How would you approach a company's financial data analysis as an ACON to identify areas of improvement?

Question

Accepted Answer

As an ACON, I would approach a company's financial data analysis by following these steps:

1. Gather all relevant financial data, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
2. Analyze the data to identify key financial metrics and trends, such as revenue growth, profit margins, and cash flow patterns.
3. Compare the company's financial performance to industry benchmarks and competitors to identify areas of improvement.
4. Conduct a thorough cost analysis to identify potential cost-saving opportunities.
5. Perform a variance analysis to understand the reasons behind any deviations from expected financial performance.
6. Use data visualization techniques to present the findings in a clear and concise manner.
7. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop actionable recommendations for improvement.
8. Monitor the implementation of recommended changes and track their impact on financial performance over time.

Top KPMG Global Services Associate Consultant interview questions & answers