Finance Executive Interview

Interview Question:

Can you describe your experience with financial reporting and how you ensure accuracy in your reports?

Candidate's Answer:

Can you give me sample answer for this question based on my resume below

Fresh graduate of SEGi University, seeking a position in the Accounting & Finance field. Strong
analytical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. I enjoy situations where I am allowed
to work with others to brainstorm solutions.
WORK EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
Bachelor in Accounting and Finance (Hons)
SEGi University
Final Year Project - Factors Affecting Cloud Computing: A Review in Construction
Companies in Malaysia
2021 - 2024
3.38
Supported Financial Accounting department by performing extensive analysis using XBRL
(eXtensible Business Reporting Language) to effectively categorise and present financial
data, assuring compliance with the law and improving clarity of financial reporting.
Verified financial statements presented in the XBRL system corresponded precisely with the
audited reports.
Carried out in-depth reviews and modified XBRL submissions as necessary based on
supervisors’ feedbacks.
Promptly represented data by analyzing financial statements to identify appropriate XBRL
system classifications.
Managed a systematic and organized workflow to ensure finalized XBRL tasks were
submitted on time.
Awarded 3rd place for "Top XBRL Contributor".
Financial Accounting Intern
Vistra Malaysia
06/2024 - 09/2024
LEADERSHIP
Selangor, Malaysia | +6016-6697847 | [email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sowbhakkiya-ramanathan-813020285/
President
Accounting and Finance Club, SEGi University
Streamlined the club's activities and guided in accomplishing its targets.
Created and executed effective ideas to further the club's aim and increase its influence.
Carried out successful events together with club executives.
2023 - 2024
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Technical Skills: Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Powerpoint), XBRL, Sage UBS, Canva
Essential Skills: Attention to detail, leadership, collaboration and team work, patience,
organized
Languages: English, Malay, Tamil
Expertise: Financ

AI Evaluation:

Your answer provides a solid foundation for discussing your experience with financial reporting. Here’s an evaluation and suggestions for improvement:

1. Relevance and Specificity: You mentioned your internship experience and involvement with XBRL, which aligns closely with financial reporting. It would strengthen your answer if you elaborated on specific examples of reports you compiled or analyzed.

2. Emphasizing Accuracy: You touched on verification and compliance, which are crucial for accuracy. However, you could deepen this by mentioning specific methods you used to double-check data or any software tools that aided in ensuring precision.

3. Process Overview: In addition to the steps you’ve taken to ensure accuracy, consider briefly outlining the reporting process. This could include how you gather data, analyze it, and present it, which would showcase your understanding of a typical financial reporting cycle.

4. Outcome and Achievement: Highlighting your 3rd place award for “Top XBRL Contributor” is excellent, as it demonstrates recognition of your skills. However, also connect this achievement back to how it impacted your work or the team’s objectives.

5. Communication Skills: While you mentioned enjoying collaboration, elaborating on how you communicated findings or collaborated on reports with team members would add depth.

Revised Answer:
“In my internship at Vistra Malaysia, I was deeply involved in financial reporting, specifically through the use of XBRL to present financial data clearly and accurately. I ensured accuracy by cross-verifying the financial statements with audited reports, and meticulously reviewing XBRL submissions based on supervisor feedback. This systematic approach, along with managing a well-organized workflow, allowed us to meet deadlines consistently.

I utilized tools like Microsoft Excel to analyze financial figures and spot inconsistencies, while also collaborating effectively with my team to discuss improvements. My attention to detail, recognized by my accolade as “Top XBRL Contributor”, exemplifies my commitment to precise financial reporting. This experience not only honed my technical skills but also reinforced the importance of clear communication in achieving accurate financial outcomes.”

Rating: 4/5

Overall, your initial answer is solid, but enhancing it with more detail and structure can significantly improve its impact.

Interview Question:

What methods do you use to analyze financial data for trends and variances?

Candidate's Answer:

Sample answer pls

AI Evaluation:

Your answer, "sample answer pls," is not appropriate for the question. It does not provide any information or demonstrate your understanding of financial analysis methods. Instead of addressing the interviewer’s inquiry, it leaves them wanting a substantive response.

To improve your answer, you should include specific methods you use to analyze financial data for trends and variances. For example, you could say:

"I utilize several methods to analyze financial data, including ratio analysis, trend analysis, and variance analysis. Ratio analysis helps in assessing the company's performance by comparing financial ratios over different periods. Trend analysis allows me to identify patterns and fluctuations in key financial indicators over time, which aids in forecasting future performance. Variance analysis helps in comparing budgeted figures against actual results, assisting in understanding discrepancies and driving actionable insights. Additionally, I employ tools and software such as Excel and financial dashboards to streamline the analysis process."

This response demonstrates your knowledge of analytical methods, your analytical skills, and your ability to apply these methods effectively in a financial context.

I would rate your initial answer 1/5 due to its lack of relevance and detail. By incorporating specific analytical methods as illustrated above, you could significantly enhance your response, showing your expertise in financial analysis.