[Jaane]

Hello everyone. I don’t post too often on A71, but I have been a longtime lurker.

Not too long ago I had a phone interview with a CPA firm (somewhat niche focus, not a Big 4) that seemed to go well. After doing some searching on the firm’s interview process, I came across several Glassdoor reviews that mentioned “surprise” testing immediately before or after the interview. The applicants described the experience as two tests: a “Psuedo-IQ test” (say what?!) that is 50 questions long within 10-12 minutes and possibly an additional “accounting/auditing” test of 10 or so questions. This is for an entry-level position. I have been out of school for a little while, so I don’t feel comfortable being completely unprepared like this (just being honest).

If you’ve had any experience with this, please chime in! Thanks. Also, please forgive typos.

[JohnWayneIsGod]

Yeah, I took one of these before and I used the entire 45 minute limit. It was all elementary accounting stuff though. If they are expecting you to finish 50 questions in 10 minutes, then the test your looking at it is likely to be elementary material as well. (Example: Calculate Gross Profit) My advice is to crack open your old text if you still have it and review, but you'll likely be surprised at all of the stuff you remember since it is the foundation of everything we do throughout our education.

FAR - 80

Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.

-John Wayne

[Jaane]

Thanks JohnWayne!

So it will likely be accounting-related questions during the IQ portion, too? I was worried it would literally be a thinly-veiled IQ test. I will go ahead and review an old textbook then. Many thanks.

[JohnWayneIsGod]

Don't let the Glassdoor reviews scare you. The ‘IQ Test' thing was likely just a person ranting. My test only took the full 45 minutes because I double-checked the whole thing after I finished. Thinking it was easy, I checked Glassdoor to see people complaining about the test. My guess is that they were either angry about getting ‘blind-sided', or didn't remember anything from school. Just keep a good attitude and review a bit. You'll probably be fine.

FAR - 80

Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.

-John Wayne

[Author]

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