Landing an interview with Ernst & Young (EY) is a significant achievement. As one of the “Big Four” accounting firms, EY offers exceptional career opportunities across audit, tax, consulting, and strategy services. But now comes the challenging part—preparing for the interview that could change your professional journey. The anxiety you feel is natural, but with proper preparation, you can walk into that interview room with confidence and clarity about what lies ahead.
Your EY interview success depends on understanding both the questions you might face and the thoughtful responses that will showcase your skills, experience, and cultural fit. This guide brings you 15 of the most common EY interview questions along with expert advice on crafting answers that will help you stand out from other candidates.
EY Interview Questions & Answers
These questions and answers will help you prepare for your upcoming EY interview. Each question includes an explanation of why it’s asked, tips for crafting an impressive response, and a sample answer to guide your preparation.
1. Tell me about yourself and why you want to join EY.
This opening question helps interviewers gauge your communication skills and learn about your professional background. They want to see how you present yourself and what aspects of your experience you choose to highlight. This question also assesses your knowledge of EY and your genuine interest in the company.
Focus on creating a concise professional story that highlights your relevant skills and experiences. Start with your educational background, move through your professional journey, and connect these elements to why you believe EY is the right place for your career growth. Make sure to research EY’s values, culture, and recent projects so you can specifically mention what attracts you to the firm.
Sample Answer: I graduated with a degree in Accounting from University College three years ago, where I developed strong analytical skills and a passion for helping businesses optimize their financial processes. Since then, I’ve worked at ABC Financial Services, managing audit processes for mid-sized businesses across various industries. Throughout this experience, I’ve gained expertise in risk assessment and implementing efficiency improvements. I’m attracted to EY because of its commitment to building a better working world and its focus on innovation in professional services. I’m particularly impressed by EY’s digital transformation initiatives and believe my background in both traditional accounting and digital solutions would allow me to contribute meaningfully to your team.
2. What do you know about EY and our services?
Interviewers ask this question to determine if you’ve done your homework about the company. They want to see that you understand EY’s business model, service lines, and position in the market. This question helps them identify candidates who are genuinely interested in working specifically for EY rather than just seeking any job.
Prepare for this question by thoroughly researching EY’s website, recent news articles, and social media presence. Understand the firm’s main service lines (Assurance, Consulting, Strategy and Transactions, and Tax) and be familiar with recent projects or initiatives. Mention specific aspects of EY that appeal to you, showing that you’ve given serious thought to how you would fit into the organization.
Sample Answer: EY is one of the Big Four accounting firms, providing professional services globally across four main service lines: Assurance, Consulting, Strategy and Transactions, and Tax. The firm employs over 300,000 people worldwide and serves clients across various industries. I’m particularly interested in EY’s digital transformation work and how the company has integrated technology solutions like artificial intelligence and blockchain into traditional accounting and advisory services. I also appreciate EY’s commitment to sustainability, as shown through initiatives like the Climate Change and Sustainability Services practice that helps clients address environmental challenges while achieving business goals.
3. How would you handle a situation where you disagree with a team member on an approach to solving a client problem?
This question assesses your conflict resolution skills and ability to work collaboratively in team environments. EY values professionals who can navigate disagreements constructively while maintaining positive working relationships. They want to know if you can stand by your ideas while remaining open to others’ perspectives.
In your answer, emphasize the importance of understanding different viewpoints before forming conclusions. Describe a structured approach to handling disagreements that includes active listening, focusing on data and facts, and working toward consensus. Highlight your ability to remain professional and focused on the client’s best interests throughout any disagreement.
Sample Answer: When faced with a disagreement about a client approach, my first step would be to fully understand my colleague’s perspective by asking clarifying questions and actively listening. I’d then explain my reasoning clearly, focusing on client benefits rather than personal preferences. For example, at my previous firm, a colleague and I disagreed about the scope of an audit for a manufacturing client. Instead of dismissing his concerns, I suggested we outline both approaches with their pros and cons, then evaluate them against the client’s stated priorities. This led to a hybrid solution that incorporated the best elements of both approaches. I find that focusing on the shared goal of client satisfaction helps transform potential conflicts into opportunities for more comprehensive solutions.
