20 Grant Thornton Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, every company is different. Some companies focus on behavioral questions, while others focus on technical questions. And then there are companies like Grant Thornton, who focus on a mix of both.

If you’re interviewing with Grant Thornton, you can expect to be asked a mix of behavioral and technical questions. Behavioral questions will assess your ability to work in a team, handle stress, and deal with difficult clients. Technical questions will test your knowledge of accounting principles, auditing standards, and tax law.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample Grant Thornton interview questions and answers.

Grant Thornton Interview Process

The interview process at Grant Thornton is very long and difficult. It can take up to six weeks to get an offer, and the interviews are extremely challenging. The overall experience is very positive, however, and the company is known for being very fair and transparent throughout the process.

1. What is your experience with accounting software?

Grant Thornton uses a proprietary accounting software called Acclivity. Your answer to this question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience with similar systems and how well you might fit in at Grant Thornton. If you don’t have any experience with Acclivity, consider mentioning your experience with other accounting software that is comparable.

Example: “I’ve used several different types of accounting software throughout my career, including QuickBooks, FreshBooks and NetSuite. I find that each system has its own unique benefits, but I prefer those that are more comprehensive because they allow me to do all of my work within one platform. This saves time and makes it easier for me to stay organized.”

2. Why do you want to work at Grant Thornton?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what you like about Grant Thornton and why you’re excited to work there. When preparing for this question, make sure to highlight aspects of the company that appeal to you. Consider mentioning any values or goals that align with your own.

Example: “I’ve always been interested in accounting, so I decided to pursue an accounting degree. While researching different accounting firms, I learned about Grant Thornton. After reading through some of your company’s values, I realized that we share many similar beliefs. For example, I believe in being honest and ethical at all times. I also think it’s important to be innovative and forward-thinking. These are just a few reasons why I’m excited to work here.”

3. Explain the corporate tax process to us.

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the corporate tax process. It also allows you to show how well you can explain complex processes in an easy-to-understand manner.

Example: “The first step in the corporate tax process is determining what type of corporation you are. This depends on whether or not you’re a C Corporation, S Corporation or a partnership. Once you know this, you need to calculate your taxable income and subtract any deductions that apply. You then pay taxes based on the amount due.”

4. How have you been able to use data analytics in past positions?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you use data analytics to solve problems and make decisions. Use examples from your past experience that show your ability to analyze data, interpret results and apply them to business processes.

Example: “In my last position as a financial analyst for an accounting firm, I was responsible for analyzing client information and creating reports on their financial status. This included collecting data from multiple sources, such as bank statements, tax returns and payroll records. Then, I would use this information to create monthly reports on clients’ revenue and expenses. These reports helped me identify areas where clients could save money or increase revenue.”

5. Describe a time when you had to deal with an unhappy client and how you handled it.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you have experience with it. It’s important to show that you’re willing to take responsibility for your actions, apologize when necessary and learn from any mistakes you make.

Example: “I once had a client who was unhappy because I missed our weekly check-in call. I apologized immediately and explained why I missed the call. The client understood and we rescheduled the call for later in the week. In the future, I will set reminders on my phone so I don’t miss calls again.”

6. What are some of the major issues facing public companies today?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the accounting industry and how you can apply that knowledge to help a company succeed. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention some recent news stories or trends in the industry that have affected public companies.

Example: “One major issue facing public companies today is the growing complexity of financial reporting standards. With so many different types of reports and regulations, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for companies to keep up with their own compliance requirements. This has led to more audits being conducted by third-party firms like Grant Thornton rather than internal auditors.”

7. Do you have any experience working directly with clients?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with clients and how well you communicate. Use examples from your previous job to show that you are a strong communicator who is able to work with clients.

Example: “In my last position, I worked directly with clients on their financial statements. This included helping them understand what information was important for their business and how it affected their overall finances. I also helped them understand how they could use this information to make better decisions about their company’s future. My clients appreciated my ability to explain complex accounting concepts in an easy-to-understand way.”

8. Tell me about a time you were faced with a stressful situation, how did you handle it?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation that you faced in the past and how you overcame it.

Example: “In my previous role as a senior accountant, I was working on a project with another employee who wasn’t performing up to expectations. This led to some tension between us, which made our work environment uncomfortable. Instead of letting the stress get to me, I took a step back from the situation and tried to understand where they were coming from. After talking through the issue, we both realized that we had similar goals and decided to work together to overcome the challenge.”

9. How would you describe your management style?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would fit in with their team. Your management style is a reflection of your values and beliefs, so it’s important to be honest about what type of manager you are. You can describe your management style by describing your approach to managing employees.

Example: “I believe that managers should lead by example. I am always willing to pitch in wherever needed, whether that means working late or helping an employee learn new software. I also think it’s important for managers to provide feedback regularly. I make sure to meet with my employees at least once per quarter to discuss their performance and goals.”

10. Tell us about a project or initiative that failed. What did you learn from the failure?

This question can help the interviewer understand your ability to learn from mistakes and apply those lessons to future projects. Use this opportunity to highlight a time you learned something new or developed a skill that helped you succeed in the future.

