40+ Operations Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

Entry of interest received in advance refers to the accounting entry made when a company receives interest income before it is earned.

• Interest received in advance is recorded as a liability on the balance sheet.

• It represents the amount of interest income that has been received but has not yet been earned.

• The entry involves debiting the cash account and crediting the interest received in advance account.

• As the interest is earned over time, the liability is reduced and the corr...read more

P&L statement shows revenue, expenses, and profit/loss. Balance sheet shows assets and liabilities.

• P&L statement shows revenue, expenses, and profit/loss over a period of time

• PP reports are production reports that show the quantity and quality of goods produced

• Balance sheet shows assets and liabilities at a specific point in time

• Assets include cash, accounts receivable, inventory, property, and equipment

• Liabilities include accounts payable, loans, and accrued expenses

Reconciliation is the process of comparing two sets of records to ensure their accuracy and consistency.

• Reconciliation involves comparing financial or transactional data to identify discrepancies.

• Types of reconciliation include bank reconciliation, inventory reconciliation, and account reconciliation.

• Bank reconciliation involves comparing bank statements with internal records to ensure all transactions are accounted for.

• Inventory reconciliation involves comparing physical inv...read more

Regulations are rules or laws set by governing bodies to ensure compliance and safety in various industries.

• Regulations can be industry-specific, such as FDA regulations for pharmaceuticals

• Environmental regulations aim to protect the environment and natural resources

• Labor regulations ensure fair treatment of employees and safe working conditions

• Financial regulations aim to prevent fraud and ensure transparency in financial transactions

• Regulations can be set at the local, stat...read more

Investment banking involves providing financial services to corporations, governments, and other institutions. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their value from an underlying asset. Options are a type of derivative that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price. SEDOL and CUSIP are codes used to identify securities.

• Investment banking involves underwriting securities, providing advisory servi...read more

I would rely on my training and problem-solving skills to handle the transaction independently.

• Assess the situation and identify the problem

• Refer to any available resources such as manuals or procedures

• Use critical thinking and analytical skills to come up with a solution

• If necessary, seek assistance from higher-ups or colleagues

• Document the process and outcome for future reference

To work with big, unorganised data, I would first assess the data and then use tools like Excel, Python, or SQL to clean and analyze it.

• Assess the data to understand its structure and identify any patterns or anomalies

• Use tools like Excel, Python, or SQL to clean and organize the data

• Apply data analysis techniques to gain insights and draw conclusions

• Consider using machine learning algorithms to automate the process

• Document the process and findings for future reference

Margin call is a demand by a broker for an investor to deposit more money or securities into their account to cover potential losses.

• Margin call occurs when the value of securities in an investor's account falls below a certain level, triggering the need for additional funds.

• Investors must either deposit more funds or sell securities to meet the margin call.

• Same day settlement refers to the process of completing a financial transaction on the same day it is initiated.

• In same ...read more

Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling potential risks to minimize negative impact.

• It involves identifying potential risks and their likelihood of occurring

• Assessing the potential impact of those risks

• Developing strategies to mitigate or avoid those risks

• Monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of those strategies

• Examples include financial risk management, cybersecurity risk management, and project risk management

Collateral is an asset or property that a borrower offers to a lender as security for a loan.

• Collateral can include real estate, vehicles, equipment, or financial assets.

• In case of a collateral dispute, it is important to review the loan agreement and documentation to determine the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

• Communication with all parties involved is key to resolving the dispute amicably.

• If necessary, legal action may be taken to enforce the terms of the loan...read more

Syntax for copying data from one table to another in SQL

• Use INSERT INTO statement with SELECT subquery

• Specify the source table and columns in SELECT subquery

• Specify the destination table and columns in INSERT INTO statement

A bank is a financial institution that accepts deposits from the public and creates credit.

• Banks provide various financial services such as loans, credit cards, and savings accounts.

• They also facilitate transactions such as wire transfers and ATM withdrawals.

• Banks are regulated by government authorities to ensure stability and protect customers' funds.

• Examples of banks include JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo.

I am open to discussing a competitive salary based on the job requirements and my experience.

• I am flexible with my salary expectations and willing to negotiate based on the job responsibilities and my qualifications.

• I have researched the industry standards and have a general idea of the salary range for this position.

• I am more interested in the growth opportunities and learning potential of the job than just the salary.

• I am looking for a fair compensation package that include...read more

I read about the rise in stock prices of Tesla Inc.

• Tesla's stock price rose by 8% in a single day due to the announcement of a 5-for-1 stock split.

