100+ Senior Specialist Interview Questions and Answers

Bad debt provision and bad debt reserves are accounting measures used to estimate and set aside funds for potential losses from customers who may not pay their debts.

• Bad debt provision is an estimated amount set aside on the income statement to cover potential losses from customers who may default on their payments.

• Bad debt reserves are funds set aside on the balance sheet to cover potential losses from customers who may not pay their debts.

• Both measures help companies antici...read more

A cost sheet includes direct and indirect costs of production.

• Direct materials cost

• Direct labor cost

• Factory overhead cost

• Administrative overhead cost

• Selling and distribution overhead cost

• Cost of goods sold

• Profit margin

• Selling price

Hardware issues can be checked by running diagnostic tests, checking for physical damage, and updating drivers.

• Run diagnostic tests to identify any hardware issues

• Check for physical damage such as cracks or loose connections

• Update drivers to ensure they are functioning properly

• Use specialized hardware diagnostic tools to identify specific issues

• Check system logs for any error messages related to hardware

• Test individual components such as RAM, hard drive, and graphics card

• Cons...read more

ISO clause for Audit structure includes scope, normative references, terms and definitions, context of the organization, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.

• Scope: Defines the boundaries of the audit

• Normative references: Lists relevant standards and guidelines

• Terms and definitions: Clarifies key terminology

• Context of the organization: Considers internal and external factors

• Leadership: Demonstrates commitment and accountability

• Plan...read more

Trusted source reconciliation compares data from a reliable source with the target source to identify discrepancies.

• Trusted source is a reliable source of data used for comparison

• Target source is the source of data being reconciled

• Discrepancies are identified and resolved to ensure data accuracy

Creating a business process involves defining steps, roles, responsibilities, and workflows to achieve specific goals.

• Identify the objectives and goals of the process

• Map out the steps involved in achieving those goals

• Assign roles and responsibilities to individuals or teams

• Define the workflows and decision points

• Implement the process and continuously monitor and improve it

AUC stands for Area Under the Curve and is a metric used to evaluate the performance of a classification model.

• AUC is a value between 0 and 1, where a higher value indicates a better model performance.

• It is commonly used in machine learning to compare different models and select the best one.

• The process of fixed assets involves recording and tracking the value of tangible assets owned by a company over time.

• This includes assets such as buildings, machinery, equipment, and veh...read more

A crossover reason code is a code used to identify the reason for a customer switching from one product or service to another.

• Crossover reason codes help businesses understand why customers are leaving and make improvements to retain them.

• These codes can be used in customer surveys, feedback forms, or data analysis to categorize the reasons for customer churn.

• Examples of crossover reason codes include price dissatisfaction, poor customer service, product quality issues, or be...read more

SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) offers various modules for data visualization, planning, predictive analytics, and business intelligence.

• Data Visualization: Create interactive dashboards and reports to visualize data in a meaningful way.

• Planning: Utilize forecasting and budgeting tools to plan and analyze business performance.

• Predictive Analytics: Use machine learning algorithms to predict future trends and outcomes.

• Business Intelligence: Access and analyze data from multiple sourc...read more

DHCP relay is needed when a DHCP server is not on the same subnet as the client.

• DHCP relay is used to forward DHCP requests from clients on one subnet to a DHCP server on another subnet.

• This is useful in large networks where there are multiple subnets and a centralized DHCP server.

• Without DHCP relay, clients on different subnets would not be able to obtain IP addresses from the DHCP server.

• DHCP relay can be configured on routers or layer 3 switches.

• Examples of when DHCP relay...read more

I use logging, breakpoints, and step-through debugging to identify and fix issues in Java applications.

• Utilize logging statements to track the flow of the code and identify potential issues

• Set breakpoints at critical points in the code to pause execution and inspect variables

• Use step-through debugging to execute code line by line and identify the source of errors

Azure is a cloud computing platform by Microsoft offering various services like virtual machines, databases, AI, and more.

