Full charge bookkeepers are advanced-level bookkeepers that handle all the accounting needs of a company. A lot of small and medium-sized businesses hire them to do a wide range of tasks, such as processing accounts, keeping general ledgers, and making financial statements.
When looking for full-time bookkeepers, employers will want to see that applicants know a lot about accounting software, are organized, and can meet deadlines. Be wary of candidates with poor communication skills and those who do not work well under pressure. Special Offer.
To get a job as a full-time bookkeeper, you need to show off your skills and knowledge during the interview process. As the person in charge of all of a company’s accounting tasks, this is a very important job, so interviewers want to make sure you have the technical knowledge and people skills to do it.
To help you get ready for your upcoming interview here are 10 of the most common full charge bookkeeper interview questions along with tips on how to give strong responses
1. Why are you interested in working as a full charge bookkeeper?
With this opening question interviewers want to gauge your motivation for pursuing this career path. Emphasize your passion for accounting and finance while highlighting relevant skills and experience. For example
“I’m excited by the opportunity to take on a leadership role managing all bookkeeping activities for a company With 5+ years of experience handling general ledger, AR/AP, payroll, and financial reporting, I’m confident I have the necessary qualifications Most of all, I’m drawn to the problem-solving aspects of the job and the satisfaction that comes from supporting a company’s financial health.”
2. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing full charge bookkeepers today?
This question allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the current bookkeeping landscape. You could talk about things like automation, working from home, stricter rules, or the growing need for people with data analytics skills. Focus on challenges you feel well-equipped to handle.
“One major challenge is keeping up with new technologies and software programs for recording transactions and generating reports. With the right continuing education and eagerness to learn new systems, I’m able to adapt quickly. Having expertise across multiple platforms allows me to best serve the company’s changing needs.”
3. How do you stay up to date on accounting regulations and best practices?
It’s critical for bookkeepers to maintain current knowledge as standards evolve. Discuss how you actively learn through sources like:
- Seminars and conferences
- Professional publications
- Online courses and webinars
- Networks like the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
“I make a point to set aside regular time for reading industry publications and taking online courses to stay updated on GAAP, FASB guidelines, and best practices. For example, I recently completed a seminar on the latest payroll regulations to ensure compliance.”
4. What accounting software are you most familiar with?
While listing specific programs you’ve used like Quickbooks and Xero, put extra emphasis on your ability to quickly learn new software. For example:
“I have extensive experience with Quickbooks and Microsoft Dynamics GP, including advanced functions like inventory management and budgeting. More importantly, I’m confident I can quickly master any new system required for the role. I enjoy digging into software guides and tutorials to become the resident expert users rely on.”
5. How do you ensure accuracy when preparing financial statements?
This question tests your attention to detail – a critical skill for bookkeepers. Highlight checks and balances you have in place, such as:
- Following closing procedures
- Performing account reconciliations
- Reviewing for variances and irregularities
- Double checking formulas and totals
“I utilize closing checklists and proven review processes to validate financial statements before they’re finalized. For example, I may have a colleague double-check inventory or deprecation calculations to catch any errors I may have overlooked. Implementing these verification steps enables me to produce accurate reporting.”
6. How do you prioritize your tasks when juggling multiple deadlines?
Time management abilities and organizational skills are key for full charge bookkeepers. Discuss how you:
- Create task lists and set reminders
- Track deadlines across projects
- Reassess priorities as needs shift
- Ask for help managing workload when needed
“I stay organized using project management tools to assign due dates and set calendar alerts for key deadlines across all my responsibilities, whether it’s payroll, AR/AP, or financial audits. This helps me plan my time and reprioritize if any new urgent tasks come up. I also maintain open communication with my team and manager to get assistance if I ever feel overwhelmed.”
7. Describe a time you identified and resolved a discrepancy in a company’s books.
With this behavioral question, interviewers want to hear a real example of your problem-solving abilities in action. Walk through how you:
- Noticed the accounting error
- Investigated the root cause
- Developed a correction plan
- Implemented controls to prevent future issues
“In one role, I caught a discrepancy between inventory tracking and general ledger figures during a monthly close. I was able to trace the source back to a formula error in our inventory management software. After fixing the formula, I suggested building in a redundant monthly validation check to catch these types of issues immediately.”
8. How do you ensure you comply with GAAP standards and regulations in your bookkeeping?
Demonstrate your understanding of GAAP compliance best practices:
- Maintain accurate records with proper supporting documentation
- Adhere to revenue recognition principles
- Classify assets and liabilities appropriately
- Produce timely and complete financial statements
“I have controls in place like closing checklists to ensure transactions are recorded in accordance with GAAP standards, from properly classifying prepaid expenses to recording depreciation. I also stay actively informed on updates to the GAAP guidelines through continued education.”
9. What makes you a strong fit for this full charge bookkeeper role compared to other candidates?
This is your chance to summarize why you’re the right person for the job. Highlight must-have qualifications like:
- Breadth of experience handling all key bookkeeping functions
- Time management abilities and organization
- Comfort working independently and taking initiative
- Passion for the field and eagerness to take on new challenges
“With over 7 years of experience not only carrying out core bookkeeping tasks but also taking the lead on financial audits, budgeting, and reporting, I have a proven track record succeeding in this full charge capacity. I’m meticulous when it comes to producing accurate books while also being eager to take on new initiatives and drive process improvements.”
10. Do you have any questions for me about the role?
Prepare 2-3 smart questions to ask about topics like:
- Day-to-day responsibilities and expectations
- Software, tools, and resources provided
- Onboarding and training processes
- Growth opportunities within the company
Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in and preparation for the job.
With these examples and tips in mind, you can confidently navigate the most common full charge bookkeeper interview questions. Use the opportunity to highlight your technical expertise, communication abilities, and passion for the work. Come prepared, relax, and you’ll be ready to take on an exciting new bookkeeping role!
Interview Questions for Full Charge Bookkeepers:
Reveals an understanding of the bookkeeper position and highlights the candidate’s skill set.
How do you manage your workload to ensure accounts are prepared on time?
Demonstrates the candidate’s organizational skills.
Full Charge Bookkeeper Interview Questions
FAQ
What is a full charge bookkeeper responsible for?
Why should we hire you as a bookkeeper?
