If you’re preparing for an Accounting Executive or Finance Executive job in 2025, you’re not alone. Thousands of commerce graduates and freshers are applying for these roles — but only those who are well-prepared for interviews stand out.
In this blog, I’ll share the most frequently asked interview questions (with answers) based on the latest hiring trends. These will help you clear interviews with confidence and land your first job in accounting or taxation.
📚 1. Accounting Basics (Timeless Questions)
Q1. What are the three golden rules of accounting?
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Debit what comes in, credit what goes out.
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Debit the receiver, credit the giver.
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Debit all expenses & losses, credit all incomes & gains.
Q2. What is the difference between Journal, Ledger, and Trial Balance?
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Journal → records transactions in chronological order.
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Ledger → organizes them account-wise.
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Trial Balance → summary of balances to check accuracy.
Q3. What is depreciation? Name its methods.
Depreciation is the reduction in value of an asset due to wear & tear.
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Methods: Straight Line, Written Down Value, Units of Production.
Q4. What is the difference between Provision and Reserve?
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Provision = kept for a known liability/expense.
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Reserve = profit retained for future needs.
Q5. How do you prepare a Bank Reconciliation Statement (BRS)?
Compare company’s cash book with bank statement, identify differences like cheques issued not presented, deposits not credited, or bank charges not recorded.
⚖️ 2. Taxation
Q6. When is GST registration mandatory?
If turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh (₹20 lakh for services), or interstate supply is made, registration is required.
Q7. What are the due dates for GSTR-3B & GSTR-1?
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GSTR-3B: 20th of the following month (staggered for some states).
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GSTR-1: 11th of the following month (monthly filers).
Q8. What is Input Tax Credit (ITC)?
It allows taxpayers to claim credit of GST paid on purchases against output GST liability. Conditions include having a valid invoice, supplier filing return, and payment being made.
Q9. What is Section 44AD (Presumptive Taxation)?
Small businesses with turnover ≤ ₹2 crore can declare income at 6% (digital receipts) or 8% (cash receipts) without maintaining full books.
Q10. What is Form 26AS / AIS / TIS?
These are annual tax statements showing TDS, advance tax, income details, and high-value transactions. Available on the Income Tax Portal.
💻 3. Software & Practical Skills
Q11. Which accounting software do you know?
Employers expect knowledge of Tally, Zoho Books, SAP, Busy, or QuickBooks.
Q12. How do you record a sales invoice in Tally/Zoho?
In Tally: Accounting Vouchers → Sales Voucher → select party, item, GST → save.
In Zoho Books: Click Sales → Invoices → Create New Invoice.
Q13. What are the most useful Excel functions for accountants?
VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, SUMIFS, IF, CONCATENATE, Text-to-Columns.
Q14. What is e-invoicing under GST?
It is the system of electronically authenticating invoices by GSTN through an IRN (Invoice Reference Number). Mandatory for businesses above ₹5 crore turnover.
Q15. Difference between desktop and cloud accounting software?
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Desktop: installed locally (e.g., Tally offline).
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Cloud: accessible anywhere online (e.g., Zoho Books, QuickBooks).
🧑💼 4. Job Readiness & Soft Skills
Q16. How do you handle multiple deadlines during tax season?
By prioritizing urgent tasks, using checklists, and maintaining clear communication with team/clients.
Q17. How do you ensure accuracy in filings?
Double-check entries, reconcile data, and use automation tools where possible.
Q18. How do you explain a tax concept to a non-finance client?
By using simple, real-life examples instead of jargon.
Q19. How do you handle client data confidentiality?
By keeping records secure, using passwords, and avoiding sharing sensitive information casually.
Q20. Why do you want to work in accounting & taxation?
Best answers show interest in problem-solving, compliance, and building a career in finance.
🎯 Final Thoughts
In 2025, employers don’t just want accountants who know theory — they want professionals who can:
✔ Work on real software like Tally, Zoho Books, or SAP
✔ File GST & Income Tax returns practically
✔ Communicate clearly with clients & managers
If you master these 20 interview questions, you’ll stand out in your next job interview.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re preparing for accounting & taxation jobs, start practicing on real tools and return filings instead of just reading theory. That’s exactly what I teach inside my Certified Accounting & Tax Professional Program 🚀