As a bookkeeper, you will be very important to the overall functioning of a business. As such, the following bookkeeper interview questions and answers will help your interviewer determine your loyalty, your competency and even your past experiences.

Can You Keep Records Completely Confidential?
With some professions, it is relieving and sometimes even rewarding to discuss the happenings of the day with friends and family members. However, when it comes to bookkeeping, there is very little that you will be able to discuss. Working within this field involves handling the company or client’s finances, and this is very sensitive information. Although some of it may be released as public record due to federal law, individual entries and expenditures are often completely classified. Your employer will ask this question in order to determine your loyalty, and you should assure your interviewer that you understand the sensitivity of certain pieces of information.

Which Software Are You Familiar With?
Gone are the days of keeping endless paper records; most of today’s bookkeeping is done completely electronically. Most of your clients will require you to have plenty of experience with a program like Microsoft Excel, Bookkeeper, QuickBooks or Peachtree. You should first mention the programs that you are familiar with and then go on to describe the amount of experience you have with each one. If you are not familiar with the program used by your prospective employer, point out that you are very proficient with computers and that you will be able to learn the ins and outs of the software very quickly.

Can You Be Available Around the Clock?
Depending upon your employer, you may be asked to maintain an ‘on-call’ status 24 hours a day. If you are applying for a position with a large corporation, you may split this responsibility with other bookkeepers. However, if you are applying for a position with an individual or a small business, you will likely be the only bookkeeper. As a result, should an emergency arise, you will need to be available. To answer this question, reply with “I understand that my expertise is very important to you as my employer. I will be available around the clock to resolve any issues or answer any questions that may arise.”

Do You Have Experience?
If this is the first time you have applied for a job since graduating college, then you are likely not going to have any work-related experience. If not, never fear; you can overcome this by reinforcing your positive traits and assuring the interviewer that you are perfectly capable of performing your required duties. If you do have experience, be sure to provide details such as your required duties, your accomplishments and more.
If you want to land a job as a bookkeeper, you will need to impress your interviewer with your abilities, skills and experience when applicable. Part of standing out as the most qualified candidate for the job involves being able to provide solid, detailed answers to the questions your interviewer asks.