Debit Note

Term from Bookkeeping industry explained for recruiters

A Debit Note is a basic business document used in accounting and bookkeeping. It's like a formal notice that tells someone they owe money or need to pay more than originally charged. Think of it as a correction slip when a business needs to increase the amount on an invoice or document a debt. For example, if a supplier originally charged too little for goods, they would send a debit note to adjust the price. Bookkeepers and accountants regularly work with these documents to keep financial records accurate and up-to-date.

Examples in Resumes

Managed accounts payable including processing Debit Notes and credit notes for a retail chain

Created and reconciled Debit Note entries in accounting software for international transactions

Handled customer billing adjustments through Debit Notes and maintained accurate financial records

Typical job title: "Bookkeepers"

Also try searching for:

Accounts Payable Clerk Accounting Clerk Bookkeeper Accounts Assistant Financial Administrator Accounting Associate Finance Clerk

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle complex situations where multiple debit notes need to be processed and reconciled?

Expected Answer: A senior bookkeeper should explain their system for tracking multiple adjustments, maintaining accuracy, and ensuring proper documentation. They should mention verification processes and internal controls.

Q: What is your process for training junior staff on handling debit notes and preventing common mistakes?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership skills and ability to explain processes clearly, including common pitfalls to avoid and best practices for documentation and verification.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Explain the difference between a debit note and a credit note, and when each should be used.

Expected Answer: Should clearly explain that debit notes increase amounts owed while credit notes decrease them, and provide common business scenarios for using each.

Q: How do you ensure accurate recording of debit notes in the accounting system?

Expected Answer: Should describe their process for entering debit notes, including verification steps and how they maintain proper documentation.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is a debit note and when is it typically used?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that a debit note is a document used to inform someone they owe additional money, and provide basic examples of when it's used in business.

Q: What information should be included on a debit note?

Expected Answer: Should list basic elements like date, amount, reason for adjustment, reference to original invoice, and both parties' information.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of debit and credit notes
  • Data entry in accounting software
  • Filing and documentation
  • Basic reconciliation

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Processing complex accounting adjustments
  • Account reconciliation
  • Working with multiple currencies
  • Vendor and client communication

Senior (5+ years)

  • Training and supervising junior staff
  • Complex financial reconciliation
  • Process improvement
  • Internal controls implementation

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to explain the basic purpose of a debit note
  • Confusion between debit notes and credit notes
  • Poor attention to detail in numerical work
  • Lack of experience with accounting software