The landscape of recruitment for accountancy roles in the United Kingdom increasingly involves online assessments as a critical early-stage filter. For candidates seeking to improve their prospects, understanding the types of tests used and accessing practice materials is essential. This article examines the available free resources for accounting tests, drawing on information from dedicated preparation platforms. It outlines the common test formats, the skills they assess, and the preparation strategies recommended by these services.
Understanding the Accounting Assessment Test
Online accounting tests are designed to evaluate a candidate’s practical and theoretical knowledge before an interview. These tests are often used at the beginning of the hiring process to sift out a significant portion of applicants. According to one source, companies in the accounting industry use different assessment tests to measure cognitive abilities, and these tests can sift out 50% to 80% of candidates at this stage. Another source notes that candidates who do not practice assessments tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessments, with failure rates ranging from 54% to 84% among the top 100 global employers.
An accounting assessment test typically uses scenario-based questions to evaluate a candidate's understanding of core accounting principles. The skills covered often include financial ratios, accounts receivable and payable, adjusting entries, balance sheet reconciliation, and financial statement analysis. These tests can be used as pre-employment assessments to gauge on-the-job accounting skills. One specific test format mentioned is a 30-minute assessment with a moderate difficulty level, comprising 10 accounting multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 5 Excel MCQs. The questions are designed to be non-googleable, ensuring they test genuine understanding.
Types of Free and Practice Tests Available
Several platforms offer practice tests and preparation materials for accounting candidates. While some resources are free, others are part of paid preparation packs. It is important to distinguish between free sample questions and comprehensive paid programmes.
Adaface Accounting Assessment Test
Adaface provides a ready-to-use accounting assessment test that evaluates candidates on core accounting concepts like income, cash flow, and balance sheets, as well as their ability to interpret and create financial statements. The test also assesses proficiency with Excel, bookkeeping fundamentals, and problem-solving aptitude. The platform offers a specific test with 10 accounting MCQs and 5 Excel MCQs, lasting 30 minutes. The questions are categorised by skill and difficulty, with examples including topics like "Comprehensive income," "Land Sale," and "Sell off long-term investment" for accounting, and functions like "MATCH INDEX LOOKUP," "Organization data," "Student scores," and "VLOOKUP blood donor" for Excel. Each question is allotted a specific time, ranging from 2 to 3 minutes. Adaface markets its tests as trusted by recruitment teams globally and claims to help optimise the initial screening process by upwards of 75%.
Graduatesfirst and JobTestPrep Resources
Graduatesfirst highlights the importance of practice for passing accountancy online assessments. The platform offers a free verbal reasoning test example, which may be part of an accountancy online assessment test. This test may also assess command of the English language and written communication skills. Additionally, Graduatesfirst mentions that an accountancy logical reasoning test, which involves analysing shapes or diagrams to identify patterns, is another aptitude test candidates may encounter.
JobTestPrep has been a provider of test training since 1992, with over one million customers using their products. They offer the Accounting Bundle Pack™, which includes accounts receivable, accounts payable, bookkeeping, and general accounting tests. Their PrepPacks™ are designed to help candidates prepare for their accounting tests. However, it is important to note that JobTestPrep's Accounting PrepPacks™ are relevant only to USA companies. The platform also provides general accounting interview questions to help candidates prepare for extensive interviews, whether in person, over the phone, or through video.
Common Test Formats and Interview Stages
Candidates may encounter a variety of assessment formats during the recruitment process for accountancy roles. These are not limited to simple multiple-choice tests but can include more interactive and scenario-based evaluations.
Online and Video Assessments
Video interviews are commonly used by accounting companies to interview candidates before the final recruitment stage. These interviews are conducted virtually and may include competency-based questions. Some platforms, like Graduatesfirst, offer a video interview practice platform with questions tailored to specific industries, similar to platforms like HireVue and Pymetrics.
Scenario-Based and Competency-Based Interviews
Beyond online tests, interviews often involve scenario-based analysis, where candidates must analyse financial data and make recommendations. Competency-based interviews focus on past experiences using pre-determined questions relating to specific skills. Partner interviews assess strategic thinking, ethics, and client management skills, while technical interviews test knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and auditing.
Specific Test Examples
The Kenexa Prove It Accounting Test is mentioned as a popular branded test preferred by certain firms. Another specific exam is the Civil Service Accounting Exam, which is a professional exam for candidates interested in government employment. This exam combines aptitude and professional knowledge tests and is required for state, local, and federal accounting jobs in the public sector.
Preparation Strategies for UK Candidates
Preparation is emphasised as a critical factor for success. Platforms recommend several strategies to improve performance.
Practising with Mock Tests and Interviews
Using mock interviews and answering typical accounting interview questions is a key preparation method. The STAR+R method is recommended for structuring answers, and candidates are advised to practice each answer several times and review their responses to enhance their interview skills. For online tests, practising with free verbal reasoning and logical reasoning tests helps candidates understand the format and apply tips during the actual assessment.
Understanding the Test Content
Candidates should be familiar with the core areas assessed. These include: - Accounting Principles: Understanding of income, cash flow, balance sheets, and financial statement analysis. - Excel Proficiency: Knowledge of functions like VLOOKUP, MATCH, INDEX, and data organisation. - Aptitude Skills: Verbal reasoning, logical reasoning, and numerical ability. - Specific Knowledge: Accounts receivable, accounts payable, bookkeeping, and adjusting entries.
Accessing Practice Materials
While some free sample questions are available, comprehensive preparation often requires paid resources. For example, JobTestPrep offers paid PrepPacks™, and Adaface provides ready-to-use tests, though their primary audience is employers. Graduatesfirst offers free verbal reasoning test examples and tips for passing accountancy online tests. Candidates are encouraged to use these resources to simulate the test environment and identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion
For UK candidates preparing for accounting interviews, online tests are a significant hurdle that requires dedicated practice. Free resources, such as sample questions and practice tests from platforms like Adaface, Graduatesfirst, and JobTestPrep, can provide valuable insight into the test formats and question types. However, candidates should be aware that some comprehensive preparation materials are paid and may be tailored to specific regions or companies. Understanding the common skills assessed—ranging from core accounting principles to Excel proficiency and aptitude tests—and practising with mock interviews and online assessments are essential strategies for improving success rates. As the recruitment process evolves, familiarity with these digital assessment tools becomes increasingly important for aspiring accountants in the UK.