Do you still know technical questions after starting the job?

I'm curious if everyone still knows the answers to the technical questions they went through when recruiting. I'm not talking about super basic questions, but more of the accounting questions where changes affect the 3 statements and some of the more calculation questions. I feel like the actual job isn't that technical, so I was wondering if the majority of people would still be able to pass a technical screen without reviewing technicals beforehand.

3 Comments
 

Based on previous WSO threads, it's common for professionals to retain a good grasp of technical questions even after starting their jobs, especially the fundamental ones. However, the depth of technical knowledge might vary depending on the role and the frequency of using those skills. Here are some insights:

  1. Basic Technical Questions: Most professionals are expected to remember the core technical questions, such as the three ways to value a company (DCF, comparables, precedent transactions) and basic accounting questions that affect the three financial statements.

  2. Accounting Questions: These are crucial and often revisited in the job. Questions about how changes affect the three financial statements are fundamental and typically well-remembered. For example, understanding how an increase in depreciation affects the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement is essential.

  3. Calculation Questions: While the job might not always be highly technical, having a solid foundation in calculations is important. This includes understanding discount rates, free cash flows, and other valuation metrics.

  4. Reviewing Technicals: It's beneficial to periodically review technical concepts, especially before interviews or performance reviews. This ensures that one remains sharp and can handle technical screens effectively.

In summary, while the day-to-day job might not always be highly technical, maintaining a strong grasp of fundamental technical questions is important and often expected in the finance industry.

Sources: PE recruiting technical questions (software specific), PE recruiting technical questions (software specific), Black Jack's Recruiting Advice, Behavioral and Fit, Top 5 Basic Technical Questions That Will Show You the Door

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