1. What is a Data Analyst at Burns & McDonnell?

At Burns & McDonnell, the role of a Data Analyst goes beyond simple number crunching. As a 100% employee-owned firm, every role is tied to the success of complex engineering, architecture, and construction projects. In this position, you act as a critical bridge between project execution and financial operational excellence. You are not just reporting on data; you are ensuring the financial health of large-scale infrastructure projects by managing workflows, analyzing bottlenecks, and ensuring data integrity.

This role often sits within specific functional groups, such as Corporate Accounting & Finance, where the focus shifts heavily toward Billing Analysis and process optimization. You will be expected to utilize technology—specifically advanced Excel features and Oracle systems—to develop solutions for complex client requirements. Whether you are analyzing bill logs to prevent delays or interpreting client contracts to set up proper invoicing workflows, your work directly impacts the company's cash flow and client satisfaction.

Candidates should expect a role that values precision, logical reasoning, and process improvement. You will collaborate closely with project managers and billing teams, meaning your ability to communicate complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders is just as important as your analytical skills. This is a high-impact position where your attention to detail ensures that the company’s massive projects remain profitable and compliant.

2. Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation for Burns & McDonnell requires a shift in mindset. While technical skills are necessary, the company places a massive premium on cultural fit and logical aptitude. You are interviewing to become an employee-owner, which means interviewers are looking for long-term potential and a collaborative spirit.

Key Evaluation Criteria:

• Logical & Mathematical Aptitude – 2–3 sentences describing: Unlike standard tech roles that may focus solely on coding syntax, Burns & McDonnell frequently tests raw problem-solving ability. You must be prepared for "tricky" logical reasoning questions and mathematical puzzles that assess how you process information under pressure, rather than just your knowledge of a specific tool.

• Operational & Technical Proficiency – 2–3 sentences describing: For analyst roles, particularly those in billing or finance, proficiency in Microsoft Excel (Macros, VLOOKUP) and ERP systems like Oracle is scrutinized. You need to demonstrate not just that you know the software, but that you can use it to automate workflows and solve complex data discrepancies.

• Cultural Fit & Ownership Mindset – 2–3 sentences describing: Because of the employee-ownership model (ESOP), interviewers look for candidates who are self-starters and invested in the company's success. You will be evaluated on your ability to work collaboratively, your work ethic, and your genuine interest in the company's unique structure.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills – 2–3 sentences describing: You will likely face a specific "interpersonal round" or extensive behavioral questions. You must demonstrate the ability to translate complex data findings into clear, actionable advice for Project Managers and external clients.

3. Interview Process Overview

The interview process at Burns & McDonnell is steady, structured, and thorough. It typically begins with an online application followed by a pre-recorded video interview (often using platforms like HireVue). This initial step is designed to screen for basic communication skills and enthusiasm before you ever speak to a human. Once you pass this stage, you will move to virtual interviews with department heads or technical leads.

Candidates often describe the process as "intense" but fair. You should expect a mix of behavioral repetition and unexpected logical testing. A common theme reported by candidates is that different interviewers may ask similar "mundane" or routine questions across multiple rounds. This is often a test of consistency—interviewers want to see if your story holds up and if your motivations remain clear. Do not be surprised if you are asked to walk through your resume in detail multiple times; they are looking for how your specific background fits their immediate needs.

The process generally culminates in a final round that may include advanced technical questions or a deeper dive into interpersonal fit. While some candidates expect heavy Python or SQL questions, the reality for many Analyst roles here is a pivot toward logic puzzles, mathematical reasoning, and Excel-based scenarios.

This timeline illustrates the typical progression from the initial digital screen to the final rounds. Use this to pace your preparation: focus on your "elevator pitch" and resume walk-through for the early stages, and shift toward logic puzzles and behavioral stories as you advance to the virtual and final rounds.

4. Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

To succeed, you must prepare for a mix of standard behavioral questions and curveball logical assessments. The following areas are critical for the Data Analyst profile at Burns & McDonnell.

