20 Moss Adams LLP Interview Questions and Answers

Moss Adams is one of the largest accounting and business consulting firms in the United States. With over 2,800 employees in 26 offices across the country, Moss Adams provides a wide range of services to clients in a variety of industries.

If you’re interviewing for a job at Moss Adams, you can expect to be asked a mix of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a list of sample Moss Adams interview questions and answers.

Moss Adams LLP Interview Process

The interview process at Moss Adams LLP is relatively quick and easy. The first step is usually a phone screen with a recruiter, followed by an in-person interview with a manager or partner. For some positions, there may be a second round of interviews. Overall, the experience is generally positive, with friendly staff and a smooth process.

1. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews. Employers ask it to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself as an employee. When answering this question, try to focus on positive aspects of your personality or skills. Try not to mention any weaknesses that could be seen as negative.

Example: “I am very organized and detail-oriented. I also have excellent communication skills. My weakness would be my ability to multitask. If I’m working on something important, I can’t really do anything else until I finish the task at hand. This means sometimes I take longer than others to complete projects.”

2. Tell me about a time you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you’re able to work with a variety of personalities. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific example from your past that shows you have good problem-solving skills and interpersonal skills.

Example: “In my last role as an accountant, I worked with someone who was very detail oriented. While this is usually a positive trait for accountants, in this case, it caused some issues because he would often nitpick minor mistakes or things that were out of our control. To resolve this issue, I met with him one-on-one to discuss his concerns and explain why we made certain decisions. This helped him understand that there wasn’t anything malicious going on and that we were simply trying to do our best.”

3. How do you think the tax reform will impact businesses in 2018?

The tax reform bill passed in December 2017, and the IRS is still working on implementing it. The agency has released some information about how it will impact businesses, but there are many details that remain unknown. Your answer should show your knowledge of the current state of the tax code and how you would apply it to a client’s business.

Example: “The new tax law changes several aspects of the tax code for businesses. For example, the corporate tax rate was reduced from 35% to 21%. However, the bill also eliminates or reduces many deductions and credits that companies could use to reduce their taxable income. I think this means that most large corporations will see an overall reduction in their tax liability, while smaller businesses may actually pay more.”

4. Why do you want to work at Moss Adams LLP?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your interest in their company. They may ask this to see if you have done any research on the organization and what aspects of it appeal to you. When preparing for this question, make a list of things that attracted you to Moss Adams LLP. Consider including information like its mission statement, values or recent news articles about the company.

Example: “I want to work at Moss Adams LLP because I am passionate about helping small businesses succeed. I read an article recently about how many of your clients are growing companies. This is something I would love to be a part of. I also really admire the way Moss Adams LLP focuses on client service. Your employees seem to genuinely care about each other and their customers.”

5. How would you deal with an angry client or co-worker?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict. It’s important to show that you’re willing to take responsibility for your actions and learn from mistakes.

Example: “I once had a client who was upset with the results of our audit. I listened carefully to their concerns, asked questions to better understand what they were saying and apologized for any inconvenience we caused them. They appreciated my honesty and willingness to admit fault. We ended up finding an alternative solution that satisfied both parties.”

6. What is your experience with finance and accounting?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with accounting and financial reporting. If you have previous experience, share what type of work you did and how it helped you develop your skills in this field. If you don’t have any professional experience, consider sharing a personal finance or budgeting experience that relates to the job’s responsibilities.

Example: “I’ve worked as an accountant for five years at my current company. I started out doing basic bookkeeping but quickly developed my skills in financial reporting and analysis. Now, I’m responsible for preparing monthly reports on revenue and expenses, monitoring cash flow and analyzing data to identify trends.”

7. Have you ever had to manage a large project? Can you tell us about it?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your leadership skills and how you might fit into their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any unique or challenging aspects of the project and what steps you took to overcome them.

Example: “At my previous job, I was tasked with managing a large team that was working on creating a new software program for our client. The challenge we faced was that the client kept changing his mind about what he wanted in the program, which made it difficult to create something that would meet all of his needs. To solve this problem, I created a system where the client could submit requests through an online form, and then my team would update him on when they were able to implement those changes.”

8. Do you have any experience working in audit services?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and experience. If you have relevant experience, be sure to share it with them. If you don’t, you can still answer honestly by explaining that you’re looking to gain this type of experience in your career.

Example: “I do not currently work in audit services, but I am very interested in gaining this kind of experience. My previous employer offered an internship program where we could apply to work on audits. I applied and was selected to work on one of our company’s annual financial audits. This gave me valuable insight into what it’s like to perform these types of services.”

9. Describe what you believe to be good customer service.

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and how you can apply them in a professional setting. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the importance of customer service and how it impacts the success of a business.

Example: “I believe good customer service starts with having a genuine interest in helping others. I think it’s important for employees to be empathetic when interacting with customers because we’re all human beings who are going through something. If someone is upset or frustrated, I try my best to make them feel comfortable and assure them that I’m here to help. In my last role, I was able to resolve many issues by listening to what the customer had to say.”

10. If hired, how long do you see yourself staying at Moss Adams?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re committed to the job and that it’s a good fit for you. They want to know that you plan on staying with them long enough to be an asset to their company. When answering, try to emphasize your interest in the position and how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Example: “I see myself working here for at least five years. I’m passionate about accounting and finance, so I would love to work in this field as long as possible. Moss Adams is such a great place to work, and I feel like I could really grow in this role. I think my skills and experience are a perfect match for this position, and I hope to stay here until I’ve mastered all aspects of the job.”

