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Senior Accountant

Caterpillar · Peoria, IL · $128,470–$192,710 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a deal analysis you did that changed a business decision.

What they are checking: Whether they act as a business partner and not only a reporter of numbers.

Tell me about a time you improved a reporting process or used an analytics tool to save time.

What they are checking: Whether they look for efficiency and better insight in recurring work.

Tell me about a time you found an error in your own work after it was shared.

What they are checking: Whether they correct mistakes openly and fast, which builds trust in finance.

What would you do

How do you work with region teams on monthly machine and parts forecasts for S&OP?

What they are checking: Whether they can challenge forecasts constructively and improve accuracy over time.

A sales leader pushes back on your variance explanation and says the numbers are wrong. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they verify calmly, stand by correct analysis and stay open to real errors.

How do you explain a financial result to someone in sales who isn't a finance person?

What they are checking: Whether they can communicate clearly and simply to non-finance partners.

How do you handle many ad hoc requests on top of month-end work?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize and set expectations without missing deadlines.

About the work

You'd support the VP of Sales and Marketing for Managed Accounts. Walk me through how you'd analyze a machine and parts sales variance for the month.

What they are checking: Whether they can break a variance into price, volume and mix drivers that business leaders can act on.

How do you approach annual business planning and target setting with a sales team?

What they are checking: Whether they can build realistic targets grounded in data and business drivers.

What metrics would you put in a monthly report for sales leadership, and why?

What they are checking: Whether they choose metrics that drive decisions rather than filling a deck.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

Career Area: Finance Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Provide financial support for the VP Sales & Marketing for Managed Accounts and team. What You Will Do: • Monthly analysis of key results, including machine and parts sales variance • Support business analytics tools to provide critical business insights • Work closely with the region teams on monthly machine and parts forecasting to support the S&OP process • Business partnering through deal analysis and sales variance management • Monthly metric reporting to enable business insights • Annual business planning and target setting • Ad hoc project leadership / support What You Have: • Business Acumen: Knowledge of business concepts, tools, and processes that are needed for making sound decisions. • Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions • Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques with leadership and peers. • Organizational Leadership: Knowledge of leadership concepts and ability to use strategies and skills to enlist others in setting, embracing and achieving objectives. Top Candidates Also Have: • Demonstrated business acumen with the ability to provide strategic financial insights. • Strong collaboration and communication skills, with proven ability to influence stakeholders. • Solid knowledge of financial reporting and business partnering practices. • 5+ years of experience in relevant finance or accounting roles. • Proficiency in Excel and Power BI for advanced data analysis and reporting. Additional information: • This role requires up to 10% of business travel time. Summary Pay Range: $128,470.00 - $192,710.00 Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. Benefits: Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits. • Medical, dental, and vision benefits* • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)* • 401(k) savings plans* • Health Savings Account (HSA)* • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)* • Health Lifestyle Programs* • Employee Assistance Program* • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts* • Career Development* • Incentive bonus* • Disability benefits • Life Insurance • Parental leave • Adoption benefits • Tuition Reimbursement * These benefits also apply to part-time employees This position requires working onsite five days a week. Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: September 24, 2026 - October 7, 2026 Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .

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