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Virtual machines, storage, networking

• Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Web apps, databases, AI services

• Software as a Service (SaaS) - Office 365, Dynamics 365

• AI and Machine Learning services - Azure Cognitive Services, Azure Machine Learning

• Big Data and Analytics services - Azure Data Lake, Azure HDInsight

MSI installer is a software installation package format used by Windows. MSI tables are database tables used by the installer.

• MSI stands for Microsoft Installer and is a file format used for software installation on Windows.

• MSI tables are database tables that store information about the software being installed, such as files, registry settings, and shortcuts.

• MSI tables can be edited using tools like Orca or InstEd to customize the installation process.

• MSI installers can be d...read more

My previous organization used a combination of encryption, access control, and monitoring to ensure security.

• Encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS were used to secure data in transit

• Access control measures like role-based access control and multi-factor authentication were implemented to restrict unauthorized access

• Monitoring tools like intrusion detection systems and security information and event management systems were used to detect and respond to security incidents

• Regular...read more

MFT stands for Managed File Transfer and it is significant in ensuring secure and efficient file transfers.

• MFT is used to securely transfer files between systems, organizations, or individuals.

• It provides features like encryption, authentication, and audit trails to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.

• MFT can automate file transfers, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency.

• It supports various protocols like FTP, SFTP, and HTTPS for seamless integration with diff...read more

Yes, I have experience with Selenium WebDriver for web automation.

• Experience with Selenium WebDriver for automating web applications

• Proficient in writing test scripts using Selenium WebDriver

• Familiar with handling different locators like ID, XPath, CSS selectors

• Experience in automating test cases for regression testing

• Ability to integrate Selenium with frameworks like TestNG or JUnit

Capture errors during data load by implementing error handling mechanisms.

• Implement try-catch blocks in the data loading process to capture errors

• Use logging mechanisms to record errors for further analysis

• Utilize error codes or messages to identify the type of error occurred

• Implement data validation checks before loading to prevent potential errors

• Consider using automated monitoring tools to detect errors in real-time

DNS stands for Domain Name System, it translates domain names to IP addresses.

• DNS is a system that translates domain names to IP addresses.

• It helps users access websites by translating human-readable domain names (e.g. google.com) to machine-readable IP addresses (e.g. 172.217.3.206).

• DNS servers store a database of domain names and their corresponding IP addresses.

• DNS plays a crucial role in the functioning of the internet by facilitating communication between devices.

• Common ...read more

Swapping two numbers without using a third variable in Java.

• Use bitwise XOR operation to swap two numbers without using a third variable.

• Example: int a = 5, b = 10; a = a ^ b; b = a ^ b; a = a ^ b; // Now a = 10, b = 5

Different types of Selenium waits include implicit, explicit, and fluent waits.

• Implicit wait: Waits for a certain amount of time before throwing a NoSuchElementException.

• Explicit wait: Waits for a certain condition to occur before proceeding further in the code.

• Fluent wait: Waits for a condition to be true with a specified frequency of checking.

• Example: driver.manage().timeouts().implicitlyWait(10, TimeUnit.SECONDS);

Yes, I have experience with implementing various projects.

• Implemented multiple projects in previous roles

• Led the implementation of a new software system for the company

• Worked closely with stakeholders to ensure successful implementation

Custom actions/tables are user-defined actions and tables in a software system.

• Custom actions are created by users to perform specific tasks that are not available in the system by default.

• Custom tables are created by users to store additional data that is not available in the system by default.

• Custom actions and tables can be created using programming languages or through the system's user interface.

• Examples of custom actions/tables include custom reports, custom workflows, ...read more

Packaging/repackaging concept refers to the process of designing and creating packaging for products.

• Packaging is the process of creating a protective covering for a product.

• Repackaging involves changing the existing packaging of a product to improve its marketability or to meet regulatory requirements.

• Packaging/repackaging can include design, materials selection, labeling, and testing.

• Examples include food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, and consumer product packaging.

• P...read more

Currently using Salesforce CRM for customer management and Tableau for data visualization.

• Salesforce CRM is used for managing customer relationships and tracking sales activities.