Logical Reasoning & Mathematics

This is often the surprise factor for many candidates. Instead of a standard coding test, you may face questions designed to test your raw cognitive ability.

• Why it matters: The company values problem-solvers who can think on their feet, especially when dealing with complex billing structures or contract data.
• Evaluation: Interviewers look for your thought process. Can you break down a vague problem into solvable steps?

Be ready to go over:

• Mathematical puzzles: Questions that require mental math or estimation (e.g., market sizing or logic riddles).
• Pattern recognition: Identifying trends in data without using a computer.
• Process logic: Describing how you would logically order a disordered workflow.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Solve this logic puzzle regarding sequence and probability."
• "How would you estimate the number of [X] in [City]?"
• "If you have a 3-gallon jug and a 5-gallon jug, how do you measure exactly 4 gallons?"

Technical Proficiency (Excel & Systems)

For roles like the Billing Analyst, your ability to manipulate data in Excel is non-negotiable.

• Why it matters: You will be handling massive bill logs and financial data sets daily. Efficiency is key.
• Evaluation: Expect questions about specific functions and how you have used automation to save time.

Be ready to go over:

• Advanced Excel: VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and conditional formatting.
• Automation: Experience with Macros or VBA is highly preferred and differentiates strong candidates.
• ERP Familiarity: Previous experience with Oracle or similar large-scale financial systems.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Describe a time you used a Macro to automate a repetitive task."
• "How do you handle data discrepancies when reconciling two different system records?"
• "Walk me through how you would set up a spreadsheet to track [specific project metric]."

Behavioral & Cultural Fit

This is the core of the Burns & McDonnell interview. The "ownership" culture is distinct, and they hire for longevity.

• Why it matters: They want team members who are collaborative and self-driven.
• Evaluation: Consistency is key. You may be asked the same questions by different people to check for genuine alignment.

Be ready to go over:

• Resume Deep Dive: Be prepared to explain every bullet point on your resume and why it makes you a good fit.
• Conflict Resolution: Working with project managers who may push back on billing requirements.
• Adaptability: Handling "mundane" tasks alongside complex analysis.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Tell me about a time you had to explain a complex data issue to a non-technical stakeholder."
• "Why do you think your background specifically fits Burns & McDonnell?"
• "Describe a situation where you identified a bottleneck in a process. How did you fix it?"

5. Key Responsibilities

As a Data Analyst (specifically within the Billing/Finance function), your day-to-day work is grounded in operational execution and quality control. You are responsible for coordinating the invoicing process for assigned clients, which involves far more than just data entry. You will analyze and interpret client contracts to determine the correct invoicing formats, ensuring that the project setup maximizes automation and workflow efficiency.

A significant portion of your time will be spent analyzing bill logs to identify bottlenecks. You must be proactive—monitoring workflow status and "days in queue" to prevent invoicing delays. When complex projects arise, you will step in to invoice them directly, requiring a deep understanding of the project's financial structure.

Collaboration is essential. You will work closely with Project Managers to review and approve invoices, often revising complex documents to meet specific client conditions. Additionally, you will be tasked with developing standardized process documentation and assisting with the testing of system modifications (such as Oracle updates) to enhance billing services.

6. Role Requirements & Qualifications

To be competitive for this role, you need a blend of financial acumen and technical data skills.

• Technical Skills

  • Microsoft Excel: This is a must-have. You should be comfortable with advanced formulas and preferably familiar with executing or creating Macros.
  • ERP Systems: Previous experience with Oracle is strongly preferred.
  • Document Control: Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office Suite (Word/Outlook) is required for managing contracts and invoices.

• Experience & Education

  • Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting is standard. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is strongly preferred.
  • Background: Proven ability to analyze and interpret contracts is critical. Experience in a corporate accounting or engineering/construction environment is a plus.

• Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Absolute precision is required for quality assurance of invoice calculations.
  • Communication: Strong interpersonal skills are necessary to collaborate with project teams and train/mentor others.
  • Self-Starter: You must manage deadline pressure and multiple assignments simultaneously without constant supervision.

7. Common Interview Questions

The following questions are drawn from actual candidate experiences at Burns & McDonnell. While the exact wording may change, these categories represent the core themes you will encounter. Do not memorize answers; instead, use these to practice structuring your thoughts logically.

Behavioral & Resume Review

• "Walk me through your resume and explain why your background makes you a good fit for this specific role."
• "Why do you want to work for Burns & McDonnell specifically?"
• "Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a team member. How did you resolve it?"
• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple deadlines. How did you prioritize?"

Logical & Aptitude

• "If you have a 4-minute hourglass and a 7-minute hourglass, how do you measure exactly 9 minutes?"
• "Estimate the number of gas stations in the United States."
• "Here is a sequence of numbers. What comes next and why?"
• "How would you explain a complex logical problem to someone without a technical background?"

Technical & Operational (Excel/Process)

• "How would you use Excel to find duplicates in a dataset of 10,000 rows?"
• "Explain a complex Macro you have created or used. what problem did it solve?"
• "How do you ensure accuracy when manually reconciling invoices against system records?"
• "If a Project Manager disagrees with your data analysis regarding a bill, how do you handle it?"

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How difficult is the interview process? Most candidates rate the difficulty as Medium/Average. The challenge often lies not in the technical depth of coding, but in the intensity of the schedule (multiple rounds) and the unexpected nature of the logical/math questions.

Q: Is this a remote position? Generally, no. Most Data Analyst and Billing Analyst roles are based in Kansas City, MO (or other specific hub locations) and operate on a full-time, in-office or hybrid schedule. The culture relies heavily on in-person collaboration.

Q: What should I expect in the pre-recorded interview? Expect standard behavioral questions (e.g., "Tell me about yourself," "Why this role?"). You will record your answers via video. Ensure you have good lighting, clear audio, and look at the camera, not your screen.

Q: Do I need to know Python or SQL? While useful for general data roles, for the Billing/Finance Analyst track, Excel and Oracle are significantly more important. However, having SQL knowledge is always a "nice-to-have" for backend data investigation.

9. Other General Tips

• Know the ESOP: Burns & McDonnell is employee-owned. Research what this means. Mentioning how this motivates you to take "ownership" of your work is a major green flag for interviewers.
• Prepare for "Mundane" Consistency: {{ $warning: You may be asked the same generic questions in three different rounds. Do not get frustrated. Treat every repetition as a chance to refine your story and show consistency. }}
• Brush Up on Mental Math: {{ $info: Candidates have reported unexpected math and logic puzzles. Spend some time practicing "consulting-style" brain teasers to warm up your problem-solving muscles. }}
• Highlight Process Improvement: In your answers, don't just say you "did the work." Say how you "improved the process." Did you reduce time? Did you increase accuracy? Quantifiable metrics are powerful here.

10. Summary & Next Steps

Securing a Data Analyst position at Burns & McDonnell is about demonstrating that you are a reliable, logical, and culturally aligned professional. This role is a cornerstone of the company's financial operations, requiring a blend of sharp technical skills in Excel/Oracle and the soft skills to navigate complex project teams. The work you do here directly supports critical infrastructure projects across the country.

To succeed, focus your preparation on three pillars: mastering your resume narrative (connecting your past to their future), sharpening your logical reasoning for the aptitude tests, and demonstrating a deep proficiency in managing data workflows. Approach the process with confidence—they are looking for partners who want to build a career, not just fill a seat.

The salary data above provides a baseline for the role. Note that as an employee-owned company, total compensation at Burns & McDonnell often includes significant benefits and stock ownership potential that may not be reflected in the base salary alone.

You have the skills to succeed. Review your logic puzzles, polish your Excel stories, and go into the interview ready to show them why you are the next great employee-owner. For more insights and resources, continue exploring Dataford. Good luck!