What is a Business Analyst at Workiva?

The Business Analyst role at Workiva is a pivotal position that bridges the gap between complex business requirements and technical execution. Workiva is a leader in cloud-based reporting and compliance solutions (specifically the Wdesk platform), serving thousands of organizations worldwide. In this role, you are not just documenting requirements; you are ensuring that data flows accurately, processes are optimized, and stakeholders across the organization are aligned on strategic goals.

You will act as a translator and a problem solver. Whether you are sitting within the Product, Finance, or Operations teams, your objective is to drive clarity in ambiguous situations. You will work on initiatives that impact how customers report financial data, how internal teams manage workflows, and how the Workiva platform evolves. This requires a unique blend of analytical rigor and soft skills to navigate cross-functional dependencies.

Candidates drawn to this role should expect to work in a fast-paced SaaS environment where data integrity and collaboration are paramount. You will be expected to dive deep into data sets, challenge assumptions, and present findings to leadership. It is a role for those who enjoy the details but can also see the broader strategic picture of how Workiva empowers its users to trust their data.

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation for the Workiva Business Analyst interview requires a balanced approach. You must demonstrate that you can handle the technical aspects of data analysis while also showcasing the interpersonal skills necessary to manage diverse stakeholder expectations. Do not underestimate the technical depth; even for roles labeled "functional," Workiva values candidates who are comfortable with data manipulation and system logic.

You will be evaluated on the following core criteria:

Analytical & Technical Aptitude – 2–3 sentences describing: At Workiva, this goes beyond simple spreadsheet management. Interviewers will assess your proficiency with Excel, SQL, and potentially financial modeling. You must demonstrate your ability to extract insights from raw data and understand the technical implications of business decisions.

Stakeholder Management & Communication – 2–3 sentences describing: You will interact with various business units, from engineering to finance. Evaluators look for your ability to translate technical jargon for business partners and business needs for technical teams. Success here means showing how you handle conflicting priorities and influence without authority.

Process Improvement & Problem Solving – 2–3 sentences describing: Workiva values efficiency and scalability. You will be tested on your ability to map out current states, identify bottlenecks, and propose logical, data-backed solutions. Be prepared to walk through specific examples where you turned a chaotic process into a streamlined workflow.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for a Business Analyst at Workiva generally follows a structured path, though candidates have noted variations in scheduling efficiency and panel coordination. Typically, the process begins with a recruiter screen to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications, followed by a video interview with the Hiring Manager. This manager screen focuses on your resume, your interest in Workiva, and your high-level experience with business analysis.

Following the initial screens, you will move to the core evaluation phase. This often involves a series of video calls with individual stakeholders or a panel format. While Workiva aims to assign specific themes to each interviewer (such as culture, technical skills, or product sense), candidates have reported that these sessions can sometimes feel unstructured or overlapping. You may also encounter a technical assessment or a case study focusing on Excel proficiency or financial modeling, depending on the specific team you are applying to.

The process is rigorous but generally considered of medium difficulty. However, you should be prepared for potential administrative delays. Recent candidate feedback highlights that scheduling can sometimes be challenging, and communication regarding next steps may require proactive follow-up on your part. Despite these logistical hurdles, the conversations themselves are an opportunity to demonstrate your adaptability and patience—traits highly valued in a BA.

This timeline illustrates the typical flow from application to final decision. Use this to pace your preparation; ensure your technical skills are sharp before the stakeholder rounds, as technical questions can surface unexpectedly even in "business" interviews. Be prepared for a process that may span several weeks, requiring you to maintain momentum and professional follow-up throughout.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

To succeed, you must prepare for specific evaluation pillars that Workiva prioritizes. Based on recent interview data, the following areas are critical.

Technical Proficiency & Data Analysis

This is often the area that surprises candidates the most. Even if the job description sounds purely functional, Workiva interviewers frequently probe your hands-on technical abilities. You are expected to be self-sufficient with data.

