Can you provide an example of a challenging task you have completed under supervision?

Sample answer to the question

Sure! One challenging task I completed under supervision was conducting a financial review for a small manufacturing company. I was assigned to review their financial records and transactions to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards. This task required a high level of attention to detail and analytical skills. I had to carefully analyze their financial statements, bank reconciliations, and journal entries to identify any discrepancies or errors. Additionally, I worked closely with the audit team to assess the company's internal controls and identify potential risks. Throughout the process, I maintained open communication with my supervisor, providing regular updates on my progress and discussing any issues or questions that arose. Overall, this experience allowed me to gain practical knowledge of auditing procedures and develop my skills in financial analysis.

A more solid answer

Absolutely! As a junior auditor, I had the opportunity to work on a challenging task under the close supervision of an experienced professional. I was assigned to assist in the examination of a client's financial statements, specifically focusing on their inventory management. This task required a thorough understanding of accounting principles and auditing standards. I conducted a detailed review of the client's inventory records and reconciled them with physical counts to ensure accuracy. I also performed variance analysis to identify any discrepancies and investigate the underlying causes. Throughout the process, I collaborated with my supervisor, providing regular updates on my findings and discussing potential areas of concern. The task required strong attention to detail and analytical thinking to identify any irregularities or potential risks. By completing this task, I not only gained valuable experience in auditing inventory, but also honed my skills in data analysis and problem-solving.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more specific details and examples. It mentions the challenging task of examining a client's financial statements and focuses on the inventory management aspect. The answer highlights the candidate's thorough understanding of accounting principles and auditing standards, as well as their ability to perform variance analysis and investigate potential irregularities. It also emphasizes the collaboration with the supervisor and the development of skills in data analysis and problem-solving. However, the answer could still benefit from further elaboration on the candidate's communication and time management skills.

An exceptional answer

Certainly! One example of a challenging task I completed under supervision was assisting in the audit of a large healthcare organization. This task involved reviewing their financial systems and processes to ensure compliance with accounting standards and identify any potential risks. As part of the audit team, I was responsible for examining the organization's revenue recognition practices. I conducted detailed analyses of their billing records, revenue reports, and contract agreements to verify the accuracy of revenue recognition and identify any potential issues. In collaboration with my supervisor, I developed testing procedures and performed substantive testing to validate the reliability of their financial data. I also participated in client meetings, where I presented my findings and communicated with the organization's finance team to address any concerns or questions. This task required strong analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as effective communication and time management. By completing this challenging task, I not only contributed to the organization's financial integrity but also further developed my expertise in auditing and financial analysis.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer demonstrates a higher level of detail and provides a more comprehensive example of a challenging task completed under supervision. It mentions the audit of a large healthcare organization and specifically focuses on the review of their revenue recognition practices. The answer highlights the candidate's ability to conduct detailed analyses, develop testing procedures, and perform substantive testing. It also emphasizes the participation in client meetings and effective communication with the organization's finance team. The answer showcases the candidate's strong analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as their expertise in auditing and financial analysis. However, the answer could still further elaborate on the candidate's attention to detail and time management skills.

How to prepare for this question

Review the basic principles of accounting and auditing standards to ensure a solid foundation in the field.
Practice analyzing financial statements and conducting variance analysis to enhance your analytical and critical thinking skills.
Familiarize yourself with inventory management and revenue recognition practices as these are commonly audited areas.
Improve your communication skills by practicing presenting and explaining financial concepts to others.
Enhance your time management and organization skills by prioritizing tasks and setting realistic deadlines.

What interviewers are evaluating

Analytical and critical thinking
Detail-oriented
Basic knowledge of accounting and auditing standards
Teamwork and collaboration
Effective communication
Time management and organization