• This move will make Tesla's shares more affordable for investors.

• The company's market capitalization has now surpassed that of Toyota, making it the world's most valuable automaker.

I am an avid traveler and have visited over 20 countries

• I love experiencing new cultures and trying new foods

• I have backpacked through Europe and Asia

• I have volunteered at a school in Cambodia

• I am currently planning a trip to South America

Finance deals with managing money and investments, while accounting deals with recording and analyzing financial transactions.

• Finance focuses on the big picture of managing money and investments, while accounting focuses on the details of recording and analyzing financial transactions.

• Finance involves making decisions about how to allocate resources and invest money, while accounting involves keeping track of financial transactions and ensuring accuracy.

• Examples of finance in...read more

Reverses groups of k nodes in a linked list

• Iterate through the linked list in groups of k nodes

• Reverse each group of k nodes using a helper function

• Update the pointers to connect the reversed groups back together

Derivatives are financial contracts that derive their value from an underlying asset or security. Nominal account is a type of account used in accounting.

• Derivatives can be used for hedging or speculation

• Examples of derivatives include futures, options, and swaps

• Nominal accounts are used to record expenses and revenues in accounting

• Nominal accounts are also known as temporary accounts

Two true facts about myself

• I am fluent in three languages: English, Spanish, and French

• I have traveled to over 20 countries, including Japan, Australia, and Brazil

Implementing a more efficient inventory management system can help achieve company goals.

• Implementing a real-time inventory tracking system to reduce stockouts and overstocking

• Utilizing data analytics to forecast demand and optimize inventory levels

• Streamlining supply chain processes to reduce lead times and improve efficiency

A derivative is a financial contract whose value is derived from the performance of an underlying asset, index, or entity. Reconciliation is the process of comparing two sets of records to ensure they are in agreement.

• Derivative is a financial instrument that derives its value from an underlying asset, such as stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, or interest rates.

• There are various types of derivatives, including options, futures, forwards, and swaps.

• Reconciliation involve...read more

SAP S/4 Hana is an integrated ERP software designed for US businesses to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

• SAP S/4 Hana is a next-generation ERP system that integrates various business functions such as finance, sales, procurement, and production.

• It utilizes in-memory computing technology to process large volumes of data in real-time, enabling faster decision-making.

• The software offers advanced analytics and reporting capabilities to help businesses gain insights a...read more

Vlookup searches for a value in the first column of a table and returns a corresponding value in the same row. Index match uses the index function to find a value in a table and match function to return a corresponding value in the same row.

• Vlookup only works from left to right, while Index match can work in any direction.

• Index match is more flexible and efficient for large datasets.

• Index match can handle errors better than Vlookup.

• Vlookup is easier to use for simple lookups....read more

The form tag in HTML is used to create an interactive form for user input.

• The form tag is written as

• It requires an action attribute to specify where the form data should be sent

• The method attribute specifies the HTTP method used to send the form data

• Input fields such as text boxes, radio buttons, and checkboxes are added within the form tags

I improve operational processes by analyzing current workflows, identifying bottlenecks, implementing efficiency measures, and monitoring results.

• Analyze current workflows to identify inefficiencies

• Implement automation tools to streamline processes

• Establish clear communication channels between departments

• Regularly monitor and evaluate process improvements for effectiveness

I would advertise the small bakery through social media, local events, partnerships with other businesses, and offering promotions.

• Utilize social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to showcase the bakery's products and engage with customers

• Participate in local events and farmers markets to increase visibility and attract new customers

• Collaborate with other businesses, such as coffee shops or event planners, to cross-promote each other's services

• Offer pro...read more

Primary market is where new securities are issued and sold for the first time, while secondary market is where existing securities are bought and sold among investors.

• Primary market involves the issuance of new securities by companies or governments

• Investors purchase these new securities directly from the issuer

• Examples include initial public offerings (IPOs) and bond issuances

• Secondary market involves the buying and selling of existing securities among investors

• Examples incl...read more

Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is derived from an underlying asset or group of assets.

• Derivatives can be classified into four main types: futures, forwards, options, and swaps.

• Futures contracts are agreements to buy or sell an asset at a specific price on a future date.

• Forwards are similar to futures but are customized contracts between two parties.

