How to prepare for your next interview as a Bookkeeper

As a bookkeeping candidate, it is important to be well-prepared for your interview in order to make the best impression and increase your chances of landing the job. If you’re wondering how to become a Bookkeeper in Australia you can use the following helpful tips to aid in your job search.

A Bookkeeper is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records for a company or organisation. The job involves recording financial transactions, reconciling bank statements, and preparing financial reports.

Most Bookkeeper jobs typically require candidates to have finished high school or equivalent and may have an associate degree in accounting or a related field. In Australia, there are a few different certifications that Bookkeepers can obtain to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. These include Certificate IV in Bookkeeping, Registered BAS Agent, and Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB).

Some key skills for bookkeeping jobs include knowledge of accounting principles and procedures, attention to detail, and proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks, MYOB, XERO, and Microsoft Excel. Strong organisational, communication, and time management skills are also important.

Plan your stories

During your interview, you are likely to be asked for specific examples of times when you demonstrated various skills, traits, values, or elements of knowledge. To prepare for these questions create a list of “stories” that you can use to demonstrate common bookkeeping skills and responsibilities.

Familiarise yourself with your CV

You should have a clear understanding of the information on your resume so that you can speak in-depth about your skills, experience, and achievements, which is important for impressing the interviewer and demonstrating your suitability for the role. It will also help you to identify any gaps in your experience or skills that you may want to address or explain.

Do your financial homework

Staying up to date with industry trends is essential to keep your skills and knowledge relevant and up-to-date, it also enables you to understand the changes in the environment and to be able to adapt to them and provide valuable insights to your company or clients.

Research the company

Before the interview, take the time to research the company, including its products or services, its mission and values, and its industry. This will help you to tailor your responses to the specific needs of the organisation, and to demonstrate your understanding of their business.

Prepare your questions

When searching for how to become a Bookkeeper, it is easy to focus solely on your skills, qualifications, and certifications. Candidates should remember that interviews go both ways. Asking the right questions can help you find out if the role is right for you and if you’ll be happy with the company. Preparing questions to ask the interviewer makes you look interested, enthusiastic, and engaged - all qualities that the employer will be looking for.

Review common bookkeeping interview questions

Here are some examples of common Bookkeeper interview questions that you may be asked during a job interview:

1. Can you tell us about your experience with bookkeeping and accounting software?

2. How do you stay organised and manage your workload effectively?

3. Can you give an example of a difficult situation you have encountered in your bookkeeping experience, and how you dealt with it?

4. How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your bookkeeping work?

5. How do you stay up-to-date with changes in accounting regulations and laws?

6. How do you communicate with clients and other stakeholders when it comes to financial matters?

7. Can you explain the difference between cash and accrual accounting?

8. Can you tell us about a time when you had to explain financial information to a non-financial person?

9. How do you prioritise and manage your tasks?

10. Can you explain what a trial balance is and why it is important?

These questions, along with the interview as a whole, are designed to assess your knowledge, skills, and experience in bookkeeping, as well as your ability to communicate effectively and work in a professional setting. It's important to be prepared to answer these types of questions and to provide specific examples from your past experience to demonstrate your qualifications for the role. For more helpful tips, read our job seekers toolkit.

If you’re looking for your next role as a Bookkeeper, contact us at Richard Lloyd Recruitment and speak to one of our experts.