Is This Job a scam?
I apologize if this sounds a bit confusing—I’ve never been in this situation before.
I recently had a prescreening interview with the HR manager over the phone, which led to an in-person interview for a junior finance officer position. The role is available because the current employee is on maternity leave. However, I noticed something strange: the HR manager’s email signature has a different address than the one listed on Google Maps, and she hasn’t used that signature since her first formal email. Next week, I have an in-person interview scheduled with the CFO and the senior finance officer.
The job posting lists the following qualifications for the ideal candidate:
- Experience with accounts payable or receivable, or post-secondary education in Accounting or Bookkeeping (new graduates are encouraged to apply).
- Experience with APs.
- Skills in reconciliation spreadsheet data entry and analysis.
- Ability to pull information from third-party systems (such as SharePoint, VPN, Moneris, ATMs, Eventbrite, BP).
- Knowledge of HST returns.
- Experience with bank reconciliations.
- Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities.
- Good initiative and eagerness to learn.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and work both independently and in a team.
- Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel.
- Familiarity with QuickBooks Online is considered an asset.
- Eligibility for government security clearance (Reliability).
While I have taken one Accounting class over the past year (I’m a business student) and have tutored two classmates in it, my official Accounting experience is limited. I’ll be starting an accounting graduate program in September and have been refreshing my knowledge since February through LinkedIn Learning courses on Bookkeeping, Excel, and QuickBooks.
Am I experiencing imposter syndrome, or is this job opportunity too good to be true?
One response
It’s great that you’re seeking advice in this situation! From what you’ve described, it doesn’t necessarily sound like a scam—especially since you’ve had a prescreening interview and a scheduled in-person interview with higher-level management. scams typically involve upfront payments or promises of unrealistic earnings without any interview process.
That being said, your concerns are valid, especially regarding the inconsistency in the HR manager’s email signature. It might be worth doing a little more research about the company if you haven’t already—check their website, social media presence, and reviews on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed to gauge their legitimacy.
As for your qualifications, many employers appreciate candidates who show a willingness to learn and grow, even if they don’t meet all the criteria listed in a job posting. Since you’re pursuing further education in Accounting and have been actively working to boost your skills, this could align well with what they’re looking for—a genuine interest and potential for growth.
Imposter syndrome is common, especially when entering a field where you feel underqualified. Remember that every candidate has strengths and weaknesses, and interviews are as much about fit as they are about experience. If you feel confident and passionate about learning, that can really resonate with employers.
Keep preparing for your interview, focus on highlighting your willingness to learn, and trust that you’ve gotten this far for a reason. Good luck!