Tell me about yourself
How would you describe yourself?
Analytical (both quant and qual)
How might philosophy help you in accounting?
Why part time philosophy?
Partly financial, I needed to work alongside to fund degree. Partly for enjoyment, because it would give me more time to audit other modules, engage with societies, and run reading groups
Who’s your favourite philosopher?
Diogenes the cynic (lived in a barrel, walked through the market holding a lantern proclaiming to be looking for an honest man)
What is your main philosophical interest?
ethics (ancient schools, EA)
Why not pursue philosophy further?
I want to build a professional career thats focussed on more practical problems.
What is your main weakness?
What is your worst trait/fault?
Tell me your biggest failing.
something my manager at work has flagged is that I’m not the best salesman - like if a customer asks about a certain dish I don’t rate, I’m usually honest and steer them towards something I rate more instead.
like being authentic, don’t feel I’m helping the customer if I’m not honest about the important things.
What is your main strength?
What makes you unique?
Combination of quantitative and qualitative abilities and a strong interest in both. just as interested in writing as solving quantitative, numerical problems.
What motivates you?
How do you handle pressure & stress?
Why a degree in philosophy?
I’m interested in it, and looking at assumptions that come up in various subjects. Surprisingly applicable to audit.
Why did you drop out of your first degree?
health issues at the time.
Why so many A Levels?
My teachers encouraged me.
Why did you take three years to do your A Levels?
Didn’t settle as well into 6th form and ended up dropping out. Self-taught so took up extra a-level to show unis and employers that first yr didn’t reflect my capacities.
How did you get the EAS job?
Family relation
How many hours do you work for EAS?
project based, so some weeks not much, lots other weeks, 1 day/wk on average
How do you think your EAS role will help you with accounting?
How do you analyse data in Excel for EAS?
Using various basic functions to make the data useful e.g. conditional highlighting to illustrate vitamin or mineral levels in a supplement that are high or low compared to some benchmark. pivot tables to make data more presentable.
What are your goals for the future?
Why do you want this audit job?
answer same as for “why do you want to work for us?”
Why does honesty / integrity matter to you? How have you showcased the company’s “honesty” / “integrity” value in your past roles?
Why do you value impartiality / objectivity? How have you showcased the company’s “impartiality” / “objectivity” value in your past roles?