Senior Financial Analyst Skills Interview
Author:
Alecia HThis template is optimized for a Senior Financial Analyst whose main objective is to provide in-depth and insightful analysis of the financial state of a company/client to support budget and forecasting cycles. These analysts must be proficient in synthesizing large amounts of technical data and information from different sources to communicate their solutions and provide recommendations. They must collaborate well with others. This template covers the key skills required to perform these objectives successfully
Focus area:
Question
1
Imagine you discover a discrepancy in the supporting data across various financial sources in preparing a profit and loss statement for a Budget/Forecast. Walk me through the steps you would take to assess/resolve the issue.
What does this question reveal?
Candidate has the ability to analyze information to solve problems effectively and completely
Explore tips
- Double checks data to confirm errors/ inconsistencies
- Isolates the most relevant information required to solve the problem
- Attempts to understand both ‘what’ the issue is and ‘why’ it occurred
- Identifies who to consult (finance/non-finance) when gathering information
- Views issue from the perspective of other functions (e.g., sales, ops, finance)
Question
2
Describe a time where you went above and beyond and did an exceptional job at solving a problem in a previous role.
What does this question reveal?
Candidate has the ability to exhibit leadership when problem solving
Explore tips
- Solved problem effectively, efficiently, and timely without being asked/prompted
- Consulted others with evidence to instill confidence in their approach/solution
- Alleviated work from colleagues/superiors with minimal guidance
- Was thorough/detailed in their approach and suggested future process improvement
- Explains positive impact they had using evidence to support claims
Question
3
In the process of resolving a financial discrepancy, what do you do to ensure that your work provides the most value to your team and the business?
What does this question reveal?
Candidate has the ability to take perspective of management and understand implications of their role on the business
Explore tips
- Thinks about the problem from the perspective of senior management/manager
- Understands the implications of the discrepancy for the organization
- Draws attention to related problems in other areas of the business
- Applies learnings to prevent the issue from recurring in the future
Question
4
If you identified a financial discrepancy, what would you do to ensure you developed a comprehensive understanding of the issue?
What does this question reveal?
Candidate has the ability to be thorough and detail-oriented when solving problems
Explore tips
- Recaps/clarifies details with stakeholders before going into details
- Gathers information from others about the ‘what’ and ‘why’ behind the problem
- Focuses on the details that will result in value-added outcomes/solutions
- Organizes/reviews information and evaluates it relative to the problem at hand
Question
5
What are some best practices you apply when communicating with others, including financial and non-financial stakeholders, as you solve financial problems in your role?
What does this question reveal?
Candidate had the ability to gather and relay information effectively with communicating with different stakeholders
Explore tips
- Relays information to others clearly using non-technical language (e.g. sales)
- Gathers thorough information from others to develop understanding of issues
- Emphasizes importance of translating between financial/non-financial language
- Gives managers/colleagues updates to keep them informed when problem solving
Question
6
Describe a time where a colleague from a non-financial background had difficulty understanding financial data. What communication tactics did you use to help them develop an understanding of the issue?
What does this question reveal?
Candidate has the ability to present data in an accessible way to non-technical audiences
Explore tips
- Isolated information relevant for individual/does not share non-relevant details
- Tailored the content to the person by avoiding jargon
- Asked questions to clarify the colleague’s understanding of the information
- Emphasized implications of the data/issue for their function in the business
Question
7
If you had solved a financial problem and needed to communicate your findings, how would you prepare your presentation for a non-finance versus a finance audience?
What does this question reveal?
Candidate has the ability to synthesize information and adapt messages to different audiences
Explore tips
- Focuses on high level implications for non-technical audience
- Tailors message to relevant function of the business (e.g. sales, operations)
- Considers data visualization in both cases to effectively communicate findings
- Isolates only the relevant technical details for the technical audience
- Uses simple, clear and effective storytelling tactics in both situations
Question
8
Think about a time where you were on a team that worked really effectively together. What made that team so effective, and what behaviors did you exhibit that contributed to the team’s effectiveness?
What does this question reveal?
Candidate has the ability to contribute to team performance by supporting/communicating effectively
Explore tips
- Engages in work that supports others, even if beyond their particular scope
- Actively listens to others to gain their perspectives and viewpoints
- Proactively comes forward with new ideas to add unique value to the team
- Is results- and solution-focused
- Understands their role within the wider team and each member’s strengths/weaknesses
Question
9
Imagine you're working with a team for an extended period of time and your tasks vary between meaningful work and more menial/gritty work. How would you stay engaged and contribute effectively as you complete your tasks?
What does this question reveal?
Candidate has the ability to persevere and stay committed to producing high quality work menial tasks
Explore tips
- Takes on all necessary work, even if it is not glamorous or meaningful
- Understands what is required of them and executes on tasks to support team
- Supports others by completing any work that will achieve the project objectives
- Maintains high standards for quality in work to support the business success
