I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at HBL CPAs (Tucson, AZ) in Mar 2016
Interview
The interview process consisted of two interviews.
The first was with the managers of the firm. I interviewed with a total of five managers (2 at a time), for around 30 minutes each session. I enjoyed the setting as it was a mixture of direct questions and open discussion. I had many opportunities to ask questions, address concerns and most importantly learn more about the firm.
The second interview consisted of one-on-one interviews with the partners and lunch with two team members. This part of the interview process was also enjoyable as it consisted of some direct questions and open discussions with many opportunities for me to ask questions and have general dialogue with the partners. I had the opportunity to have lunch with a Tax Supervisor and an Audit Associate which was a perfect way to end the interview process as it was a great way to gain additional insight about the firm in a casual environment.
I have two pieces of advice for this interview process:
1. Be honest, be yourself and relax. HBL wants to hire people who are a good fit for the company in order to maintain a very positive company culture. (This is a good thing)
2. Take the time to do the research and learn about the company. You may or may not particularly need the information for the interview, but it will be a positive motivator when interviewing with this company because of the things you will learn. You will learn that this company truly values its employees, they are technologically advanced, they have low turn over rates and do some great work in the community, just to name a few.
Keep in mind that my interview my be the same or differ greatly from yours. I believe that this company is continuously revamping this process in order to provide the company and the interviewee with the best experience possible.
Additional Note: To get this interview I applied directly through the company website.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
( I was changing career fields)
Out of all the possible fields you could have went into, why did you pick accounting?
I applied through university. The process took 3 days. I interviewed at HBL CPAs (Tucson, AZ) in Oct 2014
Interview
It was long: 3-4 hours total meeting with at least three partners, plus lunch. The firm has a total of 6 partners. Depending on what you want to do (tax or audit) will depend on who you want to interview with. If you want to work in both, plan on your interview to be a little longer.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Do you feel comfortable staying in Tucson for the foreseeable future?