Interviews are arguably the most critical step of the hiring process. Interviews take a lot of time and money, but they can also help you figure out how successful your team will be in the future.
At the same time, interviews are notoriously nerve-wracking and can be emotionally fraught experiences for both parties. For the employer, the high stakes and fear of hiring the “wrong person” can trigger stress. As a hiring manager, you probably already know that candidates’ biggest complaints about job interviews are that there are too many of them and it takes too long to hire someone.
But what you may not know is that you have the power to improve the interview experience. There are three main parts to an interview: the format, the questions you ask, and the way you ask them. All three are important for finding the right person for the job.
Landing a job at Aprio can launch your career in accounting, technology or advisory services. With over 500 professionals across the country, Aprio offers exciting opportunities to grow and make an impact.
First you’ll need to ace the interview by demonstrating your skills, experience and passions align with Aprio’s principles and client focus
This insider guide reveals the top 25 most common Aprio interview questions along with sample answers to help you win the job!
1. Why Do You Want to Work at Aprio?
The interviewer wants to gauge your interest in the firm and the depth of your research about their services and culture. Show you’re excited by the specific opportunities Aprio provides.
Sample Answer: I’m drawn to Aprio because of your emphasis on innovation, technology and values-driven relationships. Your principles of going above and beyond for clients and colleagues fosters an environment where I can continuously expand my skills. Your firm’s national reach with local offices also provides diverse learning avenues. I’m passionate about Aprio’s specialty areas like cybersecurity and blockchain, and I can’t wait to collaborate with top professionals on impactful client projects.
2. What Appeals to You About Public Accounting?
For accounting roles, the interviewer is assessing if you have the dedication and analytical strengths required in the demanding but rewarding public accounting sector.
Sample Answer: What appeals to me most about public accounting is the intellectual challenge of continuously solving new problems for clients in diverse industries. I also love that it allows me to build specialized expertise over time. Having mentored under public accountants in the past, I’ve witnessed firsthand the immense value delivered to businesses and the community. I’m deeply motivated by public accounting’s potential to drive progress through ethical financial practices.
3. How Do You Prioritize When Juggling Multiple Projects?
Time management abilities are crucial in Aprio’s fast-paced, collaborative environment. Discuss techniques for staying disciplined and organized when multi-tasking.
Sample Answer: When managing multiple projects, I first ensure I thoroughly understand priorities and deadlines, then make a realistic schedule allowing time for the unexpected. I break large assignments into smaller tasks to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Multiple to-do lists and calendar reminders keep me focused. Checking in frequently with team members and managers ensures we’re synchronized. If priorities shift, I reassess and communicate changes proactively. Above all, I avoid distractions and stay fully present on each task.
4. Describe a Time You Dealt with a Difficult Coworker
The interviewer wants to know you can resolve interpersonal challenges with maturity and grace. Share an example focused on finding common ground.
Sample Answer: When a previous coworker tended to get confrontational during team projects, I made an effort to speak to them 1:1 and understand their concerns, rather than react defensively. Often they were feeling left out of key decisions. I worked to improve communication of timelines and sought their input earlier in the process. Establishing new norms helped us develop mutual respect. It taught me that patience and inclusiveness, even with difficult personalities, improves collaboration.
5. How Do You Stay Up-To-Date on Accounting Standards and Technology?
Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning by sharing about independent study, training and certifications you undertake.
Sample Answer: I make learning core to my practice by reading accounting journals, participating in webcasts through associations like the AICPA and taking certification courses annually to stay current on evolving standards, tools and best practices. I also love exchanging ideas with colleagues and mentors to get different perspectives. When I encounter unfamiliar concepts on-the-job, I dig into research and ask seasoned professionals for insights. Upholding technical excellence iscritical for any client-facing role.
6. Tell Me About a Time You Made a Mistake. How Did You Handle It?
We all make mistakes! The interviewer wants to see you can reflect on and grow from the experience. Share an example showcasing accountability, problem-solving skills and resilience.
