1000+ Senior Associate Interview Questions and Answers

Interview questions for Senior Associate position in Python and Robot Framework

• To find number of occurrences of each word in a string in a dictionary in Python, use the Counter module from collections library

• To reverse a sentence in Python, split the sentence into words, reverse the order of words and join them back into a sentence

• Robot Framework tags syntax is used to categorize test cases and control their execution

• Python based questions can cover topics like data types, co...read more

The data flow of the current project involves multiple variants of Snowflake with varying retention times.

• The project uses Snowflake for data storage and processing.

• Different variants of Snowflake are used with varying retention times.

• Data flows into Snowflake from various sources and is processed and analyzed.

• The processed data is then used for reporting and decision-making.

• Examples of Snowflake variants used include Standard, Enterprise, and Business Critical.

• Retention time...read more

Journal entries for buying securities or accruing expenses involve debiting the relevant account and crediting cash or accounts payable.

• When buying securities, debit the securities account and credit cash

• When accruing expenses, debit the relevant expense account and credit accounts payable

• Journal entries should always balance with debits equaling credits

To build automation capability, I will focus on identifying areas for automation, selecting appropriate tools, and training the team.

• Conduct a thorough analysis of the organization's processes to identify areas for automation

• Select appropriate automation tools based on the identified areas

• Train the team on the selected tools and provide ongoing support

• Develop a roadmap for automation implementation and prioritize tasks based on impact and feasibility

• Collaborate with stakehold...read more

Documents required for opening an SME account.

• Proof of identity and address of the business owner(s)

• Proof of business registration

• Business PAN card

• GST registration certificate

• Bank statements of the business

• Business plan and projections

• KYC documents of authorized signatories

• Any other relevant documents as per the bank's requirements

A journal entry for a buy transaction involves debiting the asset account and crediting the cash account.

• Debit the asset account for the cost of the purchase

• Credit the cash account for the amount paid

• If the purchase was made on credit, credit the accounts payable account instead of cash

• Example: Debit Equipment for $10,000 and credit Cash for $10,000

Integration standard design patterns are used to ensure consistency and efficiency in software integration. Different patterns are applied based on the specific use case.

• Integration patterns include messaging, file transfer, remote procedure invocation, and database integration

• Messaging patterns are used for asynchronous communication between systems

• File transfer patterns are used for batch processing and data exchange

• Remote procedure invocation patterns are used for synchron...read more

Test scenario is a high-level description of the functionality to be tested, while test case is a detailed step-by-step procedure to test a specific aspect of the functionality.

• Test scenario is a broad description of what needs to be tested, while test case is a specific set of steps to test a particular functionality.

• Test scenario is usually created at the beginning of the testing process, while test cases are created later.

• Test scenarios are used to ensure that all the impo...read more

Limitations and grounds for filing a petition under Section 34

• Limitation period of 3 months from the date of receipt of arbitral award

• Grounds include lack of valid arbitration agreement, improper composition of arbitral tribunal, violation of natural justice, etc.

• Petition must be filed in the appropriate court with jurisdiction

To grow the company's processing and turnover this year, we need to focus on increasing sales, improving operational efficiency, and expanding our customer base.

• Increase sales through targeted marketing campaigns and promotions

• Improve operational efficiency by streamlining processes and investing in technology

• Expand customer base by identifying new markets and developing strategic partnerships

• Offer new products or services to existing customers to increase revenue

• Invest in em...read more

I have extensive USFDA audit exposure and have implemented various compliance measures.

• I have been a part of multiple USFDA audits and have experience in handling them.

• I have implemented compliance measures such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and Good Clinical Practices (GCP).

• I have also ensured compliance with regulations such as 21 CFR Part 11 and 21 CFR Part 820.

• In my previous role, I led a team that successfully passed a USFDA audi...read more

Symantec live update module uses port number _____

• Symantec live update module uses a dynamic port range from 80 to 443

• The exact port number can be found in the LiveUpdate Settings in the Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager console

• Firewall rules should be configured to allow traffic on these ports

Trade settlement exceptions are discrepancies in trade details that require resolution before settlement.

