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**Accounts Payable Skill Assessment:**

1. **Accuracy and Attention to Detail**

**Question:** How do you ensure accuracy when processing invoices for payment?

**Answer:** I ensure accuracy by meticulously reviewing vendor invoices, purchase orders, and
related documentation. I double-check all entries for errors or discrepancies, such as incorrect amounts
or missing information. Additionally, I verify the accuracy of account coding and ensure proper approval
as per signing authority guidelines before processing invoices for payment.

2. **Communication and Vendor Relations**

**Question:** Describe your approach to resolving disputes with vendors or pricing problems.

**Answer:** When resolving disputes with vendors or pricing problems, I prioritize clear and effective
communication. I initiate contact with the vendor to discuss the issue and gather necessary
documentation to support our case. I maintain professionalism and diplomacy throughout the process,
aiming to reach a mutually beneficial resolution that satisfies both parties.

3. **Tax Compliance and Legislation Knowledge**

**Question:** How do you determine Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) payable and apply rebates
appropriately?

**Answer:** I am well-versed in applicable tax legislation and regulations governing HST and rebates. I
carefully analyze each item on the invoice to determine its tax status and apply the relevant tax laws to
calculate the correct HST payable and rebate levels. I ensure compliance with tax regulations to avoid
any penalties or discrepancies.

4. **Problem-Solving and Discrepancy Resolution**


**Question:** Can you provide an example of a time when you encountered a discrepancy in vendor
invoices and how you resolved it?

**Answer:** Certainly. In a previous role, I noticed a discrepancy in a vendor invoice due to a pricing
error. I promptly investigated the issue by comparing the invoice to the corresponding purchase order
and delivery receipt. After identifying the error, I contacted the vendor to request a corrected invoice
and updated our records accordingly. This proactive approach resolved the discrepancy efficiently and
ensured accurate financial reporting.

5. **Financial Systems Proficiency**

**Question:** How do you utilize computerized financial systems to process invoices and maintain
accurate records?

**Answer:** I am proficient in using computerized financial systems to enter invoices, expense


reports, and cheque requisitions. I ensure accurate data entry by cross-referencing documents and
balancing dollar amounts to control totals generated by the system. Additionally, I utilize the system's
reporting capabilities to trace reasons for discrepancies and update information as needed to maintain
accurate records.

6. **Timeliness and Deadline Management**

**Question:** How do you prioritize tasks and ensure timely processing of invoices, especially during
period-end and year-end accruals?

**Answer:** To prioritize tasks and ensure timely processing of invoices, I maintain a detailed schedule
of payment deadlines and prioritize invoices accordingly. During period-end and year-end accruals, I
collaborate closely with the finance team to ensure all accruals are recorded accurately and on time. I
proactively communicate with relevant stakeholders to address any potential delays and ensure
adherence to deadlines.

7. **Cross-Functional Collaboration**
**Question:** Describe a time when you collaborated with other departments or external
stakeholders to resolve a payment-related issue.

**Answer:** In a previous role, I collaborated with the purchasing department and external vendors to
resolve a payment-related issue. We encountered discrepancies in invoicing due to changes in pricing
agreements, which required coordination between internal and external parties. I facilitated discussions
and exchanged necessary documentation to clarify pricing terms and reconcile the invoices, ultimately
resolving the issue to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

8. **Regulatory Compliance**

**Question:** How do you ensure compliance with international payment regulations when preparing
wire transfers for international vendors?

**Answer:** When preparing wire transfers for international vendors, I ensure compliance with
international payment regulations by verifying recipient details, confirming exchange rates, and adhering
to anti-money laundering laws. I stay informed about any regulatory changes or updates related to
international payments and adjust our processes accordingly to maintain compliance.

9. **Record Reconciliation and Reporting**

**Question:** How do you reconcile vendor accounts and statements to ensure accuracy in invoicing?

**Answer:** I reconcile vendor accounts and statements by comparing transactions in our records
with the vendor's statements to identify any discrepancies or missing invoices. I follow up with vendors
to resolve any discrepancies promptly, ensuring our accounts are up-to-date and accurate. Additionally, I
utilize reporting tools to generate reports that summarize our financial transactions and reconcile them
with vendor statements for accuracy.

10. **Proactive Approach to Issue Resolution**

**Question:** Describe a situation where you took a proactive approach to prevent potential
payment delays or errors.
**Answer:** In a previous role, I noticed a discrepancy in vendor invoices that could potentially lead
to payment delays if not addressed promptly. Instead of waiting for the issue to escalate, I proactively
reached out to the vendor to clarify the discrepancy and obtain the necessary documentation to resolve
it. By taking proactive measures, I prevented payment delays and ensured timely processing of invoices,
maintaining positive vendor relations.

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