Example: “In my first accounting role, I was tasked with creating financial reports for our clients. One of my clients asked me to create a report on their company’s sales by region. I had never created these types of reports before, so I researched how to do it online. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that some websites were outdated until after I completed the project. The client wasn’t happy with the information I provided because it didn’t align with their current business model. After this experience, I took additional training on how to create different types of financial reports.”

11. How important do you think communication skills are for a manager?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you prioritize communication skills in your own management style. Use examples from past experiences to show that you value effective communication and teamwork.

Example: “Communication is one of the most important skills a manager can have because it helps them keep their team informed about company goals, objectives and progress. I think it’s also important for managers to be good listeners so they can understand what their employees need to succeed. In my last role as an accountant, I noticed that my manager was always available to answer questions or provide feedback on our work. This helped me feel more confident in my abilities and motivated to do my best work.”

12. What motivates you to do your best on the job?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your work ethic. They want to know what inspires you and how you stay motivated throughout the day. When answering this question, think of a few things that motivate you at work. Think about what makes you feel good about yourself and what motivates you to do well.

Example: “I am highly motivated by my desire to help others. I love being able to use my skills to solve problems for clients. I also find motivation in challenging myself to do better each day. I like learning new things and pushing myself to be better than I was yesterday.”

13. Have you ever taken on additional responsibilities outside of your role? If so, what was your reason?

This question can help the interviewer understand your willingness to take on additional responsibilities and how you approach them. Your answer should include a specific example of when you took on extra work, what motivated you to do so and how it benefited your company or team.

Example: “In my current role as an accountant, I have taken on some managerial duties in addition to my regular accounting tasks. This was because our manager at the time had to leave for medical reasons, leaving us with no one to manage the team. Taking on these extra responsibilities helped me learn more about managing people and gave me valuable experience that I use today.”

14. How would you define success in this position?

This question is an opportunity to show your understanding of the company’s goals and objectives. It also allows you to express your own personal definition of success. When preparing for this interview question, read through the job description and look at the company’s website to get a better idea of what they value most in their employees.

Example: “Success in this position would be helping my clients achieve their financial goals while maintaining the highest level of integrity. I believe that by doing so, we can help our clients grow their businesses and increase their revenue. This will allow them to expand their operations and hire more employees. In turn, this will create more jobs and boost the economy.”

15. What kind of problems can be solved using big data analysis?

Big data analysis is a popular topic in the accounting industry, and many companies use it to make important decisions. Your answer should show that you understand how big data can be used for more than just analyzing financial information. You can also mention some of the benefits of using this method.

Example: “Big data analysis allows businesses to collect large amounts of data from different sources and analyze them with advanced tools. This process helps us find patterns and trends in the data that we can use to solve problems. For example, I once worked on a project where my team needed to determine which customers were most likely to leave the company. We analyzed our customer database and found that those who had been inactive for over six months were most likely to cancel their accounts. Using this information, we created an automated system to reach out to these customers before they canceled their accounts.”

16. What is your approach to solving complex problems?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach a challenge and whether your skills are a good fit for their company. Use examples from previous work experiences to highlight your problem-solving abilities, including your ability to collaborate with others and use critical thinking skills.

Example: “I start by gathering as much information about the issue as possible. Then I analyze all of the facts and data before coming up with several solutions. After that, I weigh each solution based on its pros and cons and choose the best one. Finally, I implement my plan and monitor it to ensure it’s working effectively.”

17. Give an example of a time when you helped someone reach their personal goals.

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your leadership skills and how you motivate others. Use examples from your previous job or a time when you helped someone outside of work.

Example: “At my last accounting firm, I had a coworker who was interested in learning more about bookkeeping software. Since I already knew some basic programs, I offered to teach her what I learned so she could feel more confident in her job. She appreciated my offer and we spent one afternoon after work going over the basics of the program. By helping her with her goals, she became more confident in her job and eventually earned her certification.”

18. We’re looking for leaders here at Grant Thornton. What sets you apart as a leader?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and how they can benefit the company. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your ability to motivate others, make decisions and solve problems.

Example: “I believe that a leader should be someone who motivates their team members to do their best work. I’m always looking for ways to help my coworkers improve their performance and achieve their goals. Another way I set myself apart as a leader is by making sure all of my employees feel valued and appreciated. I hold regular meetings where everyone gets to share what they’re working on and get feedback from me.”

19. How much experience do you have with Excel and other spreadsheet programs?

Excel is a common program used in accounting, and Grant Thornton uses it to complete many of its daily tasks. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with Excel or other spreadsheet programs and how much time you’ve spent using them. In your answer, try to show that you’re familiar with the program and can use it efficiently.

Example: “I’ve been using Excel for over five years now. I started out as an intern at my current company where we used Excel extensively. Now, I’m responsible for creating reports and analyzing data using Excel. I also regularly collaborate with others on projects that require us to use Excel.”

20. What is your biggest weakness?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit into their company culture. They want to know that you are self-aware, so it’s important to answer honestly. When answering this question, try to think of a weakness that is not too serious or something that could be seen as a positive trait.

Example: “My biggest weakness is my perfectionism. I am always striving for excellence, which can sometimes lead me to work longer hours than necessary. I’m working on finding the balance between being productive and taking care of myself.”