• Exceptions can include incorrect trade details, missing documentation, or failed trade confirmations.

• Handling exceptions involves identifying the issue, communicating with relevant parties, and resolving the discrepancy.

• Effective exception handling requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of trade settlement processes.

• Examples of trade settl...read more

Implemented CI/CD integration through Jenkins using pipeline as code approach

• Created a Jenkins pipeline job and defined stages for build, test, and deploy

• Integrated source code management tool like Git with Jenkins

• Used Jenkins plugins like Maven, Docker, and Kubernetes for building, packaging, and deploying the application

• Configured Jenkins to trigger the pipeline on every code commit or merge to the main branch

• Enabled automated testing and code quality checks in the pipeline...read more

Option trade is a contract between two parties giving the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specified price on or before a specified date.

• Option trade is a type of derivative contract

• It involves buying or selling the right to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price

• The buyer of an option pays a premium to the seller for the right to exercise the option

• Option trades can be used for hedging or speculation

• In cash and...read more

I have extensive experience in system design and architecture.

• I have designed and implemented complex systems for various clients.

• I have expertise in designing scalable and fault-tolerant systems.

• I have experience in selecting appropriate technologies and frameworks for system design.

• I have worked on both monolithic and microservices-based architectures.

• I have designed and implemented RESTful APIs and message-based systems.

• I have experience in cloud-based architectures and de...read more

The ratio of applied and unapplied varies depending on the project and client needs.

• We prioritize applying payments to outstanding invoices to reduce unapplied balances.

• Unapplied balances can occur due to overpayments, prepayments, or misapplied payments.

• We regularly review and reconcile unapplied balances to ensure accuracy.

• The ratio can range from 1:1 to 10:1 depending on the project and client payment behavior.

Questions related to Java 8, functional interfaces, streams, Spring Boot, and externalized properties

• Java 8 intermediate operations and terminal/non-terminal operations with examples

• Functional interface uses and methods

• Streams of and streams intermediate operations

• Spring Boot flow

• Eureka server uses in microservices

• Producer and consumer examples of Java 8

• Externalized application.properties file

• What happens when we use both .yml and .properties

Bonds are debt securities issued by companies or governments. Corporate actions are events that affect a company's stock or bond.

• Bonds are a type of fixed-income security that pays interest to the bondholder. They are issued by companies or governments to raise capital.

• Corporate actions are events that affect a company's stock or bond, such as mergers and acquisitions, stock splits, dividends, and bond calls.

• Joining an investment banking firm can provide opportunities for pro...read more

Performance tuning techniques can be improved by analyzing query execution plans, optimizing indexes, and using caching.

• Analyze query execution plans to identify bottlenecks and optimize them

• Optimize indexes to improve query performance

• Use caching to reduce the number of database calls

• Use stored procedures to reduce network traffic and improve performance

• Use database partitioning to distribute data across multiple servers

• Use query hints to force the use of specific indexes or...read more

I used data analysis tools to identify trends, patterns, and correlations to inform strategic business decisions.

• Utilized data visualization tools to present key findings to stakeholders

• Conducted regression analysis to predict future outcomes based on historical data

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather and analyze data from multiple sources

I utilized data management and analytics to track project progress, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.

• Implemented data management systems to organize and store project data efficiently

• Utilized analytics tools to analyze project performance and identify areas for improvement

• Generated reports and dashboards to track key metrics and communicate findings to stakeholders

• Used data insights to make informed decisions and drive project success

Static cache is preloaded and remains constant while dynamic cache is updated frequently based on usage.

• Static cache is loaded once and remains unchanged until the cache is cleared or expired.

• Dynamic cache is updated frequently based on usage and can change at any time.

• Static cache is useful for content that doesn't change often, like images or CSS files.

• Dynamic cache is useful for frequently changing content, like social media feeds or news articles.

Azure does not support LDAP. Workaround is to setup Azure AD Domain services and configure LDAP connect.

• Azure AD Domain services can be used as a workaround for LDAP.