4. Describe a time when you had to explain a complex concept to someone with limited technical knowledge.
This question evaluates your communication skills and ability to translate technical concepts into accessible language. At EY, professionals frequently need to explain complex financial or technical matters to clients who may lack specialized knowledge. Your answer reveals your ability to adapt your communication style to different audiences.
When answering, choose an example that demonstrates your ability to simplify without oversimplifying. Describe the specific techniques you used, such as analogies, visual aids, or breaking down complex ideas into smaller components. Emphasize how you confirmed understanding and adjusted your approach based on feedback.
Sample Answer: While working on a tax compliance project, I needed to explain the implications of new international tax regulations to a small business owner who had limited accounting knowledge. I began by understanding which aspects were most relevant to her business specifically. Rather than overwhelming her with all the technical details, I created a one-page visual flowchart showing how the regulations would affect her business operations and cash flow. I used everyday analogies to explain concepts like transfer pricing by comparing it to how pricing works between family members versus strangers. Throughout our conversation, I paused frequently to check understanding and address questions. By the end, she felt confident enough to make informed decisions about her international expansion plans, and she later told me she appreciated that I’d made the complex regulations accessible without making her feel uninformed.
5. How do you stay current with industry trends and regulatory changes in your field?
EY values professionals who demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and staying updated in their areas of expertise. This question helps interviewers assess your professional curiosity and the methods you use to maintain current knowledge. It also reveals whether you take initiative in your professional development.
Describe specific resources and habits you’ve developed to stay informed. Mention relevant publications, professional organizations, training programs, and networking events that help you stay current. If applicable, share how you’ve implemented new knowledge or shared insights with colleagues to demonstrate that you don’t just passively consume information.
Sample Answer: I maintain a structured approach to staying current in the accounting and finance field. I subscribe to key publications like the Journal of Accountancy and Harvard Business Review, setting aside time each week to review the latest articles. I’m an active member of the Association of Chartered Accountants and participate in their monthly webinars on regulatory updates. I’ve also developed a network of professionals in related fields, and we share relevant articles and insights through a dedicated Slack channel. Last year, after learning about changes to revenue recognition standards through a professional development course, I created a summary document and led a lunch-and-learn session for my team to ensure everyone understood the implications for our clients. I believe that staying informed is not just about personal knowledge but also about contributing to collective expertise.
6. Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a tight deadline.
This question evaluates your ability to perform under pressure, which is essential at EY where client deadlines and regulatory timelines often create high-pressure situations. Interviewers want to understand your approach to time management, prioritization, and maintaining quality work despite constraints.
Share a specific example that demonstrates how you handle pressure productively. Outline the situation, the specific actions you took to manage the pressure, and the positive outcome you achieved. Focus on how you maintained quality while meeting the deadline, rather than just completing the task on time.
Sample Answer: During my previous role at a regional accounting firm, we unexpectedly lost a team member during the busiest tax season. I was assigned their workload of 15 additional corporate tax returns with filing deadlines just two weeks away. I immediately evaluated all returns based on complexity and deadline proximity, creating a prioritized schedule. I communicated transparently with my manager about which tasks might need additional support. I extended my working hours but made sure to include short breaks to maintain accuracy. I also developed a streamlined documentation process that saved time without compromising quality. By methodically working through the prioritized list and focusing on efficiency, I completed all returns on time with no errors or omissions. This experience strengthened my ability to remain calm under pressure and taught me valuable lessons about resource management in high-pressure situations.
7. How do you approach building relationships with clients?
EY places strong emphasis on client relationships, viewing them as partnerships rather than transactional interactions. This question helps interviewers assess whether you understand the importance of relationship building and have effective strategies for establishing trust with clients.