Sample Answer: When I was new in my last role, I once miscoded an entry which led to incorrect financial reporting. As soon as I realized my error, I brought it to my manager’s attention rather than covering it up. Though difficult, walking through the issue together allowed me to better understand the protocols and avoid repeating the mistake. I also redesigned my review process and volunteered for extra training. The experience taught me failure is integral to improvement if faced head-on with transparency. It motivated me to redouble my diligence.
7. Why Should We Hire You Over Other Candidates?
Summarize your top differentiating strengths and achievements to convince the interviewer you’re the best person for the job.
Sample Answer: As an adaptable big picture thinker with eight years of experience driving operational excellence, you can trust I will make meaningful contributions from day one. My track record of identifying cost savings and process improvements while building positive workplace culture makes me a valuable addition to any leadership team. I also facilitate collaboration exceptionally across departments and levels through transparent communication and engagement. These strengths, combined with my passion for innovating new solutions, will enable me to make a significant and sustainable impact.
8. How Would Your Coworkers Describe You?
Share positive personality traits colleagues often point out to show you’re a collaborative team player.
Sample Answer: My coworkers always comment on my optimism and humor which lightens the mood in stressful times. They also mention my empathy—I’m a caring listener who values understanding diverse perspectives. Regarding work ethic, they describe me as conscientious, detail-oriented and willing to lend a hand without hesitation. I’ve also received praise from peers for my creativity in problem-solving and passion for mentorship. Above all, they know I’m authentic and lead with integrity.
9. Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job?
If transitioning from another role, diplomatically explain your solid reasons for change while conveying gratitude for past experiences.
Sample Answer: My current position has given me strong foundational experience that prepared me well for my next challenge. However, I’m now eager to apply my expertise to new industries and take on increased responsibilities in a larger firm like Aprio to accelerate my career growth. I’ve accomplished my goals at my current job, and I’m excited to bring my skills to fresh opportunities that test me and expand my capabilities.
10. Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
Show career ambitions aligned with growing long-term at Aprio. Demonstrate interest in leadership and mastery.
Sample Answer: In 5 years, I see myself thriving in a management or senior advisory role leveraging the robust expertise I will have built from working on diverse client engagements. I also hope to mentor junior staff to develop top talent. My ultimate aim is to spearhead initiatives that maximize operational performance and help Aprio innovate cutting-edge offerings. Above all, I plan to become a trusted advisor for clients seeking transformative solutions to emerging challenges.
11. How Do You Motivate Yourself?
Prove you have the self-drive and discipline to succeed in a high expectations environment even when obstacles arise.
Sample Answer: I motivate myself by focusing on overarching goals for my career and visualizing the positive impact of my work. This fuels perseverance through challenges. I also maintain a growth mindset, turning failures into lessons. Staying connected with mentors keeps me inspired to stretch and achieve my potential in supportive community. Most importantly, I practice positive self-talk to stay solution-focused rather than dwelling on hurdles. My passion for life-long learning and helping others ultimately drives my internal motor.
12. Tell Me About a Time You Displayed Leadership
Leadership skills are valued across roles at Aprio. Discuss examples showcasing initiative, collaboration and vision.
Sample Answer: As President of my university’s accounting society, I demonstrated leadership revamping our mentorship program to connect students with working professionals. I recruited volunteers from top firms and paired them with mentees for job shadowing and networking. Collaborating closely with my team, I oversaw matching based on mentees’ interests while ensuring diversity and inclusion. The initiative expanded opportunities for 80 students, with many receiving internship offers and graduating with jobs lined up. It exemplified my abilities to execute strategic programs enhancing outcomes.
13. How Do You Build Relationships with Clients?
Strong client relationships are everything in consulting roles. Share your approach to establishing trust and rapport.
