If you're an accountant planning to work in Saudi Arabia, you'll need to learn a variety of skills and be familiar with a variety of questions to succeed in the interview and secure the job you've applied for. In this article, we've outlined the most important questions and how to handle them. Stay tuned.
What are the most important technical questions asked in accounting interviews in Saudi Arabia?
There are many technical questions asked of accountants in Saudi Arabia during interviews, including:
- Questions about accounting basics and principles: Like what are the stages of the accounting cycle? How is a bank reconciliation note prepared?
- Questions about financial statements: For example, mention the most important financial statements and the purpose of preparing each one. What is the difference between the balance sheet and the income statement? Describe your experience in preparing financial statements and reports.
- Questions related to Saudi laws and regulations: What accounting standards do you follow in your business? How familiar are you with the requirements of the Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA)?
- Questions About accounting technology and software: What accounting software do you have experience using? How do you use technology to reduce accounting errors?
- 5. Practical skills questions: How do you organize your priorities during the month-end closing period? How do you deal with work pressure while maintaining accurate accounting?
How would you describe your experience with the most widely used accounting software?
When explaining your experience with the most widely used accounting software, you should focus on three main points: What is the software? How do you use it? What have you achieved through it?
- Mention the name of the program and make sure to mention all the tasks you perform through that program, such as managing accounts and receivables, settling monthly accounts, preparing financial reports, and other matters.
- Make sure to clearly explain the things and projects you have provided through this project and make sure to explain the project briefly and mention what benefit it has brought you.
- Make sure to prepare a detailed report when applying for a job to prove your competence and ability to handle the program.
What is the concept of working capital and how do you express it in an interview?
Working capital is the difference between a company's current assets and current liabilities to cover day-to-day operations and meet short-term obligations.
The components of working capital are current assets and current liabilities, each of which has a repayment period and a method of dealing with it.
How do you express it in the interview?
- Start with a brief definition of capital, how to deal with it, and how to subtract liabilities from current assets.
- Explain what you have done in a practical way, for example, explain to ensure operational continuity, explain what needs to be done, as well as growth and investment.
- Provide a real-life example of something you have done to demonstrate your competence and experience to them.
- Focus on clarifying the tangible results you have achieved.
How do you discuss compliance with financial regulations and standards in your interview?
When discussing financial regulations and standards in an interview, you must demonstrate your extensive experience and knowledge. This can be demonstrated by providing examples from your previous experience. Here are some important points to discuss:
- Ensure you demonstrate knowledge of all relevant regulations and standards in the field, such as: generally accepted accounting principles, and other concepts.
- Explain how important it is to stay informed of changes in regulations and read publications for accountants.
- Use industry terminology and make sure you are professional in the field.
- Provide practical examples that demonstrate your experience and knowledge in the field.
- Focus on demonstrating how value-added damages can be mitigated to avoid risks, build trust, and improve operations.
- Make sure to showcase your soft skills as they demonstrate your competence and skills.
What kind of behavioral questions might you be asked as an accountant?
There are a number of behavioral questions that may be directed to the accountant, and they include:
- Questions about accuracy and repetitive tasks: For example, how did you ensure the accuracy of your daily accounting tasks? How did you maintain the motivation to complete them accurately?
- Questions about deadlines: How did you handle pressure and what was the outcome? How do you prioritize your tasks as an accountant to manage multiple deadlines?
- Error questions: For example, what time did you discover an error in a financial statement? What if you saw a friend of yours behaving in a way that violates the law and ethics?
- Questions about improving processes: Describe an accounting process you developed or improved in your previous job.
- Questions about communication and dealing with others: Like, “How do you deal with a colleague in the accounting department who you don’t get along with?”
- Compliance questions: Describe a situation in which you had to implement a new accounting regulation or policy. Mention the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
How do you prepare to provide accurate answers that reflect your practical skills?
To prepare to provide accurate answers that reflect your practical skills, follow these strategies:
- Before the interview: Make sure you know some information about the company, such as the fields in which it operates, the most important things it succeeds in, and many other important information.
- Choose the job you would like to work for and make sure you have the skills required to qualify for that job.
- Start preparing for the interview and make sure you are fully aware of your skills and ready to speak fluently about them with the hiring manager.
- Use the STAR method to ensure that you provide accurate answers to behavioral and practical questions.
- Apply what you've prepared for the interview and train yourself to maintain realistic boundaries while learning simple self-improvement skills.
- Review what you have learned and make sure there are some questions you can ask the company that might help you increase your chances of getting the job.
Frequently asked questions about the personal interview for the position of accountant
How do I mention my achievements in a clear and attractive way?
To mention your achievements in an attractive and clear way, you should follow the STAR strategy to organize your answers in a clear and organized manner.
Focus on identifying and measuring your skills based on numbers and percentages, and use powerful sentences that demonstrate your expertise and competence.
Make sure the job requirements include the skills you have so you can showcase the accomplishments you have made.
What accounting software should I be proficient in?
To be a successful accountant in the current era, you must learn to use a number of accounting programs, which vary depending on the type of company you work for or the industry you operate in. These programs include:
- Microsoft Excel.
- Accounting software for small and medium-sized businesses: such as QuickBooks Online, Zoho Books.
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software for large companies.
How do I deal with time management and working under pressure questions?
To deal with time management and working under pressure questions, you should take the following steps:
- You should be prepared in advance for the questions that will be asked of you.
- Determine what type of strategy you use to manage time and deal with stress.
- Make sure you know what the frequently asked questions are and how to answer them.
What mistakes should be avoided during an interview?
There are some mistakes you should avoid during the interview so that you can get the job, which are:
- Make sure you arrive on time and dress appropriately for the venue.
- Make sure to sit in a polite manner and avoid using your phone or chewing gum during the interview.
- Answer directly, avoid interrupting those around you, and make sure you are comfortable expressing your skills and accomplishments.
