Old Second Financial Analyst interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions are representative of patterns observed in previous interview cycles for the Financial Analyst position. While specific inquiries may shift based on current business priorities, you should prepare to discuss your technical baseline and your ability to navigate professional challenges.

Technical and Domain Knowledge

These questions evaluate your foundational understanding of accounting principles and your ability to apply them to real-world banking scenarios.

• How would you define and calculate net income using varied data sources?
• Can you explain the relationship between a balance sheet and an income statement?

Preparation for Old Second requires a blend of rigorous technical review and a clear articulation of your professional narrative. You should approach your preparation by balancing your hard skills with a demonstrated commitment to the firm’s values of accuracy and collaboration.

Technical Competency – Your interviewers will look for evidence that you can handle day-to-day financial tasks without extensive oversight. Refresh your knowledge of fundamental accounting terms and be prepared to demonstrate your efficiency in navigating Excel under time constraints.

Analytical Problem-Solving – You will be evaluated on your ability to break down ambiguous problems into manageable components. Whether you are identifying a data mismatch or reconciling figures, focus on explaining your logical process rather than just providing the final answer.

Professional Communication – Because you will work with various departments, your ability to communicate clearly is vital. Practice articulating how your past experiences—whether academic or professional—have prepared you to manage the specific financial rigors of a banking institution.

The interview process at Old Second is designed to evaluate both your technical output and your cultural fit within the organization. While the process can vary, it typically begins with a screening call to establish your baseline qualifications, followed by a more in-depth assessment involving functional managers. You should anticipate a mix of standard behavioral inquiries and specific, hands-on technical assessments.

The flow of the interview is generally professional and direct. The hiring team values candidates who are prepared, respectful of time, and able to demonstrate their skills efficiently. Because the firm operates with a focus on results, you should be prepared to transition quickly from high-level behavioral discussion to granular technical problem-solving.

The visual timeline above illustrates the standard progression from initial screening to deeper technical rounds. Interpret this as a guide to pacing your preparation; ensure your technical skills are sharp early on, while reserving time to refine your behavioral stories as you move toward final-round interviews.

Technical Assessment

Evaluation here is objective. Interviewers are looking for accuracy and speed. You will likely be tested on your ability to manipulate data sets and draw logical conclusions from spreadsheets.

• Data Integrity – Ensuring that your formulas are robust and your assumptions are clearly documented.
• Excel Proficiency – Focus on shortcuts, pivot tables, and lookup functions.
• Financial Literacy – Understanding the flow of funds and the structure of core financial statements.

Example scenarios:

• "Given these three spreadsheets, identify the error that causes the net income to be miscalculated."
• "Perform a quick analysis to determine which data set is an outlier."

Behavioral and Culture Fit

This area tests your ability to function within a team and your alignment with the expectations of a banking environment.

• Conflict Resolution – How you handle disagreements with colleagues.
• Professionalism – Your ability to stay composed and organized, even when an interview feels fast-paced.
• Motivation – Demonstrating a genuine interest in the banking sector and the specific role.

As a Financial Analyst at Old Second, your daily work centers on maintaining the financial health and reporting accuracy of the firm. You will spend a significant portion of your time preparing and reviewing financial reports, ensuring that all data entry aligns with regulatory and internal standards.

Collaboration is a daily requirement. You will work closely with credit managers and other department leads to reconcile accounts and provide the data necessary for risk assessment. Your role involves a high degree of "self-starting" behavior; you are expected to identify inconsistencies in reporting before they become larger issues, effectively acting as a first line of defense for the bank’s financial data.

A competitive candidate for this role possesses a solid foundation in finance or accounting and the technical skills to apply those theories immediately.

• Must-have skills: Proficient in Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables and common formulas), a strong grasp of General Ledger accounting, and the ability to interpret Balance Sheets and Income Statements.
• Nice-to-have skills: Prior experience in the banking or financial services sector, familiarity with financial software systems specific to banking, and a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics.
• Soft skills: High attention to detail, strong verbal communication, and the ability to handle constructive feedback regarding your analysis.

Q: How long does the typical interview process take? The timeline varies, but from the initial HR screen to a final decision, candidates often move through the process within a few weeks. Maintain open communication with your recruiter regarding your availability.

Q: Are the technical assessments difficult? If you are comfortable with Excel and basic accounting principles, the assessments are manageable. The primary challenge is often the time limit, so practice working through problems quickly.

Q: What is the best way to stand out? Beyond your technical skills, show that you understand the "why" behind the numbers. Being able to explain how your analysis impacts the bank's bottom line is a strong differentiator.

Q: Is this role entry-level? The position is often structured for those starting their careers in finance. However, expectations for accuracy and professional conduct are high, regardless of your experience level.

• Own your narrative: Be ready to explain your resume in detail. If you have gaps or transitions, have a clear, professional explanation ready.
• Prepare for the unexpected: As noted in previous experiences, be ready for a technical test even if it wasn't explicitly mentioned in your confirmation email.
• Ask meaningful questions: Use the end of your interview to ask about the team’s current priorities or how they define success for this role.
• Be concise: Banking professionals value efficiency. Keep your answers structured and to the point.

The Financial Analyst role at Old Second offers an excellent opportunity to build a career in the banking industry by working at the core of the firm's financial operations. By mastering the fundamental technical requirements and demonstrating your ability to solve problems systematically, you position yourself as a strong, reliable candidate.

Focus your preparation on your Excel skills and your ability to articulate financial concepts clearly. Remember that every interaction is part of the evaluation—from your first call with HR to your final conversation with a manager. Approach each stage with confidence, prepare thoroughly, and use the insights provided to guide your study. You have the potential to succeed; stay focused, be diligent, and present your best professional self.