• Security groups can be set up in Identity and Accounts Management.

• LDAP connect can be configured after setting up Azure AD Domain services.

• Azure AD Domain services provides managed domain services such as domain join, group policy, LDAP, and Kerberos/NTLM authentication.

• Azure AD Domain services can be used to int...read more

I have worked on SAP code for various modules including MM, SD, and FI.

• Developed custom reports using ABAP programming language

• Implemented enhancements and modifications to existing SAP functionalities

• Worked on data migration and integration projects

• Configured and customized SAP modules to meet business requirements

False. Approximation significance is not related to H&v lookup.

• Approximation significance is a statistical concept that measures the probability of obtaining a result by chance.

• H&v lookup is a function in Excel used to search for a value in a table.

• These two concepts are not related and therefore the answer is false.

Points to check in an invoice before processing

• Check for accuracy of billing information

• Verify the amount charged and ensure it matches the agreed upon price

• Ensure all necessary supporting documents are attached

• Check for any discounts or promotions that may apply

• Verify the payment terms and due date

• Ensure the invoice is addressed to the correct recipient

• Check for any errors or discrepancies

Use Selenium WebDriver to automate launching an ecomm website, searching for a product, performing pagination, and finding a particular product.

• Use Selenium WebDriver to automate browser actions

• Navigate to the ecomm website URL

• Locate the search bar and enter the particular product name

• Handle pagination by clicking on next page buttons or using page numbers

• Identify the particular product by its unique identifier or attributes

I would communicate with the client to understand the specific requirements and assess the impact on the project timeline and resources.

• Communicate with the client to understand the specific enhancements they are requesting

• Assess the impact of the additional enhancements on the project timeline and resources

• Discuss with the team to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating the enhancements

• Prioritize the enhancements based on their importance and impact on project goals

• Update ...read more

To speed up execution through development changes, steps can include optimizing code, automating processes, and improving communication.

• Optimize code by identifying and removing bottlenecks

• Automate repetitive tasks to reduce manual effort and human error

• Improve communication between team members to ensure smooth collaboration and coordination

A C program that communicates with a database and retrieves data using host and indicator variables.

• Use appropriate database libraries and APIs to establish a connection with the database.

• Define host and indicator variables to store the fetched data.

• Write SQL queries to fetch the required data from the database.

• Execute the queries and retrieve the data into the host variables.

• Use the indicator variables to check for any errors or null values in the fetched data.

• Process the re...read more

Materiality level is set based on the significance of financial information to users of financial statements.

• Consider the size and nature of the item or error

• Assess the impact on financial statements and key ratios

• Evaluate the effect on users' decisions

• Use professional judgment and consider relevant laws and regulations

• Document the rationale for materiality level chosen

I have knowledge and experience in inventory planning, purchasing, Microsoft Excel, and communication with US suppliers and customers.

• I have experience in forecasting demand and setting inventory levels

• I have purchased raw materials and finished goods from domestic and international suppliers

• I am proficient in Microsoft Excel and have used it for data analysis and reporting

• I have communicated with US suppliers and customers via email and phone to resolve issues and negotiate ...read more

AP stands for Accounts Payable. P2P cycle refers to the Procure-to-Pay cycle. GRN stands for Goods Receipt Note. WHT stands for Withholding Tax.

• AP is a department responsible for managing and recording all outgoing payments of a company.

• P2P cycle is the process of purchasing goods or services, receiving them, and making payments.

• GRN is a document used to record the receipt of goods from a supplier.

• WHT is a tax deducted at source from payments made to suppliers or vendors.

• Exam...read more

I would troubleshoot the issue and try to find a solution.

• Check if the device is connected to the internet

• Restart the device and try again

• Check if there are any software updates available

• Try using a different device or network

• Contact IT support for assistance

Sactions are penalties imposed on individuals or entities for violating laws or regulations. PEP refers to politically exposed persons. Red flags indicate potential suspicious activity. CIP stands for customer identification program. EDD is enhanced due diligence.

