Accounting Test

Hiring someone successful for a role in the accounting industry means looking beyond professional and university qualifications, and the accounting test can be used to find candidates who also have the right soft skills, aptitudes, and personality traits.

  • About the accounting test

    Recruiters tend to use the accounting test as an early screening opportunity in the recruitment process, usually straight after the paper sift. Once candidates that match the education and experience requirements for a role have been identified, the candidate pool which remains can still be quite large, so the accounting test provides a way to filter candidates based on other important criteria.

    Aside from accounting knowledge, successful candidates need to be able to demonstrate that they can apply accounting standards to real-world situations, and that they have the ability to be organized and manage their time. They need to have excellent numeracy, of course, but they also need to be able to use numerical data to reach logical conclusions and have excellent attention to detail.

    With the accounting test, every candidate has the same opportunity to demonstrate that they have the right soft skills and aptitudes to be successful, and they can show working knowledge of critical business software and logical thought processes.

    Recruiting using tests like the accounting test gives hiring teams the opportunity to use quantifiable data to make decisions, choosing only the top-scoring candidates to take through to the next stage of the process for a more efficient, effective, and cheaper hiring strategy.

Jump to a section on this page:

  1. About the accounting test
  2. Benefits of the accounting test
  3. Recommended tests for assessing accounting skills
  4. Accounting Test FAQs

Identify the best candidates and hire faster

Our pre-employment tests let you drill down to the best candidates at the click of a button.

  • Find those candidates who will excel in the role.

    Select the assessments that match the skills or behaviours for the position. You can test for software or coding competency, soft skills like teamwork, or personality traits, to be sure those who pass have high potential.

  • Reduce costs and time.

    No more laborious sifting of resumes or cover letters. Pick your ideal assessment mix, invite your applicants to take them, see the results in your dashboard. Get to the interview stage fast.

  • Eliminate bias.

    All your candidates take the assessments on a level playing field. Only their results determine whether they get shortlisted.

  • Benefits of the accounting test

    The accounting industry has many different types of roles, and while some need specific qualifications or a particular length or type of experience, it can still lead to large candidate pools and a long, expensive, and complicated interview process.

    Hiring teams might be looking for candidates with ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualifications, but when the paper sift is complete and there are a number of similarly qualified candidates available, the simplest (and fairest) way to filter these further is to use relevant aptitude, skills, and competency-based testing.

    For the candidate, the test is received as a link in an email. They can choose to take the test wherever is most suitable for them (usually at home). The tests are relatively short, and usually involve multiple-choice questions. Completing the test gives each candidate the same opportunity to demonstrate the skills and aptitudes that they need to have to be successful in the role.

    For the recruitment team, the results of the test are available immediately, and they provide unbiased, quantifiable data that can be used to select only the candidates who have what it takes to be successful, and can demonstrate the required level of skill that is needed in the day-to-day role. These are the candidates that can be taken forward to the next stage of the recruitment process.

    The accounting test can be used to recruit for the following roles:

More Industry Tests

There are several tests that can be used to check for skills, aptitudes, and abilities that are needed for success in the accounting industry, and the following is a good selection that focuses on key competencies:

Error checking test

An eye for detail is very important in accounting, especially when it comes to dealing with large amounts of numerical data in spreadsheets and accounting software. The misplacement of a decimal point can have huge ramifications on a business, so those working in the accounting space need to be able to demonstrate that they can spot errors and deal with them before they become a problem.

In the error checking test, candidates are provided with two seemingly identical datasets. These might include accounting figures and monetary amounts, or they might be combinations of things like names, addresses, and telephone numbers. The candidate needs to spot the differences (or errors) between the two sets of data.

This is a simple exercise for most people, but under the pressure of the time limit and exam conditions those who are not attentive will find it difficult - which makes it a good way to select candidates who do have a good eye for detail and can spot errors even when under pressure.

Numerical reasoning test

A good level of numeracy is expected in the accounting industry, but the ability to use numerical data to make decisions is a factor that not everyone can demonstrate. Numerical reasoning is not about mathematical ability, but about understanding new data and using it to make logical deductions, and using the right operations to manipulate that data correctly.

