20 BPM Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And when you’re interviewing with a specific company, it’s important to do your research and be prepared to answer questions about the company itself.

If you’re interviewing with BPM, a public accounting and advisory firm, you should be prepared to answer questions about the company’s history, its clients, and its services. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of sample BPM interview questions and answers.

BPM Interview Process

The interview process at BPM is generally positive, with many reviewers finding it professional and informative. However, some reviewers note that the process can be slow, and that communication from HR may not always be clear or timely. Additionally, some candidates report feeling like they are being interrogated during the interview process.

BPM typically begins the hiring process with a phone screen, followed by an in-person interview. The in-person interview may include multiple rounds of interviews with different employees, ranging from supervisors to partners. Candidates should expect to answer questions about their experience and why they are interested in the role. Additionally, BPM may ask candidates to participate in a lunch or coffee meeting with staff members.

1. What do you know about BPM?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company and its services. Before you go into the interview, make sure you read through the job description so that you can understand what the company needs from their next employee.

Example: “I know BPM has been in business for over 30 years and specializes in providing accounting and advisory services to emerging businesses and high-net-worth individuals. I also know that they have offices all across the country, including one here in [your city]. I am excited to learn more about this opportunity.”

2. Why did you choose to become a CPA?

This question is a great way to show your passion for accounting and financial management. It also allows you to share any personal experiences that led you to this career path.

Example: “I chose to become a CPA because I have always been interested in numbers and how they can help businesses succeed. When I was younger, my parents owned a small business where I worked as an accountant. I loved the feeling of helping them grow their company while learning more about finance. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in accounting.”

3. If we hired you and you learned that some of your coworkers were involved in unethical behavior, what would you do?

This question is a great way to assess your moral compass and how you would respond in an uncomfortable situation. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention that you value honesty and integrity and will always do what’s right.

Example: “I believe that everyone has the ability to make good decisions, but sometimes people are under pressure or feel like they have no other choice than to act unethically. If I ever learned that my coworkers were involved in unethical behavior, I would first try to talk with them about their actions and see if there was anything I could do to help them. If they refused to change their ways, I would report them to our HR department.”

4. Describe your experience with preparing tax returns.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your experience with accounting and tax preparation. They want to know if you have any special skills or knowledge that can help them in their business.

Example: “I’ve prepared my own taxes for the last five years, so I’m familiar with all of the different forms and schedules. However, I also worked as an intern at a local CPA firm where I helped prepare returns for small businesses. This experience taught me how important it is to be thorough when preparing tax returns because even minor mistakes can lead to penalties.”

5. How many hours per week can you work during the busy season?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine how much time you’re willing to commit to the job. Be honest about your availability and explain any extenuating circumstances that might affect your ability to work a full schedule.

Example: “I’m available for 40 hours per week, but I can also work overtime if needed. Last year, my company hired an additional accountant to help with our busy season because we had more clients than usual. I was happy to work extra hours to help out.”

6. Tell me about an audit where something went wrong, how did you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you react in challenging situations. When answering, try to focus on the steps you took to resolve the issue or mistake.

Example: “In my first year as an auditor, I was working with a client who had recently acquired another company. The financial statements were very complex, so I asked for additional time to complete the audit. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that the extension would push the deadline past the tax season. As soon as I realized my mistake, I contacted the client and explained what happened. They understood and gave me two weeks to finish the audit.”

7. How does accounting differ from auditing?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of accounting and auditing. It also allows you to explain how the two processes are similar, which can be helpful for employers who may not have much experience with either process.

Example: “Accounting and auditing both involve financial record-keeping, but they differ in their purpose. Accounting involves recording transactions that take place within an organization, while auditing involves reviewing those records to ensure accuracy. Auditors use accounting information as part of their work, so it’s important to understand the differences between these two processes.”

8. Which area of public accounting are you most interested in?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have done some research on the company and its services. It also helps them understand what areas of public accounting you are most interested in, which can help them determine if you would be a good fit for their firm.

Example: “I am very interested in forensic accounting, as I find it fascinating how accountants can use data to solve problems. In my previous role, I was able to work with an outside forensic accountant who helped us discover fraud within our organization. This experience made me realize how much I enjoy working with forensic accountants.”

9. Do you have any questions for us?

This is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have done your research and are interested in learning more about their company. It’s also a chance for you to ask any questions you might have about the position or the company itself.

Example: “I noticed that BPM has an excellent reputation within the community, which is something I’m very passionate about as well. I was wondering if you could tell me what steps you take to ensure that your employees feel valued and supported?”