In your answer, highlight the importance of understanding client needs, delivering consistent value, and maintaining regular communication. Discuss how you balance professionalism with personalization, and how you work to understand clients’ business contexts beyond the immediate engagement. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully built and maintained client relationships in past roles.
Sample Answer: I believe successful client relationships begin with genuine curiosity about their business challenges and goals. In my current role, I always start by researching the client’s industry and specific company before our first meeting. During initial conversations, I focus more on listening than speaking, asking thoughtful questions to uncover both stated and unstated needs. I then make sure to consistently deliver on promises and communicate proactively, especially when challenges arise. For example, with one long-term client, I established a practice of sending monthly update emails summarizing our progress and next steps, which they particularly appreciated. Beyond formal meetings, I look for opportunities to provide value, such as sharing relevant industry articles or connecting them with helpful resources. Over time, I’ve found this approach transforms the relationship from service provider to trusted advisor, creating partnerships that benefit both the client and our firm.
8. Describe a situation where you identified a problem and took initiative to solve it.
This question assesses your proactivity, problem-solving skills, and willingness to take ownership. EY values professionals who can identify issues before they escalate and take appropriate action without constant supervision. Your answer reveals your level of initiative and approach to problem resolution.
Choose an example that demonstrates your ability to identify non-obvious problems, analyze root causes, develop solutions, and implement them effectively. Focus on a situation where you went beyond your regular responsibilities to address an issue. Highlight both the process you used and the positive outcome you achieved.
Sample Answer: While reviewing quarterly financial statements for a client, I noticed inconsistencies in how different departments were categorizing certain expenses, creating reporting inaccuracies that had gone undetected. Rather than simply flagging the issue, I mapped the various categorization approaches across departments and identified the source of confusion—ambiguous guidance in the company’s financial policies. Taking initiative, I developed a standardized expense categorization guide with clear examples and decision trees. I then presented my findings and proposed solution to the client’s finance director, who approved the approach. I worked with their team to implement the new guidelines through a series of training sessions. This proactive approach not only fixed the immediate reporting issues but also improved the accuracy of future financial statements by 15% and reduced the time spent on reconciliation. The client later adopted this categorization guide company-wide, creating significant long-term value beyond our original engagement scope.
9. How do you handle constructive criticism?
This question helps interviewers assess your self-awareness, adaptability, and growth mindset. EY values professionals who can receive feedback gracefully and use it to improve their performance. Your response indicates whether you’re likely to thrive in EY’s feedback-rich environment.
Emphasize that you view feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than personal criticism. Describe your specific process for receiving, processing, and implementing feedback. Include an example that demonstrates how you’ve successfully used feedback to improve your skills or performance.
Sample Answer: I view constructive criticism as one of the most valuable tools for professional growth. When receiving feedback, I first listen carefully without becoming defensive, focusing on understanding rather than responding. After a performance review where my manager noted that my client presentations contained too much technical detail, I thanked him for the specific observation and asked clarifying questions about the right level of detail for different audiences. I then created an action plan, which included observing more experienced colleagues’ presentations and practicing with adjusted content. Before my next major presentation, I asked for preliminary feedback on my slides and approach. The client later commented specifically on how accessible and relevant the presentation was to their needs. This experience reinforced for me that feedback offers a valuable outside perspective that helps me become more effective, and I actively seek it out rather than waiting for formal reviews.
10. What experience do you have with data analysis tools and software?
This question assesses your technical skills and familiarity with tools that are increasingly important in EY’s work. As the firm continues to integrate technology into its service offerings, they seek candidates who can leverage data analytics tools to generate insights and improve efficiency.
Be specific about the tools and software you’ve used, your level of proficiency, and how you’ve applied them in professional contexts. Include both widely used tools and any specialized software relevant to your field. Where possible, quantify the impact or improvements you’ve achieved through using these tools.