• Sanctions are penalties imposed on individuals or entities for violating laws or regulations

• Types of sanctions include financial sanctions, trade sanctions, and diplomatic sanctions

• PEP refers to politically exposed p...read more

I have worked on various types of dashboards in Tableau including interactive dashboards, performance dashboards, and executive dashboards.

• Interactive dashboards

• Performance dashboards

• Executive dashboards

The ETL tool used for Data wrangling is Apache Spark. I have a high proficiency in using Apache Spark for ETL processes.

• Apache Spark is a powerful open-source distributed computing system that can handle large-scale data processing and analytics.

• It provides a unified engine for big data processing with built-in modules for SQL, streaming, machine learning, and graph processing.

• I have experience in using Apache Spark for data wrangling tasks such as data cleaning, transformati...read more

Book and tax profit differences arise due to temporary and permanent timing differences in accounting treatment.

• Temporary differences are timing differences that reverse over time, such as depreciation expenses.

• Permanent differences are differences that never reverse, such as fines and penalties not deductible for tax purposes.

• Accounting for these differences involves adjusting financial statements for tax purposes, leading to different reported profits.

• Examples include diffe...read more

Key elements in an impact report for donors include clear goals, measurable outcomes, and compelling storytelling.

• Clear description of the project and its goals

• Measurable outcomes and impact of the project

• Compelling storytelling to engage the donor

• Financial breakdown of the project

• Acknowledgment of the donor's contribution

• Future plans and sustainability of the project

Mutual funds are investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to purchase securities.

• Mutual funds are managed by professional fund managers

• Investors can buy and sell mutual fund shares at the end of each trading day

• Examples of mutual funds include Vanguard 500 Index Fund, Fidelity Contrafund, and American Funds Growth Fund of America

Difference between budget and forecasts, preparing a software buying budget, salary expenses increase but head count is same, variance analysis.

• Budget is a financial plan for a specific period, while forecast is an estimate of future financial outcomes.

• Preparing a software buying budget involves identifying the software needs, researching prices, and allocating funds.

• Salary expenses increasing while head count remains the same can be due to factors such as promotions, bonuses...read more

Empathy is understanding and sharing the feelings of others, while sympathy is feeling sorry for someone's situation.

• Empathy involves putting oneself in someone else's shoes and experiencing their emotions.

• Sympathy involves feeling sorry for someone's situation without necessarily understanding their emotions.

• Empathy is more active and involves a deeper level of understanding, while sympathy is more passive.

• Example: If a friend is going through a breakup, empathy would involv...read more

Free cash flow, NPV vs IRR, solvency ratios, depreciation vs depletion

• Free cash flow is the amount of cash a company generates after accounting for all expenses and investments in capital assets.

• NPV (Net Present Value) and IRR (Internal Rate of Return) are both used in capital budgeting to evaluate the profitability of an investment.

• Solvency ratios measure a company's ability to meet its long-term debt obligations.

• Depreciation is the allocation of the cost of tangible assets ...read more

Handled deviations during batch execution by identifying root cause, implementing corrective actions, and documenting the process.

• Identified root cause of deviation

• Implemented corrective actions to prevent future deviations

• Documented the deviation and corrective actions taken

• Communicated the deviation and corrective actions to relevant stakeholders

To improve ESG strategy for Logistics, focus on reducing carbon footprint, promoting sustainable practices, and increasing transparency.

• Implement green transportation methods such as electric vehicles and alternative fuels

• Encourage suppliers to adopt sustainable practices

• Increase transparency by reporting on ESG metrics and progress

• Invest in renewable energy sources for warehouses and distribution centers

• Develop a comprehensive waste management plan

• Partner with organizations ...read more

I have worked on various projects, including RFPs and EOIs. I am familiar with different types of RFPs, including fixed cost RFPs.

• I have experience working on projects that involve responding to RFPs and EOIs.

• I am familiar with different types of RFPs, such as open RFPs, closed RFPs, and sealed RFPs.

• I have worked on fixed cost RFPs, where the budget is predetermined and the vendor must work within that budget.

• EOI stands for Expression of Interest, which is a document used to ...read more