What does the Accounting (Intermediate) Test measure?

It measures three core areas: double-entry bookkeeping, reconciliations and period-end close. The questions focus on practical accounting decisions a candidate would make in routine finance work. It is designed for intermediate users rather than complete beginners or highly specialised accountants.

Who should take this test?

This test fits candidates applying for roles such as Staff Accountant, Bookkeeper, Accounting Assistant, Accounts Payable Specialist and Accounts Receivable Specialist. It is useful when the job includes transaction posting, balance checks and support for monthly close. It is less suited to senior technical accounting or audit leadership roles.

How should I read the results?

Start with the overall score to see whether the candidate is broadly job ready for intermediate accounting tasks. Then look at the skill breakdown to see whether strengths and gaps sit in bookkeeping, reconciliations or close work. Use the result as one hiring input alongside experience, interviews and role requirements.

Is this test based on practical accounting work?

Yes. The questions use everyday accounting scenarios, such as recording a customer payment or explaining why bank and ledger balances differ at month end. This helps you assess applied understanding rather than memorised definitions alone.

Can this test help reduce hiring mistakes?

Yes, it can help you identify candidates who understand the accounting basics needed for the role before interviews move forward. That is useful because job titles and resumes do not always show whether someone can post entries correctly or handle reconciliation logic. It gives hiring teams a more consistent first screen.

Finance basics

Accounting (Intermediate) Test

The Accounting (Intermediate) Test helps hiring teams screen candidates for hands-on accounting work. It is suited to roles that need solid double-entry knowledge, practical reconciliation skills and a clear grasp of period-end close tasks, without requiring advanced technical accounting.

10 mins20 questionsIntermediateMultiple choice

Summary of the Accounting (Intermediate) Test

Double-entry bookkeepingReconciliationsPeriod-end close

What it measures

3 dimensions, scored separately

Double-entry bookkeeping

This measures whether the candidate understands how transactions affect debits, credits and account balances. It matters because accurate posting is the base for reliable ledgers, reporting and downstream finance work.

Reconciliations

This measures whether the candidate can identify and explain common differences between records, such as timing items and missing entries. It matters because reconciliation work helps catch errors early and keeps balances trustworthy.

Period-end close

This measures whether the candidate understands the routine steps and judgments involved in closing a period accurately. It matters because a smooth close supports timely reporting and reduces last-minute corrections.

The complete guide

Everything about the Accounting (Intermediate) Test

01What is the Accounting (Intermediate) Test?

This test measures whether a candidate can handle core accounting tasks at an intermediate level. Questions focus on double-entry bookkeeping, reconciliations and period-end close, using practical scenarios like posting customer payments, explaining timing differences and identifying the right next step when balances do not match. The test draws 20 questions from a bank of 60, so candidates see a varied set rather than the same sequence every time. Results help you compare applicants on the accounting basics they will use on the job, and you can review scores alongside the rest of your hiring process in Springhire.

02How does the Accounting (Intermediate) Test work?

Candidates answer 20 multiple-choice questions in 10 minutes. The test is set at an intermediate level and is auto-scored, giving a consistent way to compare applicants. Questions are randomised from a 60-question bank, so each candidate receives a different mix while being measured on the same core skills.

03Why is the Accounting (Intermediate) Test important to employers?

Hiring someone who cannot post entries correctly, explain reconciliation differences or support the close can create rework and slow down the finance team. This test reduces that risk by showing who can apply accounting basics in common work situations, not just recognise terms from study or past job titles.

Reading the report

How to interpret Accounting (Intermediate) Test results

Every candidate report scores each dimension separately. Here is what high and lower scores typically look like at work, and how to use them in your hiring decision.

Double-entry bookkeeping

High scorers: A high score suggests the candidate can post routine transactions correctly and understands their effect on the accounts.

Lower scorers: A low score suggests gaps in debit and credit logic that may lead to basic posting errors.

Reconciliations

High scorers: A high score suggests the candidate can spot likely causes of differences and work through common reconciliation issues with sound judgment.

Lower scorers: A low score suggests the candidate may struggle to explain mismatches or separate timing differences from real errors.

Period-end close

High scorers: A high score suggests the candidate understands core close activities and can support accurate month-end work.

Lower scorers: A low score suggests the candidate may need support with close sequencing, cutoff thinking or routine month-end tasks.

What job roles can you hire with the Accounting (Intermediate) Test?

Staff Accountant
Accounting Assistant
Accounts Payable Specialist
Accounts Receivable Specialist
Bookkeeper

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