Why this matters:
Accounts administrators are regularly tasked with preparing and submitting taxes — a high-stakes responsibility that’s often prone to errors. When it comes to discrepancies and other inaccuracies, being able to clearly communicate with management and executives is critical — as is thoughtful, decisive action.
What to listen for:
- An in-depth understanding of discrepancies and other tax-related errors
- Willingness to take accountability for any oversights
- A productive and professional communication style
Why this matters:
Accuracy and consistency are the financial bedrocks of any organization. Successful candidates will be equipped with at least one comprehensive approach to validating — as well as correcting — financial data. How a candidate answers this question will provide insight into their technical skills, communication style, and work ethic.
What to listen for:
- Evidence of a strong quality assurance strategy
- Excellent attention to detail
- A positive, persevering attitude
Why this matters:
Preparing documentation for delivery is only part of an accounts administrator’s duties. Effective accounts administrators must also understand what to do with bills and requisitions from external organizations — as well as who else in the organization must sign and verify those bills and requisitions to ensure proper and timely processing.
What to listen for:
- Rigorous processes to follow upon receiving external financial documents
- Explanation of how to properly determine which colleagues to relay documents and information to
- Justification of why these processes are most effective, based on successful experiences
Why this matters:
While managing a department budget, accounts administrators will occasionally encounter bureaucratic obstacles, last-minute client requests, and other unanticipated hurdles. Candidates should be prepared to adapt to unpredictable circumstances, taking decisive action and modifying their budget when necessary.
What to listen for:
- A strong approach to budget analysis
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Ability to quickly adapt to change
Why this matters:
No one can be expected to have an answer to every challenge. Even highly experienced accounts administrators must sometimes lean upon problem-solving and communication processes honed from work experience to best support team members with different backgrounds, and who play different roles at your organization.
What to listen for:
- A successful experience having helped a team member perform a task that was unfamiliar to the candidate
- Previous experiences leveraged to overcome the teammate’s challenges
- Knowledge learned through the experience that benefits the candidate’s workflows
Why this matters:
Accounts administrators often take on several tasks at once. Occasionally, they may encounter competing deadlines, last-minute requests, or other stressful challenges. When a project outcome is at stake, candidates must be able to communicate effectively with their team members, handing off tasks to others or requesting assistance when necessary.
What to listen for:
- Ability to maintain composure under pressure
- Willingness to ask for help when necessary
- Capable of onboarding unfamiliar or less experienced team members
Why this matters:
Accounts administrators regularly handle important company records — both internal data and external documentation for compliance. How a candidate answers this question will provide insight into their approach to confidential information, attention to detail, and commitment to maintaining both organization-wide trust and the company’s external image.
What to listen for:
- A genuine commitment to cultivating a positive work environment
- A strong sense of ethics
- Alignment with company values
Why this matters:
Many intricate budgeting challenges require input from multiple departments. As a result, accounts administrators may need to break down complex documentation or processes into simple, easily digestible terms. In doing so, they can help create an organization-wide understanding of both role-specific and cross-functional processes.
What to listen for:
- Strategies for explaining detailed processes, such as using visual aids
- A patient, accommodating approach
- Ability to perceive how different tasks fuel interrelated processes
Why this matters:
Because they regularly juggle multiple accounts and priorities, accounts administrators must be able to stay organized — especially in high-stress or unpredictable situations. Successful candidates will be able to outline specific methods for meeting deadlines, determining priorities, and managing time.
What to listen for:
- A clear and effective task coordination strategy
- Excellent time-management skills
- Ability to act decisively in high-pressure situations
Contact a sales consultant.