McDermott Accountant interview questions & guide 2026

Interview questions at McDermott focus on your ability to handle the "nuts and bolts" of corporate accounting while demonstrating a strong cultural fit. While some interviews are conversational, you must be prepared to defend your technical knowledge when prompted.

Technical Accounting

These questions test your mastery of core accounting principles and your ability to apply them to real-world scenarios.

• How do you handle revenue recognition according to ASC 606 standards for long-term projects?
• Can you explain the purpose of accruals and how you ensure they are captured correctly during the month-end close?

Success at McDermott requires a balanced approach. You must be technically proficient enough to handle the day-to-day accounting workload while remaining approachable and clear in your communication.

Technical Competence – Your interviewers will look for a solid grasp of GAAP and your ability to execute core tasks like journal entries and reconciliations. Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific accounting software and your methodology for maintaining accuracy under pressure.

Attention to Detail – In project accounting, a small error in a journal entry can have massive downstream effects. Demonstrate your diligence by providing examples of how you catch errors and maintain high standards of data integrity.

Commercial Awareness – Understand the energy sector and how McDermott projects generate value. Showing that you understand the "why" behind the numbers—not just the "how"—will set you apart.

Fit and Motivation – McDermott values genuine, reliable team members. Be ready to articulate your career goals and explain why the culture and work environment at McDermott appeal to you.

The interview process at McDermott is generally professional and structured, though it can vary from conversational to technically rigorous depending on the hiring manager. You should expect an initial screen with a recruiter or HR representative, followed by one or more rounds with the hiring manager or a lead accountant.

Expect a focus on your past experience, your qualifications, and your ability to handle the specific accounting tasks mentioned in the job description. In some instances, you may be asked to perform an Excel assessment to verify your technical capabilities. The pace is typically steady, and the tone is often described as easygoing, but do not let the casual atmosphere lower your guard—you are still being evaluated on your technical depth and professional maturity.

The timeline above represents a standard progression from initial screening to final hiring decisions. Use this to gauge your preparation: ensure your technical refresh is complete before the second round, as that is where the most in-depth questioning regarding GAAP and month-end close processes typically occurs.

Financial Accounting Principles

This is the core of your evaluation. You must demonstrate that you understand not just the mechanics of journal entries, but the regulatory environment behind them.

Be ready to go over:

• GAAP – Know the basics and how they influence your daily tasks.
• Accruals – Understand why they are vital for matching expenses to the period they occur.

As an Accountant, you are responsible for the heartbeat of the department: accuracy. You will manage the month-end close process, which involves reconciling accounts and ensuring that all financial data is properly classified. You will frequently interact with project managers to verify costs and ensure that revenue recognition is occurring in accordance with project milestones.

Your day-to-day will involve high-volume data entry and verification. You will be expected to identify discrepancies in financial reports and resolve them through thorough account reconciliations. By maintaining clean ledgers, you allow the company to make informed financial decisions. You will also assist in internal and external audits by providing clear, well-documented evidence for all transactions you have processed.

A successful candidate for McDermott is someone who combines technical rigor with a proactive attitude toward problem-solving.

• Must-have skills:

  • Proficiency in GAAP and general accounting principles.
  • Demonstrated experience with journal entries and month-end close procedures.
  • Strong analytical skills, particularly in account reconciliations.
  • Solid understanding of ASC 606 and revenue recognition.
  • High proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

• Nice-to-have skills:

  • Experience in the oil and gas or engineering and construction sectors.
  • Professional certifications such as a CPA or CMA.
  • Experience with large-scale ERP systems.

Q: How difficult are the technical portions of the interview? The difficulty is generally moderate. The goal is to ensure you possess the practical knowledge required to perform the job, not to stump you with theoretical brainteasers.

Q: Should I expect a modeling or Excel test? While not universal, some candidates have reported Excel assessments. It is best to be comfortable with basic accounting formulas and data manipulation in Excel before your interview.

Q: What is the best way to stand out? Focus on your reliability and your experience with month-end close cycles. Demonstrating that you can work independently and catch errors before they escalate is highly valued.

Q: How long does the process take? The timeline varies, but once you move past the initial screening, subsequent rounds are typically scheduled within a few weeks.

• Own your resume: Be prepared to walk through every bullet point on your resume in detail. If you mention a specific accounting project, know the numbers and the outcome.
• Prepare for "Why McDermott": Do your research on the company’s recent projects. Mentioning specific aspects of their business shows you are genuinely interested.
• Bring your own questions: Always have 2–3 thoughtful questions for the interviewer. It demonstrates engagement and preparation.
• Stay calm under pressure: If you get a technical question you don't know the answer to, explain your thought process. They want to see how you approach problems.

The Accountant role at McDermott is an excellent opportunity to build a career within a global leader in the energy sector. By focusing on your core accounting competencies—specifically GAAP, journal entries, and month-end close—you will be well-positioned to impress your interviewers. Your ability to communicate these technical skills clearly will be the deciding factor in your success.

We encourage you to explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford. With focused effort and a clear understanding of the expectations outlined here, you can approach your interview with confidence.

The data above provides an overview of the compensation expectations for this role. Candidates should interpret these figures as a market-based range, noting that final offers are typically contingent upon years of experience, specific technical certifications, and the cost-of-living index of the hiring location.