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Auditor Questions and Answers
Q:
How would you describe the process of auditing? Can you take me through a typical workflow?
A:
Any potential auditors who you interview for your business should have a good grasp of the auditing process, but this question can help you get to know their communication style better. They should be able to describe a simple audit to you in both technical and layperson’s terms and take you through their workflow from beginning to end. A candidate’s answer to this question will help you gauge their basic knowledge of the industry. What to look for in an answer:
- Precise working knowledge of the auditing process
- Ability to communicate in both technical and basic terms
- Display of critical thinking
“I request the necessary financial documents, prepare a plan for the audit, schedule a meeting, go to the site to conduct work in the field, draft my report and set up an exit meeting.”
Q:
Have you developed any systems for reducing the number of errors in your audits?
A:
You want to hire an auditor who does everything they can to produce accurate, error-free work every time they perform an audit. The answers to these questions should give you some insight into the thought processes of the candidate as well as an idea of how they solve problems. What to look for in an answer:
- Detailed explanation of systems that reduce errors
- Willingness to learn new techniques to correct common mistakes
- An understanding that there’s always room to improve
“I’ve developed several specific techniques that help me proof or catch errors as I move through each audit. However, I am always looking for new ways to refine these processes.”
Q:
Can you give an example of a situation where you needed to use hard data to prove a point about your audit?
A:
There are times when an auditor’s work or accuracy may be called into question. Potential hires should be able to explain how they respond to questions and provide evidence for their findings. This question can show you how the applicant handles pressure. What to look for in an answer:
- Ability to recall or find specific data quickly
- Ability to explain data in simple terms
- Excellent organizational skills
“When a client disputes a particular charge, I already have the data in question categorized and checked for accuracy. I can refer to it quickly and explain its validity.”
Q:
How would you handle giving client feedback that might be difficult to hear?
A:
Auditors need to be accurate with their numbers, but they also have to have some communication and interpersonal skills to be able to offer guidance. Answers to this question will help you learn about a potential hire’s personality and mannerisms when it comes to taking care of possible disputes. What to look for in an answer:
- Specific steps the auditor takes to talk through the negatives
- Helping clients deal with feedback positively
- Steps the auditor takes to help clients improve
“I choose to focus on the positives rather than the negatives when I have to provide constructive criticism. I let the client know what’s wrong, but I talk them through a plan for changing how they do things.”
Q:
Have you worked with different types of software as an auditor and what level of qualifications do you have?
A:
Modern auditors can use several types of accounting software to supplement their hard skills and keep track of data. A potential hire should have some experience with one or two of the most common programs in the industry. What to look for in an answer:
- Expertise at using auditing software
- Examples of how the interviewee uses technology
- A willingness to learn new programs
“I am most familiar with these three types of auditing software, and I can tell you how I’ve used them effectively in the past. I’m willing to train with new software.”
Q:
What's your process for approaching an audit before it's officially initiated?
A:
There are many steps to be completed throughout the auditing process from start to finish. Auditors usually have to complete several tasks before they're able to conduct the audit. This question helps you understand how well the candidate plans ahead for their audits. If they show that they're well-organized and have a set strategy ready before the audit, this can reassure you that they're responsible and that the audit itself will run smoothly.
The candidate's answer should emphasize:
- Clear strategy for approaching the audit
- Organizational and planning skills
- Understanding of the entire auditing process
An answer to this question could look like this:
Example:
"I implement several steps before starting the initial audit to ensure it runs smoothly and experiences little to no errors. First, I make sure the audit team and the department receiving the audit know each other in order to build a collaborative and communicative relationship during the audit. Then, I help the company create an audit plan to properly establish the department getting audited. Next, I strategize an audit plan that defines its purpose and the resources required. Finally, I conduct a meeting with the management team and the auditors to communicate our plan."