR to real-world examples. What to look for in an answer:

• Detailed response
• At ease when explaining the difference
• Can speak beyond the textbook definition

Many successful accountants have to be well-versed in managing multiple projects at a time. This question also gives you more insight regarding how the staff accountant applicant responds during time-sensitive and pressure-filled situations. As a result, you want to hear examples of how they acted under pressure. In addition, you want to find out how they make decisions around prioritizing their tasks. If your company is often under tight deadlines, this question can help you decide if the candidate has the right prioritization experience to meet ongoing demands. What to look for in an answer:

• Time management techniques that also maintain accuracy
• Good understanding of how to prioritize the most important tasks
• Experience with multi-tasking

If the accountant is experienced, they would have worked with multiple accounting applications from QuickBooks to Microsoft Dynamics GP and more. Look for answers including the name and version of the software. It is useful to find a staff accountant who is comfortable using technology to help them perform their job duties more accurately. Software is the driver behind the transformation of a staff accountant’s duties and responsibilities. Understanding accounting software applications is a highly marketable skill. This also gives you an idea of whether the applicant is experienced with the accounting software used at your company. And, you can make a decision if additional training is worth the cost. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience with well-known accounting software packages
• Understanding of how to use basic accounting platforms
• Interest in learning new technologies

Accountants are dealing with money going in, and out, of the company. A small mistake, compounded, can cost the business thousands of dollars or more. So, it is vital for staff accountants to maintain accuracy. With this question, you can gain a better understanding of the applicant’s process for ensuring every financial detail is recorded responsibly and accurately. You want an applicant who isn’t opposed to manual spot checks and cross-references of the ledgers. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to notice and correct errors
• Detail-oriented processes and examples
• Driven to maintain accuracy on every project

Staff accountants should be able to audit company records and act appropriately if they find any discrepancies, whether they are mistakes or indications of someone abusing the company's accounts. Because they work with financial data, staff accountants need to demonstrate strong ethics and an understanding of the proper way to report their concerns. This question gives the interviewer an idea of how a candidate would react to a potential moral conflict in the workplace. Look for these characteristics in a candidate's response:

• Honesty and trustworthiness
• Attention to detail and ability to closely follow procedures
• Tact and discretion