Financial Analyst Interview Preparation Guide

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A financial analyst is a person who performs financial analysis for external or internal clients as a core part of the job.

► Can you explain quarterly forecasting, updating revenue and expense models?
► Describe projects in which you have implemented these skills?
► In conjunction with these projects how do you execute input of detailed plans and forecast into the financial systems?
► Describe how you coordinate plan transfers?
► Are you familiar with creating daily sales reports?
► What processes do you use to create reports?
► Have you created month-end sales reports?
► Have these reports involved your knowledge of analysis concerning actual and planned revenues, balance sheets and expenses?

► Can you describe the practices you use for analysis of financial and management reporting?
► Do you have experience in annual planning processes?
► What profitability models have you used for forecasting a project?
► Are you familiar with developing business casing and ad hoc analysis?
► How would you maintain this information throughout a project?
► Have you ever worked on a budget for an expansion program?
► Describe a project; what financial practices did you target?

► How do you relate with program administrators and financial personnel?
► Do you compile and share monthly data involving income, investment, sales forecasting, shipments and cash flow reports?
► What long range plans have you implemented for the firm?
► Are your accounting and knowledge of financial systems abilities used to integrate profit/loss reports?
► Have you been responsible for maintaining a financial system database?
► Have you ever prepared work force reviews?

► What computer systems would you use to prepare illustrated technical reports using graphs, spreadsheets and draw charts?
► What various securities in this industry are you familiar with and how would you compare and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses?
► How do you interpret data concerning investment programs?
► Can you define price yields, stability economic influences, future trends and investment risks?
► How do you acquire knowledge of developments in the field of industrial technologies?
► Can you relate some basic business, finance and economic theories?
► What monitoring skills do you possess involving economic, corporate and industrial developments?
► What steps do you take when preparing plans of action for financial analysis?
► Have you presented oral or written reports on entire industries, individual corporations or economic trends?
► Can you describe some recommendations you have to companies or individuals concerning investment procedures?
► How do you attract new corporate clients?

Analysts are hired by banks, buy- and sell-side investment firms, insurance companies and investment banks. Of these specialties, three major categories of analysts are those that work for 'sell-side' investment firms, those that work for 'buy-side' investment firms and those that work for investment banks.

As interoffice protocol goes, analysts interact with each other as colleagues while they tend to report to a portfolio manager or other senior in management. A junior analyst may work his or her way up to a senior analyst in a period of three to five years. For senior analysts who continue to look for career advancement, there is the potential to become a portfolio manager, a partner in an investment bank or senior management in a retail bank or an insurance company. Some analysts go on to become investment advisers or financial consultants.

► Why do you want to become a financial analyst?
► What do you want to accomplish on this position?
► Where do you see yourself in five years time?
► What motivates you?
► Why should we hire you?
► What are your strengths and weaknesses?

► What was the biggest mistake you made in your job?
► What profitability models have you used for forecasting a project? Which model do you consider to be the best one, based on your experience?
► Describe a situation when you had to meet a tight deadline?
► Describe a situation, when you had problems to communicate something to your boss or to your colleague?
► What was the worst financial forecast you made?
► Describe a situation when you were under pressure in work. How did you handle it?

► What processes do you use to create reports?
► What systems and programs would you use to prepare illustrated technical reports using graphs, spreadsheets and draw charts?
► Can you explain financial models?
► Have you created month-end sales reports?
► How do you calculate a company's cash flow?
► Which stocks do you frequently track? Why?
► What profitability models have you used for forecasting a project? Which model do you consider to be the best one, based on your experience?
► Are you familiar with developing business casing and ad-hoc analysis?
► When you are given a large financial analysis project, what is the first thing you do?
► Describe a project; what financial practices did you target?
► What methodologies do you use in your financial analysis?