There is a well-known accounting and consulting firm called PKF O’Connor Davies that has a great reputation in the financial services industry. The company has been around since 1891 and has a long history of providing a wide range of services, such as audit, tax, and advisory solutions, to a wide range of clients. PKF O’Connor Davies is one of the best accounting firms in the US and has been ranked in the top 50 by Accounting Today for many years. The firm is known for its honesty and personalized client service.
The company isn’t just good at traditional accounting; it also gives smart advice on things like cybersecurity, wealth management, and valuing businesses. With more than 1,000 employees, PKF O’Connor Davies is proud to have created a workplace that values teamwork and new ideas. This helps them stay on top of industry trends and best practices. This article talks about the kinds of interview questions that you might be asked if you want to work for this prestigious company.
Getting hired at a top accounting firm like PKF O’Connor Davies takes more than just good grades. You need to really impress during the interview by demonstrating your skills intellect and fit for the firm.
As someone who went through the grueling PKF O’Connor Davies interview process myself I want to share the most common questions I was asked along with tips on how to nail your responses.
After reading this, you’ll have the inside scoop on how to ace your PKF O’Connor Davies interview!
Why PKF O’Connor Davies?
Let’s start with the classic “Why are you interested in our firm?” question. Recruiters want to know that you’ve done your research on PKF O’Connor Davies and aren’t just applying randomly.
Some key points to highlight:
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PKF O’Connor Davies’ reputation as one of the top accounting firms in the US. Mention rankings and awards.
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The firm’s long history going back to 1891 and how that translates to stability.
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The breadth of services offered beyond just audit and tax, like advisory, technology consulting, etc.
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PKF O’Connor Davies’ commitment to innovation – talk about investments in new technology, training programs, etc.
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The collaborative company culture that values mentorship and professional development.
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Any clients or industries the firm specializes in that appeal to you.
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Personal connections you may have to the company through alumni, networking events, etc.
Weave in specific details that show you’ve researched the firm extensively and aren’t just reciting generic selling points. Demonstrate genuine interest in PKF O’Connor Davies.
Why Audit?
Since PKF O’Connor Davies has a strong audit practice, you may get questions testing your interest and aptitude for audit work specifically.
To make a strong case for why you’re pursuing audit:
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Share how you enjoy the investigative nature of auditing – you get to examine processes, dig into details, and analyze root causes.
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Discuss how auditing allows you to work across diverse industries and business functions, ensuring you are always learning.
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Talk about how you like interacting with and helping people – auditing allows you to build relationships with clients.
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Mention how auditing lets you directly contribute to the accuracy and transparency of financial reporting.
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Highlight how auditing builds a strong foundation for a career in finance. The skills are transferable.
Back up your points with specific examples, like audit internships or course projects you’ve enjoyed. Convey genuine enthusiasm for the day-to-day work.
Technical Questions
You can expect to face several technical audit knowledge questions. Be ready to talk through your approach on these examples:
- Conducting risk assessment for an audit client
- Testing internal controls and assessing effectiveness
- Identifying and resolving discrepancies found during an audit
- Maintaining independence and objectivity as an auditor
- Using data analytics tools to enhance audit procedures
Demonstrate your technical acumen but also your judgment, skepticism, and communication skills essential for auditors. Explain your thought process clearly and avoid overly technical language.
Analytical Skills
Questions like business cases or brainteasers are used to evaluate your analytical skills and how you think through problems.
When tackling these:
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Listen carefully and ask clarifying questions if the problem seems unclear. Don’t make assumptions.
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Think through the problem logically and methodically. Verbalize your thought process.
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Consider all perspectives – don’t latch onto a single solution path immediately.
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Be collaborative and engage the interviewer, asking for their thoughts and feedback.
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Detail any reasonable assumptions you make to work through ambiguous information.
The goal is to showcase your structured analytical approach, not necessarily get the “right” answer. Maintain confidence even if you get stuck.
