INTERVIEW PROPER – QUESTIONS
1. When you look at your professional self in the mirror, what do you see?
I see a dedicated and detail-oriented professional who takes pride in
accuracy and efficiency. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong ability to
adapt to different industries and work environments. I see someone who is
always striving to improve and contribute to the success of the organization.
2. What positive things make your bosses and colleagues say about you?
My bosses and colleagues often commend me for my reliability, attention to
detail, and problem-solving skills. They appreciate my ability to handle
complex financial matters while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
3. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I sometimes take on too much responsibility because I want things done right
and I also find it hard to say no to others. Learning to delegate more
effectively is something I continuously work on.
4. What have been some of the biggest mistakes you've made, and what
did you learn from them?
Earlier in my career, I relied too much on manual processes, which
sometimes led to inefficiencies. I learned the importance of leveraging
technology and automation to improve accuracy and productivity. Now, I
always look for ways to optimize workflows using available tools.
5. What's the most significant criticism you've received in a performance
appraisal in the last five years?
A past manager once pointed out that I was too focused on details, which
sometimes slowed down decision-making. I took this as a learning
opportunity and worked on balancing accuracy with efficiency by prioritizing
tasks more effectively.
6. Who in the business world do you admire and why?
I admire Steve Jobs for his relentless pursuit of innovation, attention to detail,
and visionary leadership. His ability to push boundaries, inspire teams, and
create groundbreaking products resonates with my approach to accounting
and operations.
7. In an ideal world, describe your perfect job.
In an ideal world, my perfect job would be an Accountant or Bookkeeper. I
want to work in a company that offers a collaborative and professional
setting where I can contribute to financial stability and efficiency while
working alongside a supportive team. A workplace that encourages
continuous learning and professional growth would be ideal, allowing me to
stay updated on accounting best practices, regulations, and financial
technologies.
8. How do you manage your personal or professional balance?
I prioritize time management and organization. I make sure to set clear
boundaries between work and personal life, allowing me to recharge and
maintain high performance at work.
9. Who was your favorite boss and why?
One of my previous bosses Mr. Roderick Chua of Allmovers Palau and
Cambodia was a great mentor who valued both results and employee
development. He encouraged continuous learning and trusted me with
responsibilities that helped me grow professionally.
10. Explain the reason for your separation from each one of your
jobs.
I left each role for career growth opportunities. In some cases, it was to gain
international experience, while in others, it was to take on more challenging
responsibilities that aligned with my long-term career goals.
11. What motivates you? What are you trying to accomplish at this
point in your career?
I am motivated by the sense of order and accuracy in financial records. I
enjoy ensuring everything is properly recorded, balanced, and reconciled,
knowing it contributes to a company’s stability. At this point in my career, I
want to be in a role where I can continue refining my expertise in
bookkeeping, work with a team that values accuracy and efficiency, and
contribute to an organization’s financial stability. I also want to challenge
myself by learning new accounting systems and improving processes to
make bookkeeping more streamlined and effective. More than just keeping
records, I want to be someone a company can rely on for financial clarity and
insight.
12. What are your working habits (a typical day and week)? Or How
does your day look like? What makes your job challenging?
A typical day for me usually starts with going through emails and setting
priorities for the day. I then focus on reviewing financial records, making sure
transactions are accurate, and reconciling accounts. I also spend time
working with other departments to gather any necessary data. In the
afternoon, I usually tackle longer-term tasks like preparing financial reports
or analyzing data.
My week is a mix of routine tasks like budget management and record-
keeping, along with project work like audits or finding ways to improve
processes. I also make sure I allocate time for compliance checks to keep
everything in order. The biggest challenge is balancing multiple tasks and
meeting tight deadlines, but I stay organized, break things down into
manageable steps, and keep open communication to stay on track.
13. Can you please share your KPI or SLA? What was your
achievement in the past?
In my previous roles, my KPIs have centered around financial reporting
accuracy, timely completion of budgets, and ensuring compliance with tax
and regulatory requirements. One of my key achievements was improving
the financial reporting process by implementing more efficient tracking
systems, which helped ensure timely and accurate reports. This not only
improved decision-making but also strengthened the overall financial
integrity of the organization. I focus on delivering reliable, accurate results
on time while maintaining compliance across all financial activities.
14. What was the toughest decision you've ever had to make in
business? How did you handle it? What did you learn from it?
One of the toughest decisions I had to make was restructuring financial
processes to reduce costs without compromising compliance. I handled it by
conducting a thorough analysis, consulting stakeholders, and implementing
gradual changes. I learned that data-driven decision-making is crucial in
financial management.
15. What do you consider to be your biggest career
accomplishment(s) so far?
My biggest career accomplishment so far has been successfully optimizing
operations and improving efficiency across various teams. As an Operations
Manager, I led initiatives that streamlined workflows and reduced operational
costs, making a significant impact on overall productivity. In my accounting
roles, I implemented stronger financial controls and improved reporting
systems, ensuring accurate financial tracking and compliance. These
improvements not only enhanced internal processes but also helped the
company make more informed decisions, leading to better overall financial
health and performance.
16. On a scale of 1-10, how well do you think your skill set matches
what's required to succeed in this job?
I would rate myself an 8 or 9, as I have the technical skills, experience, and
adaptability needed for this role. However, I am always open to learning new
systems or processes that can further enhance my efficiency.
17. What would it take to make your answer to the previous question
(job fit) a 10?
Familiarizing myself with the company’s specific accounting software, and
internal processes would help me reach a perfect 10 in terms of job fit.
18. On a scale of 1-10, subject to acceptable compensation, how
much do you want this job?
A 10. This role aligns perfectly with my experience in bookkeeping, payroll,
and financial management, and I am eager to contribute my skills to your
team.
19. What would it take to make your answer to the previous question
(job interest) a 10?
A clear understanding of how my role contributes to the company’s financial
stability and efficiency, as well as opportunities for continuous learning and
process improvement.
20. What are the top three reasons why you are interested in this
position?
1. The role aligns with my 10 years of experience in operations management
and accounting, allowing me to leverage my skills in process optimization
and financial management.
2. I’m excited about the opportunity to grow professionally and take on new
challenges.
3. I’m passionate about improving bookkeeping efficiency and ensuring
financial accuracy, which makes this position a great fit for my strengths.
