Accounting Manager

Accounting Manager qualifications to look for 

Accounting Managers design and carry out systems for collecting, analyzing and reporting financial information. They also head up the accounting staff to ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly. 

These candidates should have a degree in accounting or finance, plus a solid accounting work experience. Your top hire will have a deep understanding of accounts payable/receivable processes, reconciliations and budgeting activities. 

This senior-level position puts your hire in charge of an accounting team. Ask about previous experience with leading a team to identify their abilities to coordinate projects and delegate tasks. 

Keep an eye out for candidates who are:

• Solid under tight deadlines
• Multitaskers
• Detailed-oriented
  

Top tip: Diversity is key to a thriving workplace. Keep an eye out for management and exec-level candidates from varying backgrounds and aim to eliminate bias from your hiring process.

Problem-solving interview questions

• What are three types of special journals and how do you use them?
• How do you estimate bad debt?
• What accounting software have you used and to what capacity?
• What ERP systems have you worked with?
• How do you track your team’s progress and goals? Do you use any specific tools for this? 
• You have to prepare an annual budget. What information and metrics do you need?
• Can you explain SFAS (Statement of Financial Accounting Standards)?
• Walk me through the process you use to analyze fraud. 
• How do you ensure data accuracy and avoid errors in your reports?
• You find an error in a customer payment. What’s your next step?
  

Behavioral interview questions

• What resources do you use to stay current with changes in legislation? Do you subscribe to any publications? 
• Can you share any examples of how you supported and motivated your team to meet ambitious goals and deadlines?
• Did you implement improvements to accounting procedures at your last company?
• What’s the most challenging analysis problem you’ve managed to overcome?