Can you describe a time when you identified a significant error during an audit? What steps did you take to address it?
Behavioral
Attention To Detail
Analytical Thinking
Communication
This question assesses your attention to detail and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for a Junior Auditor tasked with identifying discrepancies.
How to answer
- Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your response.
- Clearly explain the context of the audit and what led you to identify the error.
- Detail the specific steps you took to investigate and address the issue.
- Highlight any collaboration with colleagues or stakeholders to resolve the problem.
- Discuss the outcome and any measures taken to prevent future occurrences.
What not to say
- Minimizing the significance of the error or its potential impact.
- Failing to mention your role in the resolution process.
- Providing vague answers without specific details.
- Avoiding discussion about lessons learned or improvements made.
Sample answer
“During my internship at Deloitte, I was reviewing a client’s financial statements and noticed discrepancies in the expense reports. After conducting a deeper analysis, I discovered that the client had misclassified certain expenses. I promptly communicated this to my supervisor, and we worked together to correct the entries. This not only improved the accuracy of the reports but also led the client to improve their internal processes, reducing similar errors by 30% in the following quarter.”