**Interview Questions:**
1. **Can you walk me through your experience in accounts payable and how it aligns with the
responsibilities of a Clerk IV, Accounts Payable as outlined in the job description?**
2. **Describe your process for ensuring accuracy when preparing invoices for payment. How do you
handle discrepancies or errors in documentation?**
3. **How do you determine Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) payable and apply rebates appropriately? Can
you provide an example of when you've had to apply tax legislation to determine rebate levels?**
4. **Can you discuss your experience with reconciling vendor accounts and statements? How do you
handle discrepancies or issues with invoicing?**
5. **In your previous roles, how have you handled internal and external queries related to vendor
accounts, employee expense claims, and disbursement-related inquiries?**
6. **Describe your experience with preparing invoices for different payment methods such as cheque,
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), or P-Card payments. How do you ensure proper approval and coding for
non-purchase order related invoices?**
7. **How do you handle situations where there are disputes with vendors or pricing problems? Can you
provide an example of a challenging vendor dispute you've resolved?**
8. **Walk me through your process for preparing wire transfers for international vendors. What steps do
you take to ensure accuracy and compliance with international payment regulations?**
9. **Can you discuss your experience with preparing period-end and year-end accruals? How do you
ensure these accruals are completed accurately and on time?**
10. **Describe a time when you had to work collaboratively with other departments, vendors, or
external stakeholders to resolve a payment-related issue. How did you approach the situation, and what
was the outcome?**
**Sample Answers:**
1. "I have over five years of experience in accounts payable roles, where I've handled various tasks such
as invoice processing, vendor communication, and reconciliation of accounts. For example, in my
previous role at XYZ Company, I was responsible for preparing invoices for payment, reconciling vendor
statements, and responding to inquiries from both internal departments and external vendors."
2. "When preparing invoices for payment, I meticulously review vendor invoices, purchase orders, and
related documentation to ensure accuracy. If I encounter discrepancies, I trace the reasons for these
differences and rectify them promptly. For instance, I once noticed a discrepancy in a vendor invoice due
to a pricing error, and I resolved it by communicating with the vendor and obtaining the correct
documentation."
3. "In determining Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) payable and applying rebates, I carefully analyze each
item on the invoice to ascertain its tax status. I'm well-versed in applicable tax legislation, and I apply the
relevant regulations to calculate the correct rebate levels. For instance, I often encounter zero-rated
items or items subject to rebates, and I ensure their proper treatment to comply with tax laws."
4. "I have extensive experience in reconciling vendor accounts and statements to ensure accuracy in
invoicing. For instance, in my previous role, I regularly reconciled vendor statements against our records
to identify any discrepancies or missing invoices. I then followed up with vendors to resolve these issues
promptly, ensuring our accounts were up-to-date."
5. "In my previous roles, I've handled a wide range of inquiries related to vendor accounts, employee
expense claims, and disbursement-related queries. Whether it's by phone, email, or fax, I ensure timely
and accurate responses to internal and external stakeholders. For instance, I once received a query from
a vendor regarding a delayed payment, and I promptly investigated the issue, identified the cause, and
provided a solution to expedite the payment process."
6. "When preparing invoices for payment, I follow a meticulous process to ensure accuracy and
compliance. This includes matching invoices to purchase orders, obtaining necessary approvals, and
verifying account coding. For non-purchase order related invoices, I ensure adequate approval as per
signing authority guidelines before processing them for payment. Additionally, I double-check extensions
on manually written invoices to prevent errors."
7. "In handling disputes with vendors or pricing problems, I adopt a proactive approach to resolve issues
promptly. For instance, I once encountered a pricing discrepancy with a vendor invoice, and I initiated
communication with the vendor to rectify the error. Through effective negotiation and documentation,
we were able to reach a resolution that satisfied both parties."
8. "Preparing wire transfers for international vendors requires meticulous attention to detail and
compliance with international payment regulations. I ensure accuracy by verifying recipient details,
confirming exchange rates, and adhering to applicable regulations such as anti-money laundering laws.
Additionally, I maintain open communication with both internal stakeholders and international vendors
to facilitate smooth transactions."
9. "In my previous roles, I've been responsible for preparing period-end and year-end accruals to ensure
accurate financial reporting. This involves completing accrual forms, preparing journal entries, and
obtaining necessary approvals. For instance, during year-end closing, I worked closely with the finance
team to ensure all accruals were recorded accurately and in accordance with accounting standards."
10. "I've frequently collaborated with other departments, vendors, and external stakeholders to resolve
payment-related issues effectively. For example, I once worked on a project where we encountered
discrepancies in vendor invoices due to changes in pricing agreements. I coordinated discussions
between our finance team and the vendor's accounts payable department to clarify the pricing terms
and reconcile the invoices, ultimately resolving the issue to the satisfaction of both parties."