Interview Plan to Leslie A. Mostow

7

Simran Monga

COMM107

Taylor Hahn

Interview Plan

Interviewer: Simran Monga

Interviewee: Leslie A. Mostow, CPA, CGMA. Assistant Director-Placement & Professional Issues at the University of Maryland, College Park. Maters of Science in Business and Management-Accounting.

Interviewee Contact Information: lmostow@rhsmith.umd.edu

                                       Mobile-301.332.0807

Purpose: To gather information about the field of accounting that will help me make decisions about my future career. I will also learn the significance of communications in this field.

1. Opening

1. I will greet Dr. Mostow with a handshake and introduce myself. Then, I would explain the purpose of holding the interview, express why I am interested in Accounting field and what I hope to learn from this interview. I will proceed to thank him for taking some time off his busy schedule and giving me the opportunity for conducting the interview.
2. In this interview, I will focus on learning about Dr. Mostow’s educational background, his work experience and the role of communication in the field of accounting.

1. Body

• Introduction: First of all, I would like to know some background information. To build a rapport I would ask the following questions:

1. Where did you complete your undergraduate degree from?
2. What was your major? What lead you to choose this major? What other major options did you consider while deciding your career choice?
3. Did you continue pursuing your education at a graduate school?

1. If yes – Did a graduate/ postgraduate degree increase your chances of getting a job in accountancy or financial management?

1. How important was communication and team work while you were studying and how were you able to accommodate other’s ideas effectively?

• Experience/current work: Next, I would move on to his professional experiences and practices in the field of accounting.

1. What are your current job duties and responsibilities?
2. Likes and dislikes about job?
3. How is your work related to what u studied in school?
4. How do you keep up with the latest changes in the accounting standards and procedures? How long does it take to implement?
5. In what parts of your professional life is communication important? Do you have different styles and settings when dealing with different people?

1. If yes- follow up question regarding what kind of styles.
2. Who are your clients?
3. Growing trends in accounting?

• Communication in Accounting

1. Accounting is an intrinsic part of any business, therefore, good communication skills are vital in this area. Are there any problems in communicating in the field?
2. What communication techniques to do use to maintain relationship with different clients or vendors?
3. How is the hierarchy of management at the institution you practice your profession? Are there any communication barriers between the top and lower management?
4. If yes- What are some effective ways to remove these barriers?

1. What communication skills are used by the staff that ensures effective customer service?
2. How are you able to effectively explain technical processes and terminology to your clients?
3. How do you establish effective teamwork among your staff? How do you make sure there are no discrepancies while handling the information? And how do you minimize the risk of errors?

• Future

1. Technology has paved its way in the field of accounting. How has technology affected the way in which you practice your profession? How do you stay current with best practices?
2. What other technological improvements in accounting do you expect to see in future?

1. Conclusion

1. I would conclude the interview by thanking Dr. Mostow for his valuable time.
2. I would also ask for professional advices and suggestions that he would like to share.