The Dreaded Tests: Navigating the Role of Testing in Accounting Recruitment
In recruitment, we know how mixed candidates’ feelings can be about testing. The dreaded Excel assessments, psychometric tests, and reasoning tests can be nerve-wracking. For some, these tests can even feel discouraging, especially if they’re not used to the formats. However, testing is becoming a standard part of hiring in accounting, and the good news is that preparation can make a significant difference.
Testing often begins with Excel assessments, which evaluate essential skills like data analysis, formulas, and functions such as pivot tables or macros. These tests are highly relevant for accounting roles where proficiency in Excel is crucial, and they can even help reduce training time if a candidate’s skills are already well-developed. That said, these tests have limitations. They focus narrowly on technical abilities and don’t measure adaptability or broader analytical skills. For candidates, nerves in a test setting can sometimes lead to underperformance. Luckily, free resources like Indeed’s Excel Test or Excel Easy offer great opportunities to practice.
Psychometric testing is another common feature of the recruitment process, particularly in accounting. These tests aim to measure personality traits and behaviours, helping employers assess culture fit and providing insights for development plans post-hire. While psychometric tests can be a helpful tool, they aren’t flawless. A candidate’s personality traits may not always correlate with their job performance, and some may tailor their answers to align with what they think an employer wants to see. For practice, candidates can explore resources like 16Personalities or Truity.
The use of aptitude tests to evaluate problem-solving, logic, and decision-making is also on the rise. These are particularly useful for identifying analytical abilities, a must-have in finance roles. However, test anxiety can impact results, and not all questions may directly relate to accounting tasks. For those looking to sharpen their skills, free resources like Practice Aptitude Tests or AssessmentDay can be invaluable.
Numerical reasoning tests are widely used in accounting recruitment due to their relevance. These tests assess the ability to work with numbers and interpret data, both of which are critical in finance. They provide an objective measure of quantitative skills, but they can feel unrealistic and may not always reflect the day-to-day realities of the job. Stress can also be a factor, but practice sites like JobTestPrep and AssessmentDay can help candidates prepare.
Candidates may also encounter verbal reasoning tests, designed to assess comprehension and the ability to analyse written information. These tests are particularly useful for roles requiring strong communication and logical analysis. However, they can be less relevant for some accounting roles and might disadvantage non-native speakers. Practice platforms like Practice Aptitude Tests or Psychometric Success offer valuable resources.
Finally, situational judgement tests (SJTs) are used to evaluate how candidates might handle workplace scenarios. These tests provide a realistic glimpse into decision-making processes and problem-solving approaches. However, candidates may rehearse answers, giving responses they believe are expected, rather than reflecting their true behaviour. For those preparing, JobTestPrep and AssessmentDay offer free practice tests.
Testing provides valuable insights when used as part of a balanced recruitment process. It should support, not replace, other methods like interviews and reference checks. By combining test results with broader evaluations, employers can make more informed decisions, and candidates can use testing as an opportunity to demonstrate their strengths while refining their skills.