Accounting Tests for Applicant Interviews
Administration time: 25-30 minutes (estimated)
Difficulty Level: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced (depending on test).
Question Type: Multiple choice with terminology, principles and basic math. Excel/Office tests are simulations of the program.
Target jobs: Accounting and finance jobs in public/private companies, as well as accounting firms and government (including contractors).
Accounting jobs will grow by 100,000 positions in the next 10 years. This growth also means more applicants, qualified or not. More applicants can be good, as you'll get a bigger pool to choose from. But you're competing for top talent, and it's hard to know which applicants are the most qualified.
Are resumes and interviews always 100% accurate?
Of course not. But Accounting.com describes ten top skills for success, with analytical skills, interpersonal skills, industry knowledge and spreadsheet proficiency as "must haves" for new hires. You'll need an action plan to measure those skills during the interview process, because HR staff and hiring managers aren't usually proficient in every skill needed.
(Read more about the skills gaps: Accounting Skills Gap No Longer an Unlikely Possibility.)
Is industry knowledge and experience enough?
Accounting knowledge is a starting point, but your new hires also need "soft skills" to be the right fit. Soft skills can include flexibility, responsibility and great communication skills. Even beyond soft skills, applicants need attention to detail and software skills (Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, Outlook and more).
100+ tests for a wide range of jobs.
Our Accounting tests show what each applicant knows and, more importantly, what they don’t know. You'll select which tests to administer, based on the needs of your job. The tests options are below, with topics or sample reports. You can also get a free sample using the form on this page.
Which Accounting tests are best for us?
Our team can provide guidance and you should also take sample test(s). Reasoning tests are strong predictors of job success, as well as our Microsoft Excel tests, Attention to Detail tests and our Elite Personality Profile, which measures behavioral traits relevant to accounting jobs (and other jobs).
Tell me about the questions.
Most questions are multiple choice, requiring test takers to answer knowledge questions as well as calculate mathematical answers to common accounting problems. Each test has approximately 30-40 questions. These tests have been created by subject matter experts who identified the most important topics in the accounting and finance fields. Questions include real-world examples and illustrations. Microsoft Excel (and other computer skills tests) are simulations, not multiple choice, so it works like the real program.
Avoid bias with data driven hiring tools.
Using pre-employment tests, such as our Accounting Knowledge tests, is one way to avoid bias in the hiring process. Bias can be conscious or unconscious and recruiters may not be aware that they have them. But using research-based, validated pre-hire tests reduces bias that may come from work or educational experience.
How are the Accounting tests scored?
Our system instantly emails the score to the test administrator upon completion (no "scoring by hand" or waiting on us). The test taker doesn't get the results. The score reports will be in-depth, providing scores and detailed descriptions of a candidate’s knowledge. Overall scores (by percentage) will be followed by scores for each topic. View Sample Accounting Score Report
How does it work?
It's simple. You'll email a test session link to the applicants from our easy-to-use admin dashboard. The applicant clicks on the link to start the test session. The test session can include multiple tests and tests are taken either in your office or from your applicants' home/office, 24/7/365. Our team is available if help is needed.
Can I customize the Accounting tests?
With our TestBuilder tool, we can customize tests from our question bank. A 25 credit purchase provides one custom test, built to your specs. You can purchase TestBuilder separately to create your own custom tests from the question bank. Many customers like our customized work behavior tests, where they choose behavioral traits based on the job description and we build a test specifically for their job (25 credit purchase, required).
How much does it cost?
We have two pricing plans, "per test" and an annual license. If you're testing fewer than 100 people per year, the "per test" pricing is often better for you (low volume). Testing more than 200 applicants? An annual plan may be a better option for you.
Either way, you have access to not only the Accounting tests, but also our list of 100+ tests. Let's talk to see option which works best. Call 1.800.836.1901, Ext. 1, or complete the form above and we’ll send a free sample test.
"EmployTest has the best customer service anywhere, hands-down. We've made fewer hiring mistakes and improved our process through the use of the tests.”
