Assistant Controller Interview Questions & Answers


Assistant Controllers support the controller in the finance or accounting department. They typically prepare financial statements in accordance with official regulations and are involved in the implementation of internal controls.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Assistant Controller or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Assistant Controller position, these Assistant Controller interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Assistant Controller Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Assistant Controller interview questions.

  1. Can you give an example of how you would improve accounting processes?
  2. How do you monitor different accounting functions?
  3. If you suspect that one of your employees is taking short cuts and compromising financial accuracy, how would you approach the issue?
  4. What accounting software programs are you familiar with?
  5. What experience do you have in establishing internal controls?
  6. What role does the assistant controller play in addressing the challenges presented by storing accounting records on the cloud?
  7. As an assistant controller, what is your experience in developing financial reports for regulatory bodies?
  8. What is your experience with setting up and managing internal controls?
  9. Did you ever have to deal with revenue recognition issues? Describe the experience.
  10. What method do you use for quality assurance in your work?
  11. Are you a member of any professional associations? Which ones? How have they benefited you on the professional level?
  12. What do you know about accounting principles? Explain.
  13. Describe your process for completing a thorough financial report.
  14. Which controller do you most admire and why?
  15. What do you think is the most important skill for an assistant controller to possess?
  16. How often do you recommend financial changes to the chief controller?
  17. There is a discrepancy in the accounts. What is your process for investigating the issue?
  18. Describe your experience in working with a controller to prepare a budget.
  19. What is your role in helping the controller prepare for the annual audit?
  20. Look at this financial statement for the last year. Can you see any mistakes on it?
  21. What do you expect from your cooperation with accountants, internal auditors, assistants, and other people you will work with?
  22. What is the toughest accounting problem you solved in your professional career?
  23. In your opinion, what role does assistant controller play in an annual audit?
  24. What motivates you the most in this job?
  25. If you could change one thing about the way finances are handled in your current company, what would it be?
  26. What would you do if you noticed a pattern of overspending in one department?

Assistant Controller Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Assistant Controller interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

  1. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
  2. What is Your Greatest Strength?
  3. Tell Me About Yourself
  4. Why Do You Want This Job?
  5. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
  6. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
  7. What is Your Salary Expectation?
  8. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
  9. Why Should We Hire You?
  10. What is Your Greatest Weakness?