• Tableau is used for creating interactive data visualizations and dashboards.

• Salesforce CRM has helped increase sales by 20% in the past year.

• Tableau has improved data analysis efficiency by 30%.

I have extensive experience in designing and implementing architecture for various projects.

• Designed architecture for web applications using MVC framework

• Implemented microservices architecture for scalability and flexibility

• Utilized cloud services like AWS for infrastructure architecture

• Worked on data architecture for big data projects using Hadoop and Spark

Performance test cycle involves planning, designing, executing, analyzing, and optimizing performance tests.

• Planning phase involves defining objectives, selecting tools, and creating test scenarios.

• Design phase includes setting up test environment, configuring tools, and preparing test data.

• Execution phase involves running tests, monitoring performance metrics, and collecting results.

• Analysis phase includes identifying bottlenecks, analyzing performance data, and generating r...read more

Auto lookup is a feature that automatically retrieves information based on a specified criteria.

• Auto lookup is commonly used in databases to quickly retrieve related information without manual input.

• It can be used in Excel to automatically fill in data based on a matching value in another table.

• Auto lookup can save time and reduce errors by eliminating the need for manual data entry.

A database schema is a blueprint that defines the structure of a database, including tables, fields, relationships, and constraints.

• Defines the organization of data into tables and columns

• Specifies relationships between tables

• Includes constraints to enforce data integrity

• Can be represented visually using diagrams

• Example: In a library database schema, there may be tables for books, authors, and borrowers with relationships between them

Active Directory is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks.

• Centralized database for managing network resources

• Stores information about users, computers, and other network objects

• Allows for authentication and authorization of users

• Enables administrators to assign policies, deploy software, and apply updates

• Example: Creating user accounts, managing group policies

TDS stands for Tax Deducted at Source, a system where tax is deducted by the payer at the time of making payment.

• TDS is a system introduced by the Income Tax Department of India to collect tax at the source from where an individual's income is generated.

• It is applicable to various payments such as salary, interest, commission, rent, etc.

• The deducted TDS amount is then deposited to the government by the deductor.

• TDS rates vary based on the type of payment and the income slab o...read more

GST on reverse charge is a mechanism where the recipient of the goods/services is liable to pay the tax instead of the supplier.

• Under reverse charge mechanism, the recipient of the goods/services is responsible for paying the GST instead of the supplier.

• It is applicable in certain cases like import of services, specified goods/services, etc.

• The recipient needs to self-assess and pay the tax directly to the government.

• Input tax credit can be claimed by the recipient for the ta...read more

Common denials we work on in our role as Sr. Specialist.

• Missing or invalid information

• Lack of medical necessity

• Untimely filing

• Duplicate claim

• Service not covered by plan

• Out of network provider

• Coordination of benefits issue

• Pre-existing condition exclusion

• Non-covered service

• Experimental or investigational service

APT stands for Advanced Persistent Threat. MITRE ATT&CK is a framework that categorizes and describes common attack techniques.

• APT refers to a sophisticated and long-term cyber attack targeting specific organizations or individuals.

• MITRE ATT&CK is a knowledge base that provides information on various attack techniques used by adversaries.

• APT attacks are often carried out by skilled and well-funded threat actors.

• MITRE ATT&CK helps organizations understand and defend against th...read more

The task is to count the number of characters in a given string.

• Iterate through each character in the string and increment a counter for each character encountered.

• Consider spaces and special characters as well while counting the characters.

• Example: For the string 'Hello World!', the number of characters would be 12.

I used a keyword-driven automation framework with Selenium and TestNG for web application testing.

• Utilized TestNG for test case management and execution

• Implemented keyword-driven approach for easy test case maintenance

• Leveraged Selenium WebDriver for interacting with web elements

• Used Page Object Model design pattern for better code organization

Inherent risk is the risk level before any actions are taken to mitigate it, while residual risk is the risk level after mitigation efforts.