In the numerical reasoning test, candidates are given questions about numerical data in the form of tables, charts, or graphs. To answer the question about the data provided, they usually need to complete a simple operation (such as adding, multiplying, subtracting or dividing), and they need to demonstrate that they are comfortable with things like percentages, ratios, and fractions.

Recruiters will be able to use the results to choose the candidates who are most comfortable using numerical data effectively.

Microsoft Excel test

Although there are several different types of accounting software available, the humble spreadsheet is still an important piece of office software in the industry - and the skills needed to use Microsoft Excel to a good standard often represent the ability to learn new software.

In the Microsoft Excel test, the candidate is asked to complete different tasks that use different functions of the software, to show that they are competent in creating different types of data representations. This can include things like creating basic tables, using formulas, and extrapolating information, as well as applying filters and creating graphic representations.

Recruiters can use this information to decide which candidates are confident enough in Excel to apply that knowledge to other programs, but also to gauge their level of confidence in using other Office products.

Abstract reasoning test

A good indicator of general intelligence and aptitude is the ability to use logic to make decisions, and that includes reaching reasoned decisions using unfamiliar information. In accounting in particular, new datasets and information can change the results of many processes, and candidates need to be able to show that they can spot patterns and make predictions based on only the information that they have at hand.

In the abstract reasoning test, the candidate is shown a series of shapes or images that are in a sequence. There will be a missing item in the sequence, and they will need to find it from the multiple-choice options presented. To find the answer, the candidate needs to quickly identify the pattern or rule that governs the sequence and apply it.

Logical reasoning test

In the accounting industry, employees need to be sharp and responsive to problems that are presented, and ready to solve them using logical reasoning skills. A good way to assess these skills is to give problems that are non-verbal and need no previous knowledge - they are based on pattern recognition and analytical thinking.

In the logical reasoning test, candidates need to find the pattern that governs a sequence of shapes or images. This might be as simple as a rotation, or it may include several different steps - but to find the missing item from the multiple-choice options provided, the candidate needs to apply that pattern or rule.

As these tests are designed to assess problem-solving, logic, and analysis skills, they are a great way to evaluate candidates who want to work in the accounting industry.

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  • Assessments

    A full suite of assessments

    Our platform comes with 12 tests across both foundation and advanced levels so they’re suitable for everyone. Including aptitude, behavioural and personality tests, you’ll have a full range of tests to help you find the candidates you’re seeking.

  • Analytics

    An array of candidate metrics

    For each of your candidates, you’ll be given a comprehensive report. Included will be all the metrics you need to build a detailed picture of each candidate and ensure you’re making the right hiring decisions.

“The platform is so simple to use. I had used competitor providers for over six years and will never go back. Fast, efficient and friendly!”
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd

Accounting Test FAQs

What criteria should I consider when hiring in the accounting industry?

When hiring for a candidate in the accounting industry, it is useful to know what qualifications are needed. For some roles, no formal education is required, but for others, the candidates must hold certification from either the ACA, the ACCA, or CIMA. You should also look for key soft skills and aptitudes like logical thinking, communication, and numeracy.

What is the difficulty level of the accounting test?

The accounting test is designed to be challenging enough to be useful as a screening tool. The idea is that the candidates who possess the right level of skill and aptitude will be able to complete the assessment and score highly, while the candidates who don’t have what it takes will score low. One of the most challenging parts of the test is that it has a time limit, and that it needs to be taken under the pressure of exam conditions.

What is the price of the accounting test?

We offer a range of monthly and annual plans to meet your organization’s unique needs. Every plan includes our complete test suite covering all tests and all levels of difficulty. The only difference is the number of test attempts allowed.

Can I try out the test for free?

Yes, simply sign up (no credit card is required) and we’ll give you unlimited access for 7 seven days. Create as many jobs and test as many candidates as you want; you won’t be charged a penny.

“An unbeatable service, impressive platform and fantastic value for money.”
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA

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