Retail Industry Financial Analyst Interview Expectations (with Senior Director and Director)?

Hey Everyone,

Received a next round interview for an FA role at one of the lesser known major home retailer (e.g., LivingSpaces, HomeGoods, Container Store). My HR contact said that since it would be with a Director and her boss, a Sr. Director for 30 min each back to back. When HR followed up with more info they said I should expect technical questions but she wasn't entirely sure I really don't know where to start or what to expect as this is my first Financial Analyst full-time interview process. HR mentioned that the hiring manager is looking for someone that is a self-starter and is above average in Excel (of course).

My Background: I don't come from a FP&A career background but did a FP&A MBA summer internship at a major retail company and then did internal audit/risk consulting prior to my grad school.

Role Background: It was described as an entry level/mid level as HR described (financial analyst in revenue group specifically) and focuses on planning and forecasting across months, quarters, and the year, building models for sales, store labor, and promo profitability, stress-testing what-ifs for leadership and investors, preparing board materials, publishing weekly and monthly trend reads, and maintaining long-range forecasts and planning. Posting says looking for exp in budgeting, forecasting and strategic analysis.

Would anyone have any tips or insights on how to best prepare, things to consider, or experiences to share?

Any guidance would be much appreciated - thank you for your help! Feel free to let me know if you need more info on the role, etc.

1 Comments
 

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