Walk me through how you would reconcile a discrepancy between an invoice and a purchase order.
Technical
Attention To Detail
Problem-solving
Analytical Thinking
This question assesses your attention to detail and understanding of core accounts payable processes, which are critical for maintaining financial accuracy.
How to answer
- Begin by clearly describing the invoice, purchase order, and receiving report
- Explain your step-by-step process for comparing details (amounts, quantities, terms)
- Describe how you would investigate the discrepancy (contacting vendors, reviewing contracts)
- Highlight any software tools you'd use (e.g., SAP, QuickBooks)
- Conclude with how you would document and resolve the issue
What not to say
- Suggesting you'd bypass reconciliation due to low risk
- Failing to mention communication with vendors or internal teams
- Providing vague answers without specific steps
- Overlooking documentation requirements
Sample answer
“At CIBC, I once noticed an invoice amount was 10% higher than the purchase order. I compared the receiving report and found the vendor had shipped extra units. I contacted the vendor to clarify, reviewed the contract terms, and adjusted the payment accordingly. This reinforced the importance of cross-referencing all three documents to ensure accuracy.”
Ready to rehearse this answer out loud?