Be ready to go over:

• Advanced Excel/Google Sheets – Proficiency with VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and Index/Match is the baseline.
• SQL and Data Querying – Understanding how to retrieve data from relational databases to answer business questions.
• Financial Modeling – particularly for BAs working near the Finance or Fintech product teams, understanding the three financial statements and modeling logic is essential.
• Advanced concepts (less common) – Python for data scripting or experience with BI tools like Tableau or PowerBI.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Walk me through how you would merge two disparate datasets in Excel to find discrepancies."
• "How would you structure a model to forecast revenue for a SaaS product?"
• "Explain a complex SQL query you wrote to solve a specific business problem."

Stakeholder Management & Conflict Resolution

Because a BA at Workiva sits at the intersection of multiple teams, your ability to navigate people dynamics is tested heavily. You will face behavioral questions aimed at understanding how you handle pushback.

Be ready to go over:

• Requirement Gathering – Techniques for eliciting true needs versus wants from stakeholders.
• Prioritization – How you decide what gets built or analyzed when resources are limited.
• Communication Style – Adapting your message for technical vs. non-technical audiences.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Tell me about a time you had to deliver bad news to a stakeholder regarding a project timeline."
• "How do you handle a situation where two senior stakeholders have conflicting requirements?"
• "Describe a time you had to explain a complex technical limitation to a non-technical client."

Process Mapping & Critical Thinking

You must demonstrate that you think in systems. Workiva wants to know that you can see the upstream and downstream effects of a change.

Be ready to go over:

• Current vs. Future State – Ability to diagram a process "as-is" and design the "to-be" state.
• Gap Analysis – Identifying what is missing in a workflow or product feature.
• Root Cause Analysis – Digging deeper than the symptom to find the actual problem.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "If a user reports that a report generation process is too slow, how do you go about diagnosing the issue?"
• "Walk me through a process you improved from start to finish. what metrics did you use to measure success?"
• "How do you ensure that the requirements you document are fully understood by the development team?"

This word cloud highlights the most frequently occurring terms in Workiva interview feedback. Notice the prominence of Excel, Stakeholders, Process, and Financial. This signals that while soft skills are important, your technical foundation in data and finance is the bedrock of your candidacy.

Key Responsibilities

As a Business Analyst at Workiva, your day-to-day work revolves around ensuring that business decisions are powered by accurate data and clear requirements. You will likely be embedded within a specific product line or functional area (such as Finance or Sales Operations), where you will serve as the primary conduit for information flow.

Your primary deliverable is clarity. You will spend significant time gathering requirements from business stakeholders, documenting them into user stories or functional specifications, and working closely with engineering or operational teams to implement solutions. This often involves creating detailed process maps and data flows to ensure everyone is aligned on the execution plan.

Beyond documentation, you will be hands-on with data. You will run reports, analyze trends, and potentially build financial models to support strategic initiatives. Collaboration is constant; you will facilitate meetings, lead sprint planning sessions (if in a product role), and conduct User Acceptance Testing (UAT) to ensure that what was built matches what was requested. You are the guardian of quality and the voice of the business user.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

To be competitive for this position, you need a mix of hard technical skills and proven experience in business analysis.

• Technical skills – You must have advanced proficiency in Excel (modeling, pivot tables, complex formulas). Experience with SQL is highly valued and often expected. Familiarity with SaaS platforms, ERP systems (like Oracle or NetSuite), or the Workiva platform itself is a significant advantage.
• Experience level – Typically, Workiva looks for candidates with 2–5+ years of experience in business analysis, financial analysis, or a related field. A background in finance or accounting is particularly strong given the company's domain.
• Soft skills – Exceptional written and verbal communication is non-negotiable. You need the ability to facilitate meetings with senior leadership and manage expectations effectively.
• Nice-to-have vs. must-have –
  • Must-have: Strong analytical mindset, Excel mastery, experience writing requirements/user stories.
  • Nice-to-have: Knowledge of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, XBRL, or experience in a Fintech environment.

