Interviewing for a Revenue Analysts Position

A revenue analyst fulfills an essential position within any business. This financial professional aids in a company’s growth, helping to maximize the firm’s revenue and notifying the company about issues related to accounting, finances and business procedures. A revenue analyst acts as a point of contact inside a company and communicates information and data to other employees serving on the corporation's revenue policy team. A revenue analyst typically also relays relevant information to staff members in various other departments as necessary. Revenue analysts are also generally responsible for training new staff members in the company's revenue control policies. These professionals work closely with other staff members to collaborate on revenue policies and systems, to evaluate these systems and to determine appropriate improvements to make these policies and systems effective.

On a regular basis, revenue analysts review financial transactions, business practices and sales contracts. These analysts offer guidance and suggestions for improving growth, identify revenue risks, and develop and implement revenue risk control plans. Revenue analysts follow up by monitoring these plans to determine their effectiveness, and they adjust and modify the plans to allow the company to achieve its financial goals. Revenue analysts also typically prepare annual and quarterly revenue reports and documentation of all of the company's financial arrangements. In some instances, revenue analysts also work with sales department employees, taking part in customer negotiations to allow the company to meet all revenue objectives.

Most corporations require that revenue analysts have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and experience with accounting, financial analysis, monitoring and auditing. Revenue analysts must also be knowledgeable in areas that include software revenue recognition and business operations, and they must be familiar with computer software such as Oracle Financials, data mining applications and Microsoft Excel. A company may also require that an applicant be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to qualify for a position as a revenue analyst.

The interviewer is likely to ask you what computer software and other programs you are familiar with and have used in the past. Only talk about software programs that you have actually used and are comfortable with. Some of the most commonly used software programs include Microsoft Excel, Account Edge, Oracle Financials, Microsoft Dynamics GP and NetSuite Financials. If you are unfamiliar with any of these programs, work with them and develop your skills utilizing the software to generate accurate financial data and create reports that can be presented to senior staff members.

Revenue analysts are responsible for compiling data and putting together reports, but they must also present this information to upper-level staff and executives. During an interview for this position, the interviewer may ask, "How would you present your data and reports to executives and higher-ups?" The interviewer is asking how you would structure and put together your information into a report that would be suitable for presenting to executive staff members. The question is also asking how capable you are of physically presenting the report to executives.

Explain your familiarity with accounting software and various other programs that you can utilize to bring the report together in a concise and attractive way. Show the interviewer that you are comfortable interacting and working with higher-ranking staff members. Explain in detail how you would structure the report and personally present it to senior staff members, making sure to emphasize your diligence in checking data and your confidence in the accuracy of the report.

Revenue analysts, depending on their skill levels and status within the company, are likely to be working in supervisory positions with some staff, but they also work under senior-level staff and executives. The interviewer is likely to ask you about your interpersonal skills and if you work well with others.

This is the perfect opportunity to describe instances in the past when you have worked under some staff and also led others. Explain how you interacted with those above you. The interviewer needs to see that you are capable and comfortable working with those who hold higher positions than yours. Explain how easily you are able to collaborate with subordinates. The interviewer wants to know if you are able to work with these staff members and how you will encourage and motivate them while keeping them on task and on track to meet the company’s goals.