Data Entry Manager

This example was from my previous role as an assistant at a senior living facility. A resident was waiting in the lobby for a family member who was going to take her to a doctor’s appointment. The family member called to say he was having car trouble and wouldn’t be able to make it in time for the appointment. I knew that the resident was waiting anxiously for test results from her doctor, so I offered to take her myself so that she wouldn’t have to reschedule the appointment. The resident was extremely grateful when I was able to drop her off in time to make her scheduled appointment.

I have advanced data analysis software experience. A few examples include creating PivotTables in Excel, producing databases from scratch in Access, and developing data mining algorithms in ELKI. Also in my previous role, I was tasked with upgrading the database to meet the demands of the market and the company to ensure it ran smoothly.

Be specific when describing how you keep on top of your time and workspace. What messaging system and calendar programs do you use? Do you have a dedicated basket or small shelf for pending projects? How do you prevent clutter from accumulating on your desk? Showing how you’ve mastered these systems or practices can make you a more attractive job candidate.

I was head-down in data entry for a client when a peer asked for my help to complete a company critical project. It was the end of the month, so I couldn’t abandon my data entry work. But I knew that my teammate wouldn’t have asked for my help if it wasn’t absolutely necessary. I reprioritized the rest of my day and made plans to stay a couple extra hours in the office to ensure both tasks got completed. I don’t mind putting in extra time when it helps the company with their best clients, and I know my teammate really appreciated it.

This is the second part of that question. The best responses should shed light on their process for reviewing their work and minimizing miscalculations.

This will be my first accounting role, so while I have taken several accounting courses, I haven’t yet pursued any certifications. I’m excited to learn about what you would recommend I pursue first!

This is an accounting interview question you should absolutely expect. Employers want to know why you want to work in this field. There’s no right answer to this question, so just be honest.

This is one of many elementary accounting interview questions you can use to find out more about the general accounting knowledge of entry-level job candidates for bookkeeping or accounting clerk openings. Their responses, both verbal and non-verbal, will reveal whether they understand accounting fundamentals.

I believe that accuracy is the best virtue without which it will be impossible to provide quality work. Since many company decisions are made based on the information that data entry clerks punch in, it is important that quality is maintained.

Teamwork is essential within every selling environment, whether you have several BDRs supporting an inside sales rep, each salesperson handling their own process from prospecting to closing, or something in between. Sales managers know that if their reps don’t share feedback, support, and insights with each other, the team’s process won’t improve over time.

By inquiring about the level of collaboration, you’ll tell your interviewer that you’re a team player.

Some reps are slow to adopt new technology, even though sticking to manual processes or neglecting data entry ultimately slows them down and makes their manager’s job harder.

That’s why asking this question will immediately make you a more attractive candidate. It suggests that you’ll be open to trying new tools -- and might even be a rallying force to get other reps on board, too.

While this is still a fairly basic question, you may tailor your follow-up queries according to the specifics of your business or to the candidate’s work history. Or, as a skill test, you could present a few journal samples for the applicant to read and then explain. The way the person responds to this accounting interview question will show the skill level in identifying mistakes or omissions.

One way to demonstrate your technical expertise is to use the right lingo. Throw out specific terminology. When describing your Excel skills, for instance, you might talk about the process of creating charts, formulas, macros, or pivot tables. If possible, weave in metrics that quantify your achievements, a San Francisco–based career coach who specializes in interview skills. (“I suggested procedures that decreased our company’s average order-processing time from 10 minutes to five minutes.”)

This is one of Donohue’s favorite questions. First, it demonstrates that you’re thinking about the team’s success, not just your own. Second, it makes you appear thoughtful and experienced. Some reps rush into a new job with blind optimism, only to be disappointed when everything’s not completely rosy. By inquiring about the team’s challenges, you’ll show you’re clearly not wearing blinders.

It also shows you’re focused on finding a good fit.

Pay close attention to the hiring manager’s answer. A good one will know what distinguishes the top reps on their team so they can actively cultivate those traits in other reps.

I try to minimize distractions in the workplace, but I also have simple data validation checkpoints built into my workflow. The validations ensure that if I make an error somewhere, I don’t get too far into the work before I am able to catch it and correct it.

It depends! If it’s a quick question, I tend to use instant messaging. But if it’s going to take longer than a minute to respond, then I’ll send an email. If it’s a sensitive conversation, or one that could be misunderstood, I’ll set up a face-to-face meeting or make a phone call.

People who are genuinely curious won’t have to pretend to care when digging into customers' problems -- they actually will care, This rep will be following the right blogs, know a ton about your prospects' business challenges, and not be shy about asking questions. And curious people usually ask the best questions.

At the beginning of every day, I take 15 minutes to review my agenda and the work that needs to get completed. Then I schedule my time accordingly. If there are any questions as to the priority of a task, I have a quick alignment conversation with my manager. If new priorities arise, or if something urgent threatens my initial plan, I’ll have another quick conversation with my manager to ensure we’re on the same page.

While it may be ideal to find expertise in the same accounting programs you use in your company — Excel, Hyperion, IBM Cognos, QuickBooks, ERP and so on — it’s even more valuable to find someone who is software savvy and able to get up to speed with a variety of programs. Some companies have embraced cloud financial solutions, and while experience in online-based software and services is valuable, the ability to get comfortable with the new technologies is worthwhile, too.