Common Interview Questions

The following questions are representative of what candidates have faced at Workiva. They are drawn from recent interview data and cover the technical and behavioral aspects of the role.

Behavioral & Situational

These questions test your cultural fit and ability to work in a collaborative environment.

• "Tell me about a time you had to influence a stakeholder who disagreed with your analysis."
• "Describe a situation where you had to learn a new tool or technology quickly to complete a project."
• "How do you manage your time when you have multiple high-priority projects due simultaneously?"
• "Tell me about a time you made a mistake in your analysis. How did you handle it?"

Technical & Analytical

Expect these to be specific and probing, potentially arising even in interviews with non-technical managers.

• "What are your favorite Excel functions and why?"
• "How would you go about validating a large dataset for accuracy before using it in a report?"
• "Explain the difference between a left join and an inner join in SQL."
• "How would you model the financial impact of a new pricing tier for a SaaS product?"

Process & Domain

These questions assess your understanding of the BA toolkit and the Workiva domain.

• "How do you approach gathering requirements from a stakeholder who doesn't know exactly what they want?"
• "Walk me through how you conduct User Acceptance Testing (UAT)."
• "What metrics would you track to measure the health of a specific business process?"

These questions are based on real interview experiences from candidates who interviewed at this company. You can practice answering them interactively on Dataford to better prepare for your interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How technical is the Business Analyst interview? The interview is moderately technical. While you may not be asked to write complex code, you should expect questions that test your logic, data manipulation skills (Excel/SQL), and ability to understand system architecture. Do not assume this is purely a "soft skills" role.

Q: What is the typical timeline for the interview process? The timeline can vary. Some candidates complete the process in 3–4 weeks, while others have reported longer wait times between rounds. Be prepared for potentially slow scheduling and do not hesitate to follow up politely if you haven't heard back in a few days.

Q: Is Workiva remote-friendly? Yes, Workiva has a strong culture of flexibility and remote work. However, expectations may vary by team, so it is best to clarify if there are any specific time zone or travel requirements for your role.

Q: What makes a candidate stand out for this role? Candidates who combine strong data skills with a "consultative" mindset stand out. Showing that you can not only pull the data but also tell a story with it—and convince stakeholders to act on it—is key to impressing the hiring team.

Other General Tips

• Be Proactive with Scheduling: Recent candidate feedback indicates that scheduling can be a bottleneck. If you provide your availability and don't hear back within 48 hours, send a polite follow-up. It shows enthusiasm and organizational skills.
• Identify the "Theme": Although some candidates found the panel interviews disjointed, Workiva often assigns specific themes (e.g., "Culture," "Technical") to interviewers. At the start of each call, try to ask or discern what that interviewer is focused on so you can tailor your answers.
• Brush Up on Financials: Since Workiva is a financial reporting platform, having a basic grasp of financial statements or accounting terminology can be a major differentiator, even if it's not strictly required for the specific team.
• Prepare Questions for the Panel: Because you may meet 3–4 separate stakeholders, have unique questions prepared for each. Ask about their specific interaction with the BA role to show you understand the cross-functional nature of the job.

Summary & Next Steps

The Business Analyst role at Workiva offers a compelling opportunity to work at the intersection of finance, data, and technology. It is a role for problem solvers who are not afraid to dig into the details and who thrive on bringing order to complexity. By preparing for a mix of rigorous behavioral inquiries and practical technical assessments, you position yourself as a candidate who can deliver value from day one.

To succeed, focus your preparation on demonstrating your Excel and data proficiency, your ability to manage difficult stakeholders, and your understanding of process improvement. Approach the process with patience regarding logistics, but confidence in your skills. Remember, they are looking for someone who can take ownership—demonstrate that quality in how you prepare and communicate.

This module provides an overview of the compensation structure for this role. Use this data to benchmark your expectations, keeping in mind that Workiva typically offers competitive base salaries complemented by equity and performance-based bonuses, which can vary significantly based on location and experience level.