Interview Preparation Tips for Chartered Accountants

Congratulations! You’ve applied for your dream role through a specialist recruiter. This is the first step toward success, but as the interview approaches, doubts may start to creep in. Don’t worry—this is completely normal.

You might be thinking, “I really want this job, but I haven’t interviewed in a while. How should I prepare?” Don’t stress; I’ve been a specialist recruiter in the CA space for over eight years, and I’m here to share some invaluable tips and tricks to help you shine during your interview.

Personal Background: Showcase Your Personality

Employers want to know about you as a person, beyond your skills and experience. They may ask about your hobbies, interests, and how you spend your free time. These questions give insight into your personality, so be prepared to answer authentically.

They may also ask questions about your background, such as why you moved to New Zealand or why you settled in Wellington. Have a solid explanation for your journey—this shows that you’re thoughtful about your decisions.

Tip: Stand out by being creative and memorable. For example, instead of just saying you watch Netflix, share how a documentary sparked your interest in a new topic. Or, explain how reading books led you to travel or pursue a specific passion. Personal stories, such as taking your kids to the zoo or park, can make you memorable in the eyes of the interviewer.

Professional Background: Showcasing Your Experience

Next, employers will dive into your professional background. This is where you can really demonstrate your expertise and skills. Be ready to talk about:

Career history: Explain the reasons for moving between firms, highlighting your career path.
Team structure: Who you reported to and if you’ve had direct reports, showcasing your leadership abilities.
Day-to-day responsibilities: Be specific about the projects you’ve worked on and the skills you’ve developed.
Business development experience: Include networking and pitching, which shows initiative and drive.
Client interaction: Do you engage with clients regularly? If so, by phone, email, or in person? What do you cover and why?
Client industries: What client industries have you worked with, and which ones do you prefer or avoid? Why, and how does that affect your role?
Client size & complexity: You should also be able to discuss your largest annual turnover and sometimes your average range.
IFRS: Have you dealt with international financial reporting standards? If so, how?
Tax scenarios: What’s the most complex tax issue you’ve encountered, and how did you resolve it?
Software & workpapers: What software have you used, and which workpapers do you prefer?
Qualifications: Are you CA/CPA qualified, or on your way? If not, explain why.

Employers will also ask personal questions like, “What made you want to study accounting?” Be ready to share what excites you about the industry, as this shows enthusiasm for your role and why you do what you do. For example: “Where do you see accounting heading in the future, and how does AI impact this?” As AI is a hot topic today, having an opinion here will show you’re staying current.

Competency-Based Questions

These questions are becoming less common, as more interviews are focusing on fit rather than strict competencies. However, you might still encounter them. Be prepared to answer questions like:

Tell me about a time when you had a tight deadline. How did you manage it, and what challenges did you face?
Tell me about a time when there was conflict in your team. How did you handle the situation?

Tip: Use the STAR method to answer competency questions. This will help you keep your answers concise and structured. STAR stands for Situation > Task > Action > Result. Focus on your actions and the positive results.

Answering “Why Do You Want to Work for Us?”

You can expect this classic question, so be prepared to answer confidently. Employers want specific examples to demonstrate your genuine interest in the firm. Think about what attracted you to them in the first place—was it something you read on their website, or perhaps a conversation with someone who works there? Be honest and prepare examples that reflect your enthusiasm and how your skills align with the role.

The Basics

Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Research the firm, the role, what they’re looking for, and what you can bring to the table to impress.
Plan your route, accounting for traffic or public transport delays, to ensure you arrive on time.
Arrive 5–10 minutes early. Arriving too early could disrupt their schedule.
Dress professionally, suited and booted, and wear what makes you feel confident to leave a good impression.
Know the names of who you are meeting.
Have a firm handshake and hold eye contact.
Do not ask about salary: As a recruiter, we’ve already put you forward at a specific salary range that we’ve discussed prior, and they are interviewing you based on this range. Do not mention a number below this range, as it reduces room for negotiation.

The Questions You Should Ask

Remember, the interview is a two-way street. You’re interviewing the firm just as much as they are interviewing you.

Tip: Have 5–10 questions ready to ask. I know this might sound like overkill, but when the interviewer dives into their spiel about the firm, the role, the client base, or their benefits, they may cover half your prepared questions. Being left with no questions to ask never leaves a good impression.

Focus on areas you don’t like about your current role or situation. For example, if you feel your current role lacks progression, ask about opportunities for career growth. If you’re dissatisfied with the culture, ask about team dynamics or the firm’s approach to work-life balance.

It is imperative that you ask the right questions to figure out if this is the right opportunity for you in the four pillars: personally, professionally, long-term, and short-term.

Ending the Meeting

Before you leave the interview, make sure you ask about the next steps. Find out when you can expect to hear feedback, and if you’re interested in the opportunity, let them know. Be specific about what makes the role, the firm, or their culture appealing to you. This can leave a positive, lasting impression.

If you feel comfortable adding this, especially if this is one of your first interviews you may want to ask that if you’re not successful you would welcome any feedback to help improve your interviewing skills.

Always thank them for their time.

Good luck—go in prepared, and let your personality and experience shine!

About Me

I am a Specialist Recruiter within the CA space which means I help Chartered Accountants / Certified Public Accountants and those studying toward their CA or CPA qualification.

My clients are Public Practice firms and Accounting firms and the roles/accounting jobs are within Business Advisory Services (BAS), External Audit, Tax, Corporate Finance, Risk Advisory, and Insolvency.

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Ace Your Next Role: Interview Preparation Tips for Chartered Accountants