11. How would you prioritize multiple projects that need to be completed simultaneously?

This question can help the interviewer assess your time management skills and ability to work under pressure. Use examples from previous experience where you successfully managed multiple projects at once, prioritized tasks and met deadlines.

Example: “In my last role as a financial analyst, I was responsible for managing several large accounts simultaneously. One of my clients had an urgent request that required me to complete a project within two weeks. In this situation, I first assessed all current projects and determined which ones could be put on hold until after the client’s deadline. Then, I delegated some of the smaller tasks to other team members so I could focus on completing the most important aspects of the project by the due date.”

12. Do you have experience working with high net worth clients?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with clients who are more likely to be able to afford your services. High net worth individuals often need tax planning and accounting services, so it’s important that you’re comfortable providing these services to this type of client.

Example: “I’ve worked with high net worth clients in my previous role as a CPA at Smith & Associates Accounting Firm. I helped one of our clients create a financial plan for their estate, which included creating an investment portfolio and developing a will. This process required me to work closely with the client to understand their goals and develop a strategy to meet those goals.”

13. Give an example of when you had to make a decision without consulting your manager. How did you approach it?

This question can help interviewers understand how you make decisions and whether you’re able to think independently. It also helps them determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, try to provide an example that shows your ability to make independent decisions while still being respectful of authority.

Example: “When I was working as a financial analyst for a small business, my manager asked me to look into some numbers they were having trouble with. After looking at the information, I noticed there was a discrepancy between what the company thought it had in its inventory and what the records showed. I brought this up to my manager, who then informed the owner. They decided to order more inventory before selling any products so they could avoid losing money.”

14. What were some of the most complex financial statements you’ve worked on?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with financial statements and how you approach them. Use examples from previous work to highlight your skills, knowledge and abilities in this area.

Example: “At my current position, I’ve worked on many complex financial statements that include multiple types of accounting methods. For example, one client had a large number of subsidiaries that required me to use different accounting standards for each subsidiary. This was challenging because it meant I needed to ensure all of the information was accurate and consistent across all subsidiaries. However, I was able to successfully complete these tasks by using my organizational and time-management skills.”

15. How do you keep up with changes in the industry?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you learn new information and adapt to changes in your industry. Use examples of ways you’ve kept up with news or trends in your field, including any certifications you’ve earned that require continuing education.

Example: “I have a subscription to several financial publications and newsletters that I read regularly. In addition, I take advantage of free webinars and seminars offered by my company and other organizations. I also try to attend at least one conference per year to expand my knowledge of current events and meet other professionals in the industry.”

16. What type of environment do you prefer to work in?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you would be a good fit for their company culture. It’s important to consider what type of environment you prefer and how it relates to the job description. If there are any specific skills or personality traits that relate to working in this type of environment, make sure to mention them.

Example: “I have always preferred an open office space where I can collaborate with my coworkers. In my last position, we had large tables where everyone could work together on projects. This allowed us to bounce ideas off each other and helped me learn from others’ perspectives. I also like to work in a place where people feel comfortable expressing themselves. I think this is important because it allows us to get to know one another better and build stronger relationships.”

17. What do you find to be the most challenging part of being a staff accountant?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand what it’s like to work in a professional accounting environment. You can use this question as an opportunity to discuss some of the challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them, or you can talk about something specific that you find challenging and explain why it’s important for staff accountants to overcome these challenges.

Example: “The most challenging part of being a staff accountant is having to balance multiple projects at once. I have found that my ability to prioritize tasks has helped me manage multiple projects effectively. For example, when I was working on a project with a tight deadline, I would focus all of my attention on that project until it was complete. Then, I would move onto another project that didn’t have such a tight deadline.”

18. What areas of public accounting interest you the most?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your interests align with their company’s goals. It also helps them understand what you might be most passionate about and how that passion could benefit the company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific skill or area of accounting that you are excited to learn more about.

Example: “I am very interested in working on tax compliance projects for small businesses. I find the process of helping clients navigate complex tax laws interesting, and I enjoy finding ways to make their financial lives easier. I think Moss Adams LLP would be a great place to work because I know you specialize in these types of projects.”

19. Explain how you would prepare for a meeting with a new client.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach new projects and clients. Use your answer to highlight your communication skills, attention to detail and ability to work independently.

Example: “When I meet with a new client for the first time, I like to get an idea of what they’re looking for in their financial plan. To do this, I ask them questions about their current situation and goals. Then, I explain my process for creating a financial plan that meets their needs. I also provide them with information on our services so they know what to expect from us moving forward.”

20. What is your experience with tax planning and preparation?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of tax laws and regulations. It’s also a chance to demonstrate your ability to work with clients who may not have extensive experience with taxes. Your answer should include information about the types of taxes you’ve prepared, how often you’ve done it and any special skills or certifications you have in this area.

Example: “I’ve worked as a tax preparer for five years now. I started out doing basic returns but quickly learned that my clientele needed more help than I could provide. So, I took courses on advanced tax preparation and earned my CPA certification. This has helped me develop strategies for helping my clients reduce their overall tax burden.”