[Keely]

I have an interview with a 75 person firm in a week and a half. I didn’t think they were hiring, but I sent a resume in anyway for an entry-level staff accountant position. They got back to me, which is great, but now I’m freaking out. I’ve never interviewed before. I just graduated college last year and my work experience, while it might look good on a resume, is really not all that impressive and it was part-time for our family business. Basically, I’m going to have a hard time coming up with what to say about my time there.

Obviously, they are aware I have no public accounting experience. Can anyone give me advice, insight as to what questions I might get asked, and any good questions to ask them? I am so nervous already. Thanks!!!

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Keely]

Just wanted to update everyone. Thanks for the advice, it was really helpful. Now I want to share my interview experience in hopes someone else will find it useful!

The interview was FOUR HOURS. I couldn't believe it was that long, but I basically gave the same interview to three different people, HR, sr. manager, and a partner, all separately. I also went to lunch with two staff accountants.

The questions from the HR/mgr./partner were pretty much what you guys said they would be: strengths/weaknesses, favorite accounting class, where do you see yourself in 10 years, describe the results of a team activity you participated in, why did you choose accounting, why this firm, and an interesting one: what was an accounting concept you struggled with at first but then it clicked with you eventually (or something to that effect). My answer was statement of cash flows because there is just so much that goes into preparing the statement, it's important to understand the why behind what you're doing.

They told me they really liked some of my answers. My 10 year answer was something about “contributing both to my company and my community in a positive way.” I know, it is a total Miss America answer, but not a lie! 🙂 The partner said it was the best answer to the question she'd ever gotten. Ha! I basically played up the fact that I was older than most people interviewing for the position, so I was more self-assured and better understood the amount of dedication it will take to do a genuinely good job. I also said my weakness was public speaking, because it is, but I think being in front of them was an automatic explanation that I am overcoming the weakness, so all I said was that I think it's a common problem, and with experience, I will become more comfortable.

Ok, that was my experience. I guess the most important thing to note is that they called this morning and want to offer me the position!!!! Thanks again for the help, it obviously worked! 🙂 🙂

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[littlenumberrobot]

Congrats on the job offer!! Are you going to take it? Do you like the firm?

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[mrcpa]

Congrats. Well deserved

Licensed - 2012

[Keely]

Thanks! I think I will probably take it if they offer me any sort of competitive salary. But I haven't gotten the chance to hear what they're offering yet, since she left a message and when I called her back, I had to leave her a message.

It is a 75 person firm. I REALLY liked the people I met with yesterday, it was very casual and the two staff accountants I had lunch with seemed to like it a lot. Everyone just seems really laid back, which fits with my personality very well. It's in the DC area, and currently I am living in Houston. I was actually just back visiting my family in VA for the summer and thought what the hell, I might as well send out a resume and see what happens, and I just happened to get an interview. I love Houston and the cost of living in DC is completely insane, but I just don't think I can pass it up if they offer me a decent amount of money, especially in this economy. Eventually, I will want to move back to Houston, but for now, I want to start my career more.

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[littlenumberrobot]

Sounds like a decent sized firm(my firm has 5 people, actually it sounds HUGE to me). Good luck whichever you decide. That is awesome they offered you a job. 🙂

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[Anonymous]

You only really have leverage to turn it down if you're interviewing with several places, otherwise, you might as well take it and think about interviewing elsewhere later.

[Tux]

Whoa! Congrats, Keely!

I'm so impressed that you nailed it on your first try! You obviously have your act together, and they recognized that.

All my best to you. Best of luck on the move to D.C. and on your career progression.

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[leglock]

saved

[Author]

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