• Options give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price wi...read more

Topic: Importance of Time Management

• Time management is crucial for personal and professional success

• Effective time management leads to increased productivity and reduced stress

• Prioritizing tasks, setting goals, and avoiding procrastination are key aspects of time management

• Examples of time management tools include calendars, to-do lists, and time tracking apps

Cannot answer without knowing the query

Alt + Down Arrow

• Press Alt key and Down Arrow key simultaneously

• Shortcut key is used to open the filter drop-down menu for pivot tables

• Can be used to quickly filter data in pivot tables

A credit default swap is a financial derivative contract that allows an investor to transfer the credit risk of a fixed income security to another party.

• It is essentially insurance against the default of a borrower or issuer of a bond.

• The buyer of the credit default swap makes periodic payments to the seller in exchange for protection against default.

• If the borrower defaults, the seller of the credit default swap compensates the buyer for the loss incurred.

• Credit default swap...read more

Funds of funds are investment vehicles that invest in other investment funds rather than investing directly in stocks, bonds or other securities.

• Funds of funds provide diversification by investing in multiple funds across different asset classes and geographies.

• They are managed by professional fund managers who select and monitor the underlying funds.

• Investors can access a wider range of investment opportunities through funds of funds.

• Examples of funds of funds include hedge ...read more

The shortcut key for pivot table is Alt + D + P.

• Press Alt key and then press D and P keys in sequence to create a pivot table.

• This shortcut works in Microsoft Excel.

• Pivot tables are used to summarize and analyze large amounts of data.

Mutual funds are investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities.

• Mutual funds are managed by professional fund managers

• Investors buy shares in the mutual fund and the value of their investment is based on the performance of the underlying securities

• Mutual funds offer diversification and convenience for investors

• There are different types of mutual funds, such as equity funds, bond funds, and...read more

India's export policy aims to promote trade and boost the economy through various initiatives and regulations.

• India's export policy is governed by the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) which is updated every five years.

• The policy focuses on promoting exports, simplifying procedures, and enhancing competitiveness.

• It includes incentives such as duty drawback, export promotion capital goods scheme, and export credit guarantee.

• India also has special export promotion schemes for sectors ...read more

Loan syndication is the process of involving multiple lenders to fund a single loan for a borrower.

• Involves multiple lenders coming together to provide funds for a single loan

• Used for large loan amounts that exceed the capacity of a single lender

• Each lender in the syndicate takes a portion of the loan and shares the risk

• Common in project finance and corporate finance

• Example: A company needs a $100 million loan, but no single bank is willing to lend that amount. Multiple banks...read more

Types of risks in supply chain include demand risk, supply risk, operational risk, financial risk, and external risk.

• Demand risk: Fluctuations in customer demand leading to overstock or stockouts.

• Supply risk: Disruptions in the supply chain due to natural disasters, political unrest, or supplier issues.

• Operational risk: Risks associated with the day-to-day operations of the supply chain, such as equipment failure or human error.

• Financial risk: Risks related to financial facto...read more

Java is a high-level programming language used for developing applications and software.

• Java is object-oriented and platform-independent.

• It is used for developing web, mobile, and desktop applications.

• Java code is compiled into bytecode and executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

• Popular frameworks and tools for Java development include Spring, Hibernate, and Maven.

Financial markets are platforms where buyers and sellers trade financial assets such as stocks, bonds, currencies, and commodities.

• Financial markets facilitate the flow of capital between investors and borrowers.

• They provide liquidity and price discovery for financial assets.

• Examples include stock exchanges like NYSE and NASDAQ, bond markets, forex markets, and commodity exchanges.

Dropship is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn't keep the products it sells in stock, instead transferring the orders to a third party who ships directly to the customer.

• Dropship allows retailers to sell products without holding inventory

• Retailer passes customer orders to a third party for fulfillment and shipping

• Reduces the need for storage space and upfront inventory costs

• Popular in e-commerce businesses

Troubleshooting a device involves identifying and resolving issues that prevent it from functioning properly.

• Start by identifying the problem and gathering information about the device and its history

• Check for common issues and error messages

• Use diagnostic tools and techniques to isolate the problem

• Determine the root cause of the issue and develop a plan to fix it

• Implement the solution and test the device to ensure it is working properly

Last mile refers to the final leg of the delivery process, while first mile refers to the initial leg of the delivery process.

• Last mile: the final step in delivering goods to the end customer

• First mile: the initial step in the supply chain process, often involving transportation of goods from the manufacturer to a distribution center

• Last mile is crucial for customer satisfaction and can be the most expensive and time-consuming part of the delivery process

• First mile focuses on...read more

Implementing a new software system to streamline operations

• Coordinating with various departments to gather requirements

• Analyzing current processes and identifying areas for improvement

• Testing the new system for functionality and user-friendliness

• Training employees on how to use the new software effectively