Tips for Industry Interviews from a PA Perspective
After applying to nearly every industry role I qualify for, I finally landed an interview!
It’s for a corporate tax specialist position at a large manufacturing firm tomorrow. I feel confident about most of the skills they’re seeking, but I have to admit that I lack extensive experience with ASC 740. I’ve only worked on a few provisions so far.
Do you have any advice for me to prepare for the interview? Just to provide some context, I have 8 years of experience overall, including 3 years in public tax.
One response
Congratulations on landing the interview! Here are some tips and key points to consider:
Understand ASC 740 Basics: Even if you don’t have extensive experience, familiarize yourself with the basic concepts of ASC 740, including the differences between current and deferred tax, recognition, measurement, and disclosure aspects. Being able to speak to these concepts shows your willingness to learn.
Leverage Your Experience: Highlight your 8 years of experience and how it can translate to the corporate tax role. Focus on the skills you’ve gained in public Accounting that are relevant to corporate tax, such as compliance, analysis, or working with tax software.
Be Honest: It’s okay to acknowledge your limited experience with ASC 740, but frame it positively. Emphasize your willingness to learn and adapt. You might say something like, “While I haven’t worked extensively with ASC 740, I have a strong foundation in tax concepts and am eager to deepen my understanding in this area.”
Prepare Behavioral Questions: Be ready to discuss situations where you’ve demonstrated problem-solving, teamwork, or communication skills. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses.
Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s tax strategies, the team you’ll be working with, and how they approach ASC 740. This shows your interest in the role and the company.
Research the Company: Understand the industry and the specific challenges the company might face regarding corporate tax. This can help you tailor your responses and show that you’re informed and engaged.
Practice Confidence: Approach the interview with confidence in your skills. Remember that the interviewers are likely looking for someone who can learn quickly and fit within their team, in addition to having the required skills.
Good luck with your interview—your experience and willingness to grow will serve you well!