10. When was the last time you had to deal with a difficult client or situation?

Interviewers ask this question to see how you handle conflict and challenging situations. They want to know that you can remain calm, professional and respectful in these types of situations. In your answer, try to highlight a specific example where you were able to resolve the situation or diffuse the conflict.

Example: “I once had a client who was very upset with our services because they didn’t receive their tax return on time. I listened to them calmly and explained that we do everything we can to ensure accurate returns by the deadline. However, sometimes there are delays due to unforeseen circumstances. We worked together to find a solution that would make them happy.”

11. Who is your favorite professor at school?

This question is a great way to learn more about your interviewer and their personality. It’s also an opportunity for you to share something positive about the school or professor that may not be obvious from looking at its website.

Example: “My favorite professor was Dr. Smith, who taught my accounting class senior year. He had such a unique teaching style that made learning fun and interesting. I remember one time he brought in his dog to help us understand how depreciation works. The students loved it, but I think the professors were secretly annoyed by him.”

12. What software programs are you proficient with?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of specific software programs and how they can be used in the accounting field. When answering this question, list any programs you have experience with and explain what you use them for.

Example: “I am proficient with QuickBooks Online, Xero and Freshbooks. I find that these programs are useful for managing client accounts, invoicing clients and tracking expenses. In my previous role as an accountant, I used these programs daily to manage my team’s finances and ensure we were meeting our deadlines and providing accurate financial information to our clients.”

13. Does anyone else hold the same job title as you? What’s the difference between your position and theirs?

This question is a great way to learn more about the responsibilities of your potential new job. It also helps employers understand what you might be able to contribute to their company if they decide to hire you.

Example: “I am currently the chief financial officer for my current employer, but I have worked as an accountant and controller in previous positions. The CFO position has much more responsibility than either of those roles because it requires me to oversee all aspects of the accounting department and ensure that our finances are accurate and up-to-date.”

14. How well do you work under pressure?

This question is a great way to assess your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you manage stress and stay organized when working under pressure.

Example: “I thrive under pressure because I know that the more time I have to complete a task, the better my results will be. In my previous role as an accountant, I was often tasked with completing projects within tight deadlines. While this could be stressful at times, I learned to use my organization skills to prioritize tasks and delegate them to other team members if needed.”

15. What kind of salary are you looking for?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest about your expectations. If you’re not sure what the salary range for this position is, do some research before the interview so you can give an accurate answer.

Example: “I’m looking for a salary of $50,000 per year. I know that this is above average for someone with my experience level, but I feel like I have the skills necessary to perform well in this role. I also understand that there are bonuses available based on performance.”

16. What would you bring to our team?

This question is a great way to show your potential employer that you have done your research on the company and are eager to join their team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention one or two skills you possess that would help you succeed in the role.

Example: “I am an extremely organized individual who has experience with multiple software programs. I believe these skills would make me a valuable asset to BPM because they allow me to work efficiently and effectively. In my previous position, I was able to streamline processes for our clients by using technology to create reports and presentations.”

17. What specific skills and qualifications do you possess that make you a good candidate for this role?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and qualifications necessary for this role. When answering, be sure to highlight any specific skills or experience you have that directly relate to the job description.

Example: “I am a highly organized individual with strong communication skills who has proven my ability to work well in a team environment. I also have extensive knowledge of accounting software and can use both Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks Pro. These skills make me an excellent candidate for this role.”

18. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential future colleagues. It’s also an opportunity for you to share what you hope to achieve in the next few years of your career. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about where you want to be professionally and how BPM could help you get there.

Example: “I see myself as a CPA with my own accounting firm by 2022. I would love to work at a company that supports me along the way. I’m looking for a place where I can grow both personally and professionally. I know that BPM has a lot of resources available to support its employees, so I feel like this would be a good fit.”

19. Give an example of a time when you worked on a project outside of your comfort zone.

This question is a great way to show your ability to adapt and learn new things. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something you’ve learned in the past that has helped you grow as a professional.

Example: “In my first year of accounting, I was tasked with working on an audit for a company that had just gone public. This was my first time working on a project like this, so I spent extra time researching how to complete the task efficiently. After completing the project, I realized that learning more about the process beforehand would have made the work much easier.”

20. Provide an example of a time when you made a mistake but handled it professionally.

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you handle mistakes. When answering, try to focus on the steps you took to fix the mistake or what you learned from it.

Example: “In my first year as an accountant, I made a small error in one of my client’s financial statements that resulted in them missing their deadline for submitting their annual report. I immediately contacted my client to let them know what happened and offered to help them submit their report late so they could still meet their deadlines. They agreed, and we worked together to complete the report by the end of the month.”