Sample Answer: I’ve developed proficiency with several data analysis tools through both formal training and practical application. I’m advanced in Excel, including complex functions, pivot tables, and Power Query for data transformation. I regularly use SQL for database querying and data extraction from various sources. In my current role, I implemented automated reporting using Power BI that reduced our monthly closing process by two days. I also have working knowledge of Python for data analysis, which I used to build a custom script that identified duplicate transactions in a client’s financial records, recovering over $50,000 in erroneous payments. Additionally, I’ve used IDEA and ACL for audit sampling and analysis. I stay current with emerging tools through online courses—I recently completed a certificate in advanced data visualization techniques that I’ve already applied to make our client deliverables more impactful and easier to understand.
11. How do you manage competing priorities when working on multiple projects?
This question evaluates your organizational skills, time management abilities, and decision-making process when facing competing demands. At EY, professionals often work on multiple engagements simultaneously, making effective prioritization essential for success.
Describe your systematic approach to managing multiple priorities, including how you assess urgency and importance, communicate with stakeholders, and adjust plans when circumstances change. Use a specific example to illustrate how you’ve successfully managed competing priorities in the past.
Sample Answer: I manage multiple projects by combining systematic planning with regular reassessment. First, I create a master task list categorized by both urgency and importance, using a modified Eisenhower Matrix. I block time on my calendar for focused work on high-priority items, protecting these periods from interruptions. I also build in buffer time for unexpected issues. For example, while simultaneously managing three client projects with overlapping deadlines, I scheduled daily 15-minute check-ins with each team to quickly identify bottlenecks. When a key client suddenly requested additional analysis before their board meeting, I reassessed all projects, identified tasks that could be delegated or slightly delayed without compromising quality, and communicated transparently with all stakeholders about the adjustments. I’ve found that keeping organized digital documentation of all projects helps me transition efficiently between them, and setting clear expectations with team members and clients creates the foundation for successfully balancing multiple priorities without sacrificing quality.
12. What would you do if you discovered a potential ethical issue while working on a client engagement?
This question assesses your ethical awareness and judgment, which are critical in a profession based on trust and integrity. EY places significant emphasis on ethical conduct, and they want to ensure candidates understand the importance of ethical behavior and know how to handle potential issues appropriately.
Outline a clear, principled approach that balances confidentiality, professional standards, and appropriate escalation procedures. Emphasize the importance of addressing ethical concerns promptly while following proper protocols. If possible, reference relevant professional standards or codes of conduct that guide your decision-making.
Sample Answer: If I discovered a potential ethical issue during a client engagement, my first step would be to gather all relevant facts and documentation to ensure I fully understand the situation before taking action. I would review applicable professional standards and EY policies to clarify what constitutes an ethical violation in this specific context. If the issue was confirmed, I would document my concerns and promptly discuss them with the engagement manager or partner, following EY’s escalation protocols. Throughout this process, I would maintain strict confidentiality while being careful not to make accusations or assumptions. In a previous role, I identified discrepancies in financial reporting that suggested potential manipulation of revenue recognition. After documenting my observations, I privately discussed them with my supervisor, who then involved appropriate senior leadership. This led to a proper investigation and ultimately corrective action. I believe that protecting the firm’s integrity and professional standards must always take precedence, even when raising concerns may feel uncomfortable in the moment.
13. How do you approach learning new skills or adapting to new methodologies?
This question evaluates your adaptability and commitment to continuous learning—qualities essential in a rapidly evolving professional services environment. EY seeks candidates who can quickly acquire new knowledge and embrace changing methodologies as the firm innovates and expands its service offerings.
Describe your learning process, including how you identify skills gaps, select learning resources, apply new knowledge, and evaluate your progress. Highlight your self-motivation and proactive approach to professional development. Include a specific example of how you’ve successfully learned a new skill or adapted to a significant change.
