Effective Pre-Screening Questions to Improve Your Hiring Process

As a first step, understanding the candidate's past experiences helps gauge their level of expertise and their ability to fulfill the responsibilities required in the position.

What specific financial analysis software are you familiar with?

An understanding of the software an applicant is familiar with can assist in evaluating if they would be a good fit for your company's current system.

Can you give an example of a financial report that you have prepared?

A prospect's experience in preparing financial reports reveals their reporting skills and their ability to comply with standard reporting procedures.

Explain a complex financial concept that you have had to communicate to clients or team members without a financial background

Financial analysts often must relay complex information to clients or other team members who may not have a background in finance. This question gets at their ability to simplify complex information, an invaluable skill in the field.

What experience do you have with budget forecasting?

A refugee from the crystal ball section of the circus they may not be, but a financial analyst's role does include predicting future revenues and expenditure. Evaluating their experience with these forecasts can give an indication of their financial acuity across a timeline.

In what ways have you helped a company to increase profitability?

This question encourages the candidate to demonstrate their strategic skills, and how their financial analysis work has led to tangible results in the past.

Can you describe a time you identified a financial risk in a previous role?

Assessing and controlling risk is a key component of financial analysis. The ability to spot a potential problem before it becomes a serious issue is a must-have skill.

What methods do you employ for financial forecasting and modelling?

An answer to this question introduces the types of modelling the candidate uses, and how they can be deployed in service of the company's financial goals.

How are you able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines?

The financial analyst role often requires juggling numerous tasks at once, from budgeting to financial reporting and beyond. Being able to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks is a key skill.

Can you explain a time when you used your analytical skills to make a business decision?

This is another effective probe of critical thinking and decision-making skills, all couched in a real-world context.

What are your strongest financial analysis skills?

Keep an ear out for skills listed that are particularly relevant to your specific company's needs when they answer this question.

Do you have experience creating dashboards for financial reporting?

In modern context, proficiency in information and financial software is crucial. The dashboard is where all relevant information is aggregated, so experience creating them is highly beneficial.

What is your experience with variance, trend and financial analysis?

Variance, trend, and financial analysis are key tools in a financial analyst's toolbox. An ideal candidate will have deep experience with these techniques.

How do you go about identifying trends in financial data?

Identifying trends can help a company make informed decisions to improve profitability. It offers a window into the candidate's process.

Can you provide an example of when you improved a process related to financial reporting or analysis?

A candidate who can give a real-world example of improving processes demonstrates their initiative, efficiency, and willingness to make a difference.

Can you give an example of a time you presented financial information to non-financial staff?

A keen ability to convey complex information clearly and simply to people without a financial background is a key skill for financial analysts. They need to blow away the mist and fog, leaving clarity in their wake.

Do you have experience with cash flow and P&L management?

The cash flow and Profit & Loss (P&L) statement are daily bread and butter to the financial analyst. This question gauges their experience managing these crucial areas.

What is your approach to collaborative work in a finance team?

Most financial analysts work as part of a larger team. Their teamwork and collaborative skills are thus of significant interest.

How would you handle a disagreement with a manager about a financial analysis you've conducted?

How a candidate would handle professional disagreements can shed light on their conflict management and interpersonal skills.

What motivates you in your work as a financial analyst?

This question provides insight into the candidate's drive in their professional life. It reveals what makes them tick as a financial analyst, and thus, how will they perform under various scenarios at work.