Bill Pay Clerk Interview Questions & Answers

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I somewhat take a leader position, however if there is an appointed leader. I would take the next leadership position, being careful on not to overstep.

Ill never forget the time my old boss talked to me about x. The way it was handled was totally professional, and thats been my model ever since.

This could be a very simple question if you are prepared for it. You just have to talk about the strengths that you know would be of value to the company.

This is just like the “what is your greatest strength.” question and should be treated similarly. You should pick accomplishments that show that you have the qualities the company is looking for and this adds value to you as a candidate for the position you are interviewing for. You may have achieved a lot over the years but for the sake of the interview, pick only the relevant ones

While this question is an invitation to do some chest pounding, remember to illustrate strengths that will benefit the employer and are relative to the position. For example:

☛ being a problem solver
☛ being a motivator
☛ being a natural leader
☛ the ability to perform under pressure
☛ a positive attitude
☛ loyalty

Questions such as this one are asked with the aim of getting you to discuss some of your qualities, perhaps hidden that you wouldn’t have mentioned if you weren’t asked.

“Well, my colleagues will tell you they can count on me. They will tell you that I am a team player and someone they enjoy working with.”

For many accountants, being personable is not their number one trait. While I may not have won any awards for my amiability, I am able to communicate very well. I think it is important to be friendly, but it is more important to have the ability to clearly articulate your thoughts. If I was tasked with communicating with either vendors or clients, I would be able to explain reports, give presentations and write clear messages.

Our department had been struggling for years, but by clearly illustrating the relationship between x and y, we corrected and showed record improvements in the next quarter

The bulk of my experience lies with the x platform, but Im fascinated with some of what the y system is capable of

About 3 in 4 candidates respond with a ‘No’ and this is a very poor response.

This question is the perfect opportunity you need to show that you are different from every other candidate. Have a couple of questions prepared. It shows you are motivated and you have some knowledge about the company you are applying to

As an accounting clerk, I rely on my attention to detail to help me avoid making errors. Of course no one is perfect, so I can’t catch every error out there. At my last job we used a series of peer reviews to ensure important documents were as accurate as possible. I always take the time to pay attention to the details and double-check my work before sending in the final reports to the archives. I find I can best avoid making errors by double-checking the work I am doing as I enter data into the balance sheets. I also stay up to date on IRS forms and publications to ensure I am following the most recent guidelines and regulations. In my opinion there is no point in creating an error-free document if it is done according to out-of-date guidelines.

My last position came to an end rather organically, and its now time to seek new opportunities

Turn this question into a strength question in disguise. For instance, say something like “I do not like not being challenged at work” or you could mention a weakness that has nothing to do with the job and that you can overcome with training. This way, you end up turning this potentially tricky question into a positive.

Sometimes, you may be asked about certain challenges you faced in your previous position. If you are asked this question, lean towards the problem that happened early in your carrier and that you were able to solve. Do not try to blame others, just identify the problem and the role you played in solving it.

The essence of this question is to test your composure, ability to solve problems and staying true to the task, even in unfavorable conditions. Give an example of a time where you were faced with a challenge and what you did to remedy the situation. In the process, highlight how you were calm and in control till everything was okay.

No matter what you say, do not mention negative things about your employer, neither should you mention anything about more money being the reason. The reason is simple; if you are leaving a company because of money to come to theirs, you will definitely leave them to move on to another if it promises a better paycheck. Your best bet is to ay it on responsibility and challenge and how your previous position want challenging you enough. Indicate that you yearn for more responsibility and how what you have to offer outweighs the responsibility and challenge posed by your former position.

Your answers should focus on how well you can review relevant facts, consider various options and select the most appropriate option. Discuss how you factor in variables such as constraints and resources.

I succeed when given clear, consise direction and find a balance of solo effort and working alongside a team is when Im most productive

In order to score well in this interview question, an efficient way is to give a list of qualities and skills that are in alignment with the respective position. You can start with:

☛ First, one must understand the methods required to succeed in this position
☛ Secondly, indicate that the job will be your #1 priority
☛ Third, indicate that you understand the importance of working as a team

In my career, I have had to use a few different bookkeeping software and programs, such as FreshBooks, Kashoo and QuickBooks. I strive to familiarize myself with new software through workshops offered at the local library and universities. I may not gain all of the skills needed to use these programs as a professional, but getting an introduction helps me easily pick up new software as needed. I also find these introductory courses make it easier to learn about new software on the go. I am a quick learner and very comfortable with computers, so I feel confident saying I will be able to work with the bookkeeping software your company uses after a short learning period.

Note that whenever you are going for an interview, this question may be asked. Before going, try to find out what the average salary for someone holding that position in that industry is paid. This would help prepare you for what is in front of you.

Do not forget that this is only an interview and you haven’t been offered the job, so do not go on negotiating. Just state something within the range you have researched and move on. Whatever you do, do not sell yourself short.

Discuss your method of assigning responsibility to the best candidates. How you communicate with employees to make them understand what is expected of them and how you make sure that the employees have the resources needed to carry out specific tasks. You should also chip in your follow-up procedures.

This is a very common question that is asked in almost every interview. I love this question because it gives you the opportunity to sell yourself. Discuss what makes you standout from the crowd and show them how you can help advance their company. Remember to be specific. This is where all the company research you have done comes into play. You should have an idea as to why the company is hiring or looking to hire someone for that position. What problem do they have that they are looking for people to help them solve. And once you can establish this, you are to show them how you can solve this problem for them.

By ensuring that x and y were carefully reviewed, the organization was able to save immensely on z

☛ What data would you present to inform your manager about significant debts from clients?
☛ What would you say to customers who haven’t paid their bills, if we were close to the end of the fiscal year?
☛ What would you check first if you found a billing discrepancy?
☛ How would you make sure we collected invoices in a timely manner?
☛ What would you do if you realized you made a numerical mistake on an invoice right after you issued it?
☛ What are a Billing Clerk’s tasks when a customer makes a digital order?
☛ How do you keep track of payments?
☛ How often do you update the accounts receivable report?
☛ What is your experience with accounting software? (e.g. QuickBooks)
☛ What’s the most effective way to keep records of invoices?
☛ What bookkeeping tasks are you familiar with?
☛ How do you make sure financial documents remain confidential?
☛ Have you ever had an invoice discrepancy with a client? How did you resolve it?
☛ Tell us about a time you had a tight deadline for a project. How did you manage to complete it in time?
☛ This job can be repetitive. What motivates you to perform routine tasks?
☛ How do you stay up-to-date with new financial regulations?

☛ Describe your typical day at your current/previous job. How do you prioritize your work?
☛ How would you rate your proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel?
☛ Describe your familiarity with billing and invoice software.
☛ How many invoices do you handle on a daily basis?
☛ Describe a time you had an invoice discrepancy with a client. How did you resolve it?
☛ Explain the financial transactions involved in the billing process and your experience with each (i.e. classifying, computing, posting, verifying, recording)
☛ How do you keep track of incoming payments and ensure that it is in compliance with financial procedures? How do you ensure that they’re properly posted and accounted for?
☛ How do you ensure the timely collection of invoices?
☛ Describe your most hostile payment collection call. How did you handle it?
☛ Describe a time you went the extra mile to deliver excellent customer service.
☛ Describe a time you worked with a team to complete a project on a tight deadline.
☛ As a billing specialist, have you ever faced an ethical dilemma at work? How did you respond?
☛ What skills do you deem necessary for a billing specialist with our firm. Do you think you possess these skills?
☛ This job can be repetitive. What motivates you to do well?