Start here
Start with what you actually know
Sorting, filtering, basic formulas, IF, lookups, pivot tables, charts, formatting, and data cleanup are all valid skills when they are genuinely yours.
Accounting technical-skills question
What If My Excel Skills Are Basic in an Accounting Interview?
Do not turn “I know some Excel” into “advanced Excel expert.” You may eventually have to prove it.
Practice More QuestionsA strong honest answer
“I would describe myself as comfortable with Excel rather than advanced. I have used formulas, lookups, filtering, and pivot tables in coursework and projects. I know there are more advanced features I have not used professionally yet, but I am comfortable learning new functions when I need them.”
If you only know the basics
“Most of my experience is currently through coursework, so I have used Excel for organizing data, basic formulas, and accounting assignments. I know it will be used much more heavily in practice, and that is something I am interested in improving.”
Skills you can mention when true
Sorting and filtering
SUM and basic formulas
IF statements
XLOOKUP or VLOOKUP
Pivot tables
Basic charts
Formatting
Data cleanup
Do I need macros?
Not for every internship. If the job description specifically mentions macros, VBA, Power Query, or another advanced feature, prepare for that requirement instead of assuming every accounting intern needs the same toolkit.
Why bluffing is a bad strategy
Excel is unusually easy to test later. A realistic skills description plus evidence that you learn quickly is stronger than an inflated label.
Comfortable is a valid level
Describe what you can actually do, then show that you are capable of learning what the job requires.
Related interview resources