60+ 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

The logistics and transportation industry involves the movement of goods and people from one place to another efficiently and cost-effectively.

• Includes transportation modes such as trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes

• Involves warehousing, inventory management, and supply chain management

• Critical for global trade and supply chain operations

• Examples: FedEx, UPS, Maersk, Delta Airlines

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

Depreciation is the allocation of the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life to reflect its gradual wear and tear or obsolescence.

• Depreciation is a non-cash expense that reduces the value of an asset on the balance sheet.

• It helps in spreading the cost of an asset over its useful life rather than expensing it all at once.

• Depreciation is charged to match the revenue generated by the asset over time.

• Common methods of calculating depreciation include straight-line, double ...read more

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.

If Pune leads are exhausted, consider expanding to nearby regions or different demographics for new leads.

• Expand to nearby cities like Nashik or Aurangabad for potential leads.

• Consider targeting different demographics, such as age groups or industries.

• Utilize online platforms to reach a broader audience beyond geographical limits.

• Analyze previous lead data to identify successful sources and replicate those efforts.

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

Additional Named Insureds and Loss Payees are parties added to an insurance policy for coverage and payment rights.

• Additional Named Insureds are individuals or entities added to an insurance policy, providing them with coverage.

• Example: A contractor may add a client as an Additional Named Insured on their liability policy.

• Loss Payees are parties entitled to receive payment from an insurance policy in the event of a loss.

• Example: A bank may be listed as a Loss Payee on a prope...read more

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

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

Lead generation focuses on attracting potential customers, while globalization involves expanding business operations internationally.

• Lead generation is a marketing process aimed at identifying and attracting potential customers, e.g., using social media ads.

• Globalization refers to the process of expanding a business's operations and markets beyond its home country, e.g., opening offices in Asia.

• Lead generation often involves targeted campaigns to capture interest, while glob...read more

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are vital for measuring efficiency and effectiveness in voice processes.

• KPIs help track performance metrics like Average Handle Time (AHT), ensuring calls are managed efficiently.

• They provide insights into customer satisfaction through metrics like Net Promoter Score (NPS), guiding service improvements.

• KPIs enable workforce management by analyzing call volume trends, helping to optimize staffing levels.

• They assist in identifying training need...read more

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

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

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

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

Coverage refers to the extent to which a service, product, or analysis reaches its intended audience or fulfills its purpose.

• In operations, coverage can refer to the geographical area served by a business, e.g., a delivery service covering multiple cities.

• It can also indicate the range of products offered, such as a retailer providing a wide variety of brands and categories.

• In data analysis, coverage might refer to the completeness of data collected, e.g., ensuring all custom...read more

Operations in a business context refer to the processes and activities that produce goods and services efficiently.

• Process Management: Operations involve managing the processes that transform inputs (raw materials, labor) into outputs (finished products). For example, a manufacturing plant streamlining its assembly line.

• Supply Chain Coordination: Operations ensure that the supply chain is efficient, coordinating the flow of materials from suppliers to customers. For instance,...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

CDD stands for Customer Due Diligence, a process used by portals to verify the identity of their customers.

• CDD is a process used by financial institutions and online portals to verify the identity of their customers.

• It involves collecting information such as name, address, date of birth, and identification documents.

• Portals use CDD to comply with anti-money laundering regulations and to prevent fraud.

• Examples of portals using CDD include online banking platforms, e-commerce w...read more

Accrual concept in accounting recognizes revenues and expenses when they are incurred, regardless of when cash is exchanged.

• Accrual accounting records revenues and expenses when they are earned or incurred, not when cash is received or paid.

• It ensures that financial statements accurately reflect the financial position of a company at a given point in time.

• Accrual concept helps in matching revenues with expenses, providing a more accurate picture of a company's financial perfo...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 used to define an HTML form that allows user input.

• It has attributes like action (URL where form data is submitted), method (GET or POST), and enctype (encoding type).

• Input elements like text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, and submit buttons are placed inside the form tag.

• Example: <form action='/submit_form' method='POST'>...</form>

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

Property and Casualty Insurance protects against financial loss from property damage and liability claims.

• Covers property damage: e.g., home insurance for fire or theft.

• Includes liability coverage: e.g., auto insurance for accidents.

• Protects businesses: e.g., commercial property insurance for business assets.

• Can include natural disasters: e.g., flood insurance for homes in flood-prone areas.

Benchmarking is a process of comparing performance metrics to industry standards or best practices to improve efficiency.

• Benchmarking helps organizations identify areas for improvement by comparing their processes to industry leaders.

• It can be internal (comparing departments within the same organization) or external (comparing with competitors).

• For example, a manufacturing company might benchmark its production efficiency against the best in the industry.

• Benchmarking can invo...read more

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

Cannot answer without knowing the query

Index construction and rebalance involve creating and adjusting financial indices to reflect market changes accurately.

• Index construction involves selecting a set of securities that represent a specific market or sector.

• For example, the S&P 500 includes 500 of the largest U.S. companies based on market capitalization.

• Rebalancing is the process of adjusting the index to maintain its intended representation, often done quarterly or annually.

• An example of rebalancing is adjustin...read more

A spin-off is a corporate strategy where a company creates a new independent entity by separating part of its operations.

• Example 1: eBay spun off PayPal in 2015, allowing PayPal to operate independently.

• Example 2: Johnson & Johnson spun off its consumer health division into a new company called Kenvue in 2023.

• Example 3: Hewlett-Packard split into HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise in 2015.

The policy life cycle encompasses the stages a policy undergoes from creation to termination.

• 1. Policy Development: Identifying needs and drafting the policy.

• 2. Policy Approval: Review and approval by relevant stakeholders.

• 3. Policy Implementation: Communicating and enforcing the policy.

• 4. Policy Monitoring: Assessing the policy's effectiveness and compliance.

• 5. Policy Review: Regularly evaluating the policy for updates or revisions.

• 6. Policy Termination: Phasing out or repla...read more

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

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

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.