During your interview for the Financial Analyst position, you can expect a blend of technical and behavioral questions. These questions are representative of prior experiences shared by candidates and are designed to assess your analytical abilities, financial acumen, and cultural fit within the organization.

Technical / Domain Questions

This category evaluates your knowledge of finance, accounting principles, and analytical skills.

• What financial modeling techniques are you familiar with?
• Can you explain the process of creating a budget?
• How do you assess the financial performance of a company?
• Describe a time when you identified a financial issue and how you resolved it.
• What tools or software do you use for financial analysis?

Behavioral / Leadership

These questions focus on your past experiences and how you approach teamwork and leadership.

• Tell me about a time when you worked on a team project. What was your role?
• How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple deadlines?
• Describe a situation where you had to communicate complex financial information to a non-financial audience.
• How do you handle criticism or feedback from peers or supervisors?
• What motivates you to succeed in a challenging environment?

Problem-Solving / Case Studies

You may be presented with hypothetical scenarios to test your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• If given a dataset with discrepancies, how would you go about identifying the root cause?
• How would you approach forecasting revenue for a new product line?
• Imagine a scenario where your analysis contradicts a senior executive's opinion. How would you handle the situation?
• Provide a financial analysis of a company facing declining profits.

The visual timeline illustrates the stages you will encounter, including screening interviews, technical assessments, and final behavioral interviews. Use this to plan your preparation effectively, ensuring you allocate sufficient time to each area of focus. Be mindful of the nuanced expectations that may vary by team or specific role.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Technical Proficiency

This area is crucial as it reflects your understanding of financial principles and tools. Interviewers will assess your capability in financial modeling, forecasting, and reporting.

• Financial Modeling – Understand how to create and interpret financial models that inform strategic decisions.
• Budgeting and Forecasting – Be prepared to discuss methodologies and tools you use in these processes.
• Data Analysis – Demonstrate your ability to analyze complex datasets and derive actionable insights.

Example questions:

• Explain a financial model you built and its impact on decision-making.
• How do you ensure accuracy in your financial forecasts?

Analytical Thinking

Your ability to analyze information critically and draw conclusions will be evaluated. Strong candidates will demonstrate structured thinking and thorough analysis.

• Critical Thinking – Showcase how you approach challenges systematically.
• Scenario Analysis – Be ready to discuss how you evaluate different financial scenarios.

Example questions:

• Describe a time when your analysis led to a significant business decision.
• How do you approach risk assessment in financial planning?

Communication Skills

Effective communication is vital in this role, especially when conveying complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders. Your ability to articulate ideas clearly will be scrutinized.

• Presentation Skills – Discuss how you present financial information to various audiences.
• Interpersonal Communication – Highlight experiences where collaboration was essential.

Example questions:

• Can you provide an example of a presentation you delivered to senior management?
• How do you adapt your communication style for different audiences?

Key Responsibilities

As a Financial Analyst, your day-to-day responsibilities will involve a mix of analytical tasks and collaborative projects. You will be expected to:

• Conduct thorough financial analyses to support strategic decision-making processes.
• Develop and maintain financial models and forecasts that inform budgeting and planning.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to gather data and insights for financial reports.
• Present findings and recommendations to management, ensuring clarity and understanding.
• Monitor financial performance indicators and suggest improvements or corrective actions as necessary.

Your work will directly contribute to the operational effectiveness and financial success of McDermott Will & Schulte, aligning financial objectives with the broader goals of the organization.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

To excel as a Financial Analyst at McDermott Will & Schulte, candidates should possess a blend of technical expertise and soft skills.

• Must-have skills:

  • Proficiency in financial modeling and analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL).
  • Strong understanding of budgeting and forecasting methodologies.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Effective communication and presentation skills.

• Nice-to-have skills:

  • Experience with financial software such as SAP or Hyperion.
  • Familiarity with legal industry financial practices.
  • Advanced degree (MBA or similar) in finance, accounting, or related fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How difficult are the interviews, and how much preparation time is typical?
Interviews at McDermott Will & Schulte can be challenging due to the emphasis on technical skills and analytical thinking. Candidates typically spend several weeks preparing, focusing on both technical knowledge and behavioral examples.

Q: What differentiates successful candidates?
Successful candidates often demonstrate a strong blend of technical proficiency, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams. They align closely with the firm’s values and culture.

Q: What is the culture and working style at McDermott Will & Schulte?
The culture emphasizes collaboration, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Employees are encouraged to work in teams, share ideas, and support each other's growth.

Q: What is the typical timeline from the initial screen to the offer?
The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on scheduling and the number of candidates being interviewed.

Q: Are remote work or hybrid expectations common for this role?
While this role is based in Chicago, McDermott Will & Schulte has adopted flexible work arrangements. Candidates should inquire about specific expectations during the interview process.

Other General Tips

• Practice Financial Modeling: Familiarize yourself with common financial models and practice building them to showcase your skills during the interview.
• Understand the Business: Research McDermott Will & Schulte thoroughly to understand its business model, key clients, and recent developments in the legal industry.
• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Reflect on past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and leadership skills.
• Show Enthusiasm for Financial Analysis: Convey your passion for finance and how it contributes to organizational success.