An interview process to hire a financial analyst will focus on the individual’s knowledge of determining costs of operations, and collecting operational data.
As a candidate for this position, you have to make sure that you prepare well in advance for this process, so that you can effectively ace it.
Basically, your skills as a financial analyst will be tested at the interview.
You will be asked questions to reflect your knowledge of guiding the cost analysis processes and improving the company’s financial status.
Here is a set of finance analyst interview questions and answers to look through:
Related: Financial Analyst Resume
Financial Analyst Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell me a little about yourself.
I possess a master’s degree in finance, with over 10 years of experience in this field. I began working as a finance offer and quickly made my way up to that of an analyst. Over the years that I have worked in this arena, I have learned much about reconciling transactions, recommending actions by analyzing and interpreting data.
2. What specific skill do you possess which makes you an excellent person to hire as a financial analyst?
I am extremely thorough and possess a great head for figures and calculations. This makes me an excellent person to work in this position.
3. How do you ensure that the discrepancies do not occur?
I make sure that I reconcile all transactions through proper cross-referencing. This ensures that discrepancies are few and far between.
4. How do you ensure that you work well in a consistent manner?
Since I am a perfectionist, this is not too difficult for me. I maintain my knowledge, in order to ensure that I remain updated about financial instruments, market conditions, and trends.
5. Have you ever developed any financial models?
As a matter of fact, I have recently developed a financial model to support valuation, planning, and forecasting efforts.
6. What is your greatest strength?
My greatest strength is my ability to handle discrepancies with great care and focus.
7. What is your biggest weakness?
I am often quite blunt when it comes to my feedback. I feel that this sometimes discourages my peers and subordinates.
8. How would you explain financial modeling?
Financial modeling is the quantitative analysis, typically used for asset pricing, and general corporate finance purposes.
9. What is your take on delinquent accounts?
I take delinquent accounts very seriously. I have taken great measures to ensure that delinquent account holders are quickly traced and that debts are paid immediately so that they don’t affect the overall financial situation of the company.
10. What do you think has been your most successful project?
Last year, I developed a financial model, which helped the company streamline all its financial assets. This was definitely the most successful project that I have been involved in.
11. What is the most difficult problem that you have had to solve, and how did you do it?
I was once asked to handle a financial discrepancy amounting to a large number. It seemed quite difficult to handle in the beginning, but with a lot of effort and overtime, I managed to trace the root cause. That nature of discrepancy has never occurred again.
12. Tell me about the last time a coworker got angry with you. What happened?
I do not recall a time when a coworker was angry with me. I share amicable relationships with everyone, and almost never give anyone the chance to complain.
13. Describe your dream job.
My dream job is work where I am consistently growing and contributing. I do not like stagnation in my life and thrive in an environment of challenge.
14. Why do you want to leave your current job?
The position that I am working on has no further room for growth. I tried changing departments, but unfortunately, there wasn’t an opening. It left me with no choice but to move on.
15. What kind of environment do you like the best?
I love work environments that are conducive to growth. I like it when coworkers help each other and are happy in others’ successes.
16. What is your leadership style?
I like working along with people, rather than forcefully leading them. I believe that in order to be successful, one has to be more of a mentor than a leader.
17. How would other people describe you?
I am sure that other people would say that I am an extremely hardworking individual, with a great ability to learn. I also expect them to praise me on my ability to communicate well, and an excellent head for numbers and figures.
18. What do you like to do outside of work? OR What are your hobbies?
I am an outdoor person, who loves hiking and trekking.
19. In your opinion, what really drives results in this job?
I feel that knowing your work, and making a conscious effort to do it right drives excellent results in this job.
20. How do you feel about working in a capacity where one small error can bring the whole house down?
I am a well-organized individual, and almost never make mistakes. This is why I am confident that I can effectively handle this work, without fearing the consequences of errors.
21. Tell me of one recent accomplishment that you have to your name.
I recently spearheaded both annual and quarterly budgeting and forecasting processes, with excellent results.
22. How do you handle criticism?
I take criticism in stride, often thinking of it as an opportunity to improve my work.
23. What are your five-year goals?
Within the next five years, I hope to be working as a finance director.
24. Do you have any questions for me?
I would like to know the top qualities for someone to excel in this role. Also, I would like to know the company’s future plans.