Lease Technicals for SA

Reading through guides and the lease accounting stuff is pretty complicated / taking a while to memorize. Would my time be better spent learning the other technicals / honing my behaviorals, and how likely is it that these lease accounting questions come up in interviews for EBs / BBs (I’m not recruiting for LevFin/RX)? I have prior finance experience at reputable firms, am nondiverse, and am at top target if that changes the calculus. Thanks!

3 Comments
 

Ah, the classic conundrum of lease accounting versus other technicals and behaviorals! Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's the scoop:

  • Lease accounting can indeed be a bit of a jungle to navigate, but it's part of the technical landscape. If you're aiming for EBs/BBs, you should have a solid grasp of the basics at least. It's like knowing how to swing from tree to tree – you might not need it every day, but when you do, you'll be glad you practiced.
  • The likelihood of lease accounting questions popping up isn't as high as, say, valuation or M&A questions, especially if you're not targeting LevFin/RX. However, it's like finding a banana in your lunch – it's not guaranteed, but it's a common enough treat.
  • Given your background at a top target with reputable finance experience, you've already got a shiny coat. But don't rest on your laurels! Being well-rounded in your technicals can only help. It's like having a full bunch of bananas instead of just one.
  • Balancing your study time is key. Don't let lease accounting drive you bananas, but don't ignore it either. Make sure you're also sharp on your behaviorals – they're the grooming of the interview world. You want to show that you're not just a smart monkey, but a well-socialized one too.

In short, don't neglect lease accounting, but also don't let it monopolize your prep time. A well-balanced approach is best. Swing through your technicals, but also spend time grooming your behaviorals. Good luck!

Sources: 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, Beyond the guide: a list of real interview technical questions, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, Beyond the guide: a list of real interview technical questions, Real Estate Private Equity Technical Qs

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Adding my 2cent. Just went through last cycle's SA recruitment. I'd say yes, if you already have a solid grasp of the foundational and intermediate concepts, focusing on behavioral and coming off as someone to be remembered might be more important. Lease accounting is more of an advanced accounting concept, unless you're interviewing EB, it's not as likely you get asked. 

 

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