i need help with interview this afternoon accounts assistant

jamminjamaica

folks

i need help.

going for interview today. not sure what questions i might be asked. below is extract of job descrition:


Reporting to the Company Accountant the above roles presents an excellent opportunity for a self motivated and driven individual with a proven track record in an accounts administrative role. The main remit of the role will encompass the following duties :

 Administration of sub-contract applications and ensure timely receipts of payments.
 Carry out any other accounts and administrative duties that may be assigned from time to time within a busy accounts department.


Essential Qualifications & Experience

 A minumum of 4 GCSE’s (or equivalent) grade C or above including Mathematics and English.
 Ideally candidates should have at least two years relevant experience.
 Working knowledge of Sage Line 50 Accounts.
 Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
 Ability to work to a tight deadline.
 Proven ability to work on their own intiative.
 Excellent administration, organisational and communication skills.

Desirable Experience

 Previous relevant experience in a manufacturing or construction environment


i have not used sage line 50

alyth

have you worked in a role like this before? I wouldn't worry too much about not having Sage experience, I'm sure you will be able to pick it up. Try and tie in your own experience with what they are looking for, for example a time when you had to work to a tight deadline. Wear your best suit, be smart and professional, thank them for seeing you, ask perhaps when they hope to make a decision about the position, and GOOD LUCK!

jennron

if you have time why not google sage package and find out about a bit about it, so if they ask you know the basics. Also try and find out some info on the company so you look really interested. Good Luck

jamminjamaica

hi there

i have a strong admin background and have worked with finances before although not as an accounts assistant. I really want this job as i have been unemployed since the end of january and money is very tight. I now i would be able to do the job with some training. and i feel it would be a good career opportunity.

alyth

go for it, with your admin background and having worked with finances before you should be absolutely fine, very few people have the exact qualifications for a job, and training will always have to be done when you start, and as Jennron says a little background knowledge about the company always goes down well. I temp for a living so have had tons of interviews. Be yourself, be professional, play up your strengths, ask if there is career progression as that always comes across well, you want to move on within the company. Let me know how you get on.

alyth

jammin, how did the interview go?

LittleVoice

Perhaps we won't hear again.
OP originally posted a plea which seemed to indicate she had no idea what the job entailed - then began this thread with some details.
Person spec does suggest Sage Line 50 is essential - all depends on who else applied.

mrbnewc1

Crikey, why be so negative? anyone would think you don't want the OP to get the job.

alyth

that is a little bit harsh, Little Voice, maybe she just wanted a confidence boost! Like me, maybe she doesn't come on MSE on a daily basis!

leona71

I have worked with Sage on several occasions and it's pretty much like any other Accounting packages. You can pick this up quite easily within a week or so. I use SAP now and find it great.

Leona

LittleVoice

Hi

Sorry - I didn't mean to be negative but if I were the employer I would want the best person for the job. If I specified that the Sage package was essential then someone with that experience would gain more "ticks" than someone without (and the job, other things being equal).

I had originally thought she had done well to get an interview in any case as the question was about what sort of work she would be expected to do and not just about how to cope with the interview.