Sample Answer: I approach learning new skills through a four-step process: assessment, structured learning, practical application, and reflection. First, I assess exactly what I need to learn and why it matters. For structured learning, I combine formal training with self-directed study, often using a mix of courses, expert resources, and peer knowledge. The critical step is practical application—I believe we truly learn by doing. Finally, I reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve further. When my firm adopted a new audit methodology last year, I volunteered to be part of the pilot implementation team. Beyond the formal training provided, I created a study group with colleagues where we worked through practice scenarios together. I then developed a one-page reference guide highlighting key differences from our previous approach, which was later distributed firm-wide. By applying the new methodology to a small engagement first, I identified potential stumbling blocks and refined my understanding before scaling to larger clients. This systematic approach to learning has consistently helped me adapt quickly to new tools and methods throughout my career.
14. Describe a situation where you had to influence someone to accept your ideas or approach.
This question assesses your persuasion skills and ability to gain buy-in for your ideas. At EY, professionals often need to influence clients, colleagues, and stakeholders without having direct authority. Your answer reveals your communication strategies and interpersonal effectiveness.
Share a specific example that demonstrates your ability to understand others’ perspectives, communicate persuasively, and build consensus. Focus on how you presented your ideas effectively rather than simply imposing your view. Highlight both the process you used and the positive outcome you achieved.
Sample Answer: When our team was designing a new tax compliance process for a multinational client, I proposed incorporating automation tools that would require significant upfront investment but would create long-term efficiency. Initially, both the client’s CFO and some senior members of our team were hesitant due to the implementation costs and learning curve. Rather than pushing harder for my solution, I first spent time understanding their specific concerns through one-on-one conversations. I discovered the CFO was worried about disrupting operations during their busy season, while our team lead was concerned about the timeline. Armed with this understanding, I prepared a detailed analysis comparing the current process costs against projected savings over three years, highlighting a break-even point at nine months. I created a phased implementation plan that addressed the timing concerns and included comprehensive training. I also arranged for a similar client to share their positive experience with the automation tools. By addressing specific concerns with evidence and accommodating key constraints, I was able to gain support for the project. The implementation was approved and has since reduced the client’s compliance processing time by 40%, creating significant value that has strengthened our relationship.
15. Why do you think you would be a good fit for this specific role at EY?
This final question gives you the opportunity to synthesize your qualifications and align them directly with EY’s needs for the position. Interviewers want to see that you understand the specific role requirements and can articulate why your unique combination of skills, experience, and attributes makes you an ideal candidate.
Demonstrate your understanding of the role’s key responsibilities and challenges. Connect your specific experiences, strengths, and accomplishments to these requirements, providing evidence of how you’ve successfully handled similar situations. Also address cultural fit by referencing EY’s values and work environment and explaining why these align with your professional style and goals.
Sample Answer: Based on the job description and our conversation today, I understand this role requires someone who can manage complex client relationships while delivering technical excellence in financial analysis, particularly for clients in the technology sector. My three years of experience providing financial advisory services to technology startups has given me insight into the unique challenges these companies face during rapid growth phases—exactly the client profile you mentioned focusing on. At my current firm, I’ve consistently received top ratings for client satisfaction while maintaining technical accuracy. The project management system I developed for our team increased our efficiency by 25%, demonstrating the process improvement mindset that you mentioned is important at EY. Your emphasis on collaborative work aligns perfectly with my approach—I thrive in environments where teams tackle complex challenges together. Additionally, my experience with data visualization tools would support EY’s digital transformation initiatives. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring this combination of technical expertise, client relationship skills, and innovative thinking to your team, particularly as you expand your technology client portfolio.
Wrapping Up
Preparing for an EY interview requires understanding both the technical aspects of your role and the firm’s values and culture. By practicing thoughtful responses to these common questions, you’ll feel more confident and present yourself as a well-prepared, qualified candidate. The sample answers provided offer a starting point, but make sure to personalize them with your own experiences and accomplishments.
Your success in an EY interview will come from demonstrating not just what you know, but how you think and approach challenges. Focus on showcasing your problem-solving abilities, client focus, teamwork, and ethical standards. With thorough preparation and authentic responses that highlight your unique strengths, you’ll be well-positioned to make a strong impression and take the next step in your career with Ernst & Young.