Leadership Style
As you advance in your career at PKF O’Connor Davies, you’ll likely manage teams and take on leadership responsibilities. Be ready to discuss:
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Your approach to delegating tasks and keeping team members accountable. Give examples if possible.
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How you build trust and maintain morale within a team. Share any experience motivating others.
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Your conflict resolution style – how you handle disagreements between team members or address performance issues.
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How you develop the skills and careers of junior staff through mentoring and training programs.
Convey your team-oriented mindset. Collaboration and mentorship are key values at the firm, so emphasize your alignment.
Client Interactions
As an auditor, you’ll interface directly with clients so expect questions about your approach to client relationships.
Highlight that you:
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Build rapport and trust with clients by taking a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach.
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Listen closely to understand client needs and concerns.
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Exercise professional skepticism and objectivity to uphold audit standards despite client pressure.
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Translate complex technical findings into actionable insights for clients.
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Aim for mutually satisfactory solutions to any issues that arise.
Use anecdotes of positive client interactions you’ve had, like from internships. This will reassure interviewers of your maturity and client-facing potential.
Culture Fit
The interviews will also assess if you’re a good cultural fit for PKF O’Connor Davies.
To show you align with their values:
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Emphasize how you thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy mentoring/training younger staff.
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Share how you participate in campus groups or extracurriculars that demonstrate well-roundedness.
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Discuss your long-term aspirations to advance within the firm and take on leadership roles.
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Convey your own values around integrity, quality, and client service that mesh well with the firm.
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Ask thoughtful questions that show genuine interest in the culture.
Let your personality and enthusiasm come through to leave interviewers excited about you joining the PKF O’Connor Davies team!
Other Common Questions
Here are a few more types of questions that often pop up:
Tell me about yourself – Stick to highlights about your professional background, academics, and interest in accounting. Keep it concise and focused on selling your fit for the role/firm.
Why accounting? – Share when your interest in accounting started and how experiences like internships or classes solidified your choice. Convey passion for the work itself.
Strengths/weaknesses – Discuss strengths relevant to the job like attention to detail, analytical thinking, leadership, etc. For weaknesses, pick small things you’re improving on rather than dealbreakers.
Career goals – Talk about desire to advance within the firm, gain expertise in audit, and take on leadership roles long-term. Reassure you’re not just seeking a brief stopover.
Situational questions – Examples around ethics, conflict management, decision making, etc. Outline your thought process logically and highlight principles like integrity, client service, and public interest.
7 Keys to PKF O’Connor Davies Interview Success
To wrap up, here are my top 7 tips for acing your PKF O’Connor Davies interview:
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Research the firm extensively – Demonstrate genuine interest and knowledge about PKF O’Connor Davies.
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Practice technical questions – Refresh your understanding of audit approaches, standards, tools, etc.
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Perfect your stories – Prepare compelling anecdotes highlighting your relevant experience and soft skills.
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Tune up your analytical skills – Sharpen your problem-solving process; do some practice cases or brainteasers.
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Rehearse your answers – Draft outline responses for common questions and practice out loud.
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Show enthusiasm and confidence – Let your passion for PKF O’Connor Davies and fit for the role shine through.
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Mind your body language – Maintain good eye contact, posture, and active listening through the interviews.
Follow this advice and you’ll walk into those interviews calm, prepared, and ready to knock their socks off. Good luck, and I hope to see you as my future colleague at PKF O’Connor Davies!
PKF O’Connor Davies Hiring Process
The hiring process at PKF O’Connor Davies typically begins with an application through a school or online platform. After this, there is often a short phone interview with HR where basic questions about the candidate’s background and reasons for applying are asked. If they are chosen, candidates are then asked to come in for an interview with one or more partners or senior staff members. People say this stage is more casual and conversational, and the focus is on the candidate’s experience, skills, and how well they fit in with the company culture. Some candidates also reported having a tour of the office. It can take anywhere from a week to a month for the whole process to finish. Some candidates get an offer the day after their final interview. Overall, the process is described as straightforward, professional, and friendly.
PKF O’Connor Davies – Get To Know Video Series
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