Sample Answer: I build relationships with clients through transparent communication, accountability and truly understanding their goals. Scheduling regular check-ins ensures we stay in sync, and I’m available to advise and adjust course as needs evolve. I present data-driven recommendations tailored to each client’s objectives. Ensuring clients feel heard and see my genuineness in caring about their success builds enduring trust and loyalty. My goal is for clients to view me as an approachable partner dedicated to achieving their business vision.
14. How Do You Handle Workplace Stress?
Demonstrate healthy stress management skills for this fast-paced environment. Staying cool under pressure is key.
Sample Answer: When workplace stress builds, I lean on productive coping mechanisms to maintain composure and perspective. Taking short breaks to clear my head and stretch reboots concentration. Deep breathing prevents anxious thought
Interviewing best practices to implement
Setting up a structure for your interview process is important once you know what you want and what you expect. Nothing is worse for a candidate than going into an interview where there isn’t a clear plan and the questions aren’t always the same.
Not only do interviews help you vet candidates, but they also serve as branding opportunities for your organization. The quality of your interview process could either gain you a customer for life or a detractor. Plus, your interview process is a strong indicator to candidates of how you work internally.
So, how should you set up your interviews to get the best results? To begin, you should limit the process to three interviews: a phone or virtual screen with the recruiter or HR team; an in-person interview with the lead hiring manager; and a group interview with core team members.
Companies should also try and target an hour to thoroughly conduct the interview process. This allows for healthy dialogue between both the interviewer(s) and the candidate(s). Here is a list of sample prompts to help you build your interview structure and question list:
- Why do you want to leave your current job? This question can help you see any “red flags” that might appear if you hire the person.
- “What are your greatest strengths?” is a good skill-matching question that can help you figure out if the candidate’s skills match the job you want to fill.
- When you ask someone in an interview, “What are your biggest weaknesses?” this question is a more positive way to ask it. It also gives you a good chance to find out what the candidate is doing to fill in their skill gaps.
- What career accomplishments are you most proud of? This question can give you more information about the candidate’s past successes and why they want the job.
- What are your long-term career goals? This question will help you figure out if the candidate fits in with your company’s culture and if their long-term goals are in line with where you want the job and the company to go.
- Please describe a tough situation you faced at work in a previous job. “How did you deal with it?” is a classic behavioral question that can help you see how well a candidate can think critically and solve problems.
- This question, “Why are you interested in this role?” will not only help you understand what they want, but it will also show you how well they researched the job and your company.
In addition to these common questions, you should also find out how much the candidate wants to be paid (if they haven’t already said) and if there are any gaps in their resume. Some people on your team may be asked to help with the interview process. Make sure they know what their roles are and what questions to ask so that the conversation flows smoothly and effectively.
Interviews don’t have to be hard on your candidates and team if you plan and set up the process correctly. Contact Aprio Talent Solutions and talk to our accounting, finance, and IT staffing team if you need help changing the way you interview people to get better ones.
Aprio’s advisors use a large network of top professionals to match the best job candidates with the best jobs across the U.S. S. and Canada.
Answer three key questions before starting the interview process
One of the best ways to make the interview better for everyone is to plan ahead and focus on one thing. Before you start scheduling calls, ask yourself these three questions first:
- Will this position be hard to fill?
- How qualified do your candidates need to be?
- Do you need to sell the position to potential candidates?
Depending on how hard the job is to fill and how qualified the candidates are, employers need to find a balance between selling the job and interviewing people.
For example, let’s say that you are hiring for a new chief financial officer (CFO). What is the most important thing you want your new CFO to do or change? Will they be expected to “clean up” your finances and put in place processes that will make them more efficient? Or are you looking for a CFO who can help you reach your company’s financial goals as it grows?
What kind of candidates you bring in for interviews and whether you need to sell the opportunity will depend on what you expect. Some companies go overboard when evaluating candidates and they completely forget to sell the job. This can leave candidates disinterested, unengaged, and dissatisfied with your company and your interview experience.
TOP 21 QUICK ANSWERS TO JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS!
FAQ
Why should we hire you for accounts payable?
