Trucking Bookkeeper Interview Checklist

This comprehensive checklist is designed to guide employers, fleet owners, and HR professionals through the process of interviewing candidates for trucking accounting and bookkeeping roles. It covers essential areas to ensure the candidate has the necessary industry-specific financial knowledge, regulatory understanding, and operational skills needed to manage the complex accounting needs of a trucking company.

Key focus areas include:

• Industry-Specific Accounting Knowledge: Understanding of fuel tax reporting (IFTA), driver settlements, load revenue recognition, and equipment depreciation.

• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with FMCSA, DOT, and IRS requirements, including per diem programs, 1099 contractor payments, and payroll compliance.

• Software and Systems Proficiency: Experience with trucking management software (TMS), QuickBooks, DAT/Loadlink integrations, ELD data reconciliation, and fuel card reporting.

• Cash Flow and Expense Management: Ability to handle operational cost tracking (fuel, maintenance, insurance), monitor cash flow, and manage receivables/payables tailored to the trucking sector.

• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: Critical thinking for reconciling load discrepancies, handling factoring company processes, and auditing operational finances.

• Communication and Reporting: Ability to generate clear financial reports for management and external stakeholders, and maintain strong communication with dispatch, safety, and operations teams.

The checklist ensures that each candidate is assessed thoroughly not only for general accounting skills but also for their ability to adapt to the unique demands of the trucking and logistics industry. It helps streamline the hiring process by highlighting top talent who can contribute to financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.