• Inherent risk is the risk level that exists before any actions are taken to mitigate it

• Residual risk is the risk level that remains after mitigation efforts have been implemented

• Inherent risk is inherent to the activity or situation, while residual risk is what is left over after controls are put in place

• Inherent risk can be assessed base...read more

OSI layer is a conceptual framework that standardizes the functions of a telecommunication or computing system. DHCP is a network protocol that enables a server to automatically assign an IP address to a computer. DNS is a system that translates domain names to IP addresses.

• OSI layer is a conceptual model that characterizes and standardizes the functions of a telecommunication or computing system.

• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network protocol that enables a ...read more

CICD groovy script is used for automating the Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment process.

• CICD groovy script is written in Groovy language to automate the build, test, and deployment process.

• It can be used with tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, etc. to define pipelines for automating the software delivery process.

• Groovy scripts can be used to define stages, steps, triggers, and conditions in the CICD pipeline.

• Example: Writing a groovy script to build a Java proje...read more

Future and forward are both financial contracts, but differ in terms of settlement date and delivery of the underlying asset.

• A forward contract is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price and date in the future.

• A futures contract is similar to a forward contract, but is traded on an exchange and has standardized terms.

• Futures contracts are settled daily, while forward contracts are settled at the end of the contract term.

• Futures contra...read more

SQL queries for multiple questions

• Use SELECT statement to retrieve data from tables

• Use WHERE clause to filter data based on conditions

• Use JOIN clause to combine data from multiple tables

• Use GROUP BY clause to group data based on a column

• Use ORDER BY clause to sort data based on a column

Repartitioning involves changing the number of partitions in a dataset, while coalesce involves reducing the number of partitions without shuffling data.

• Repartitioning increases or decreases the number of partitions in a dataset, which may involve shuffling data across the cluster.

• Coalesce reduces the number of partitions in a dataset without shuffling data, which can improve performance by minimizing data movement.

• Example: Repartitioning a dataset from 4 partitions to 8 part...read more

Stored procedures are precompiled SQL queries stored in a database for reuse.

• Stored procedures are used to encapsulate logic for data manipulation in a database.

• They can accept input parameters and return results.

• Stored procedures can improve performance by reducing network traffic and optimizing query execution.

• Examples include procedures for inserting, updating, or deleting records in a database.

Calculate sum and length of an array with string numeric values.

• Convert string numeric values to integers before calculating sum.

• Use a loop to iterate through the array and calculate sum and length.

• Handle non-numeric values in the array to avoid errors.

• Example: ['5', '10', '15'] should result in sum: 30 and length: 3.

Troubleshooting techniques for system slowness involve identifying potential causes and implementing solutions.

• Check for high CPU usage by running task manager or activity monitor

• Scan for malware or viruses using antivirus software

• Clear temporary files and cache to free up disk space

• Update system drivers and software to the latest versions

• Check network connectivity and speed to ensure it's not the cause of slowness

Omnichannel support is a customer service approach that provides a seamless and integrated experience across multiple channels.

• Involves integrating various communication channels such as phone, email, chat, social media, etc.

• Allows customers to switch between channels while receiving consistent support

• Ensures a unified view of customer interactions and history

• Examples: A customer starts a conversation on chat and later continues it on phone without repeating information

STP, VTP, DTP, VLAN are networking protocols and technologies used in managing and organizing network traffic.

• STP stands for Spanning Tree Protocol and is used to prevent loops in Ethernet networks.

• VTP stands for VLAN Trunking Protocol and is used to manage VLAN configurations across a network.

• DTP stands for Dynamic Trunking Protocol and is used to negotiate trunking between switches.

• VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network and is used to logically segment a network into se...read more

SOLID principles are design principles in object-oriented programming. In Ruby, they help in creating maintainable and scalable code.

• Single Responsibility Principle (SRP) - A class should have only one reason to change.

• Open/Closed Principle (OCP) - Classes should be open for extension but closed for modification.

• Liskov Substitution Principle (LSP) - Objects of a superclass should be replaceable with objects of its subclasses without affecting the program's correctness.

• Interfa...read more