One of the most common yet tricky interview questions is “Tell me about yourself.” Almost every jobseeker in accounting gets to answer this.
However, many candidates often give generic responses that doesn’t highlight their strengths.
The key to answering this question well is in the structure.
Want to learn what the best structure for the accounting interview question is?
Your response should follow a simple PAST – PRESENT – FUTURE framework:
- PAST: Briefly introduce your background, education, and early career experience.
- PRESENT: Highlight your current role, key skills, and achievements relevant to the position.
- FUTURE: Explain why you’re interested in this role and how it aligns with your career goals.
Here are sample responses to the accounting question "Tell me about yourself" for different accounting roles.
For an Entry-Level Accountant:
"I recently graduated with a degree in Accounting from [University Name], where I developed a strong foundation in financial reporting and auditing. During my internship at [Company Name], I assisted with bank reconciliations and expense analysis, which strengthened my attention to detail. Currently, I am studying for my CPA/ICAN certification and actively improving my Excel and financial modeling skills. I’m excited about this opportunity because I admire [Company Name]’s commitment to financial integrity, and I look forward to applying my analytical skills in a professional setting."
For a Senior Accountant:
"I have over seven years of experience in financial accounting and reporting, primarily in the [industry name] sector. In my current role at [Company Name], I oversee month-end closing, ensure GAAP/IFRS compliance, and have led process improvements that reduced reporting errors by 20%. I also work closely with auditors to streamline financial statements. Moving forward, I’m eager to take on more strategic roles, such as financial planning and analysis, and I believe this position aligns perfectly with that goal."
For an Auditor:
"I started my career as an external auditor at [Firm Name], where I gained extensive experience auditing clients across various industries. Over the past five years, I’ve specialized in risk assessment and internal controls, ensuring compliance with IFRS/GAAP standards. In my current role, I successfully led a team that improved audit efficiency by 30%. I’m now looking to bring my expertise to a company where I can help strengthen internal controls and drive financial transparency."
For a Management Accountant:
"With a strong background in cost accounting and financial planning, I’ve spent the past six years helping businesses optimize their budgets and improve profitability. Currently, at [Company Name], I provide management with data-driven insights that have led to a 15% reduction in operational costs. I’m particularly passionate about using financial data to drive business decisions, and I see this role as an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic team focused on growth and efficiency."
Pro Tip: Since this question is open-ended, your response sets the tone for the rest of the interview. A well-structured answer can steer the conversation in your favor by highlighting your strengths early on.
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