Citi Bank Financial Planning Analyst Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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Citi Bank Financial Planning Analyst Interview Questions & Experience Guide

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Company Name: Citi Bank

Position: Financial Planning Analyst

Application Process: I applied through a job portal in March 2024.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me something about yourself.
    • Your Approach: I kept my answer concise, focusing on my educational background, relevant skills, and why I was interested in the role. I highlighted my understanding of financial planning and my enthusiasm for working with Citi Bank.
    • Outcome: The round went well, and I felt confident about my responses.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic financial concepts and be prepared to discuss your resume in detail.
  • Practice answering common interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” to ensure clarity and confidence.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a positive experience. I felt prepared, but I could have researched more about Citi Bank’s recent projects to tailor my answers better. For future candidates, I recommend thorough preparation and staying calm during the interview.

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Company Name: Citi Bank

Position: Financial Planning Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via campus placement at IFMR GSB Krea University in August 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Behavioral Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Derivatives are mostly OTC and swaps.
    • Your Approach: Focused on explaining the nature of OTC derivatives and their significance in financial markets, particularly swaps.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be thorough with OTC derivatives, as they are a key topic for this role.

Conclusion:
The interview was straightforward, with a strong emphasis on behavioral and technical knowledge of derivatives. Being well-prepared on OTC derivatives was crucial. For future candidates, I recommend focusing on this area to ensure confidence during the interview.

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Company Name: Citi Bank

Position: Financial Planning Analyst

Application Process: I applied through my university’s campus placement program. The process was initiated after submitting my resume and a brief cover letter.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • Why are you interested in this role at Citi Bank?
      • What do you know about financial planning and analysis?
      • How do you handle tight deadlines?
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant coursework and internships. I also highlighted my analytical skills and ability to work under pressure.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and was invited for the panel interview.

  • Round 2 - Panel Interview (with 3 Team Leads):

    • Questions Asked:
      • Walk us through your recent internship experience.
      • How would you approach creating a financial plan for a new client?
      • What recent trends in investment banking have caught your attention?
      • Why do you want to work in financial planning specifically?
    • Your Approach: I structured my answers using the STAR method for behavioral questions and backed my technical answers with examples from my coursework. For the investment banking trends, I mentioned a recent article I had read.
    • Outcome: The interviewers seemed engaged, and I received positive feedback about my preparation and enthusiasm.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic financial planning concepts and recent trends in investment banking.
  • Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Read up on Citi Bank’s recent initiatives to tailor your answers.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and the interviewers were very welcoming. I felt well-prepared, but I could have researched more about Citi Bank’s specific financial planning strategies. My advice to future candidates is to stay updated on industry trends and be ready to connect your experiences to the role.

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Company Name: Citi Bank

Position: Financial Planning Analyst

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked: Just a basic “Tell me about yourself” introduction.
    • Your Approach: I gave my introduction, including details about my background and my last work experience.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test Round:

    • Questions Asked: The test included Math, English, logical reasoning, and scenario-based questions.
    • Your Approach: Prepared using general aptitude test resources available online.
    • Outcome: Cleared the test.

  • Round 3 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: Salary discussion and sharing details about my last salary.
    • Your Approach: I was transparent about my previous salary and expectations.
    • Outcome: Cleared the HR round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice general aptitude tests, especially Math, English, and logical reasoning.
  • Be prepared to discuss your previous salary and expectations clearly during the HR round.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and straightforward. The key was being prepared for the aptitude test and being transparent during the HR discussion. For future candidates, I’d recommend brushing up on basic aptitude topics and being clear about your salary expectations.

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Company Name: Citi Bank
Position: Financial Planning Analyst
Location: [Not specified]
Application Process: Walk-in interview conducted in June 2024.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Self-introduction.
      2. What are the golden rules?
      3. Information about ICICI Bank.
      4. Work at ICICI Bank.
      5. What is customer handling?
    • Your Approach: I introduced myself confidently and explained my background. For the golden rules, I referred to basic accounting principles. For ICICI Bank-related questions, I shared general knowledge about the bank. For customer handling, I emphasized communication and problem-solving skills.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. ICICI Bank-related questions.
      2. Business loan process.
    • Your Approach: I elaborated on ICICI Bank’s services and briefly explained the business loan process.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. How many accounts does ICICI Bank have?
      2. Details about ICICI Bank accounts.
    • Your Approach: I provided an approximate number of accounts and described the types of accounts offered by ICICI Bank.
    • Outcome: Final round completed.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic accounting principles and banking terminology.
  • Research the company (ICICI Bank in this case) thoroughly, including its services and processes.
  • Practice answering HR questions confidently and concisely.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the questions were focused on banking knowledge and HR-related topics. I could have prepared more specific details about ICICI Bank to answer more precisely. For future candidates, I recommend thorough research on the company and practicing common HR questions.

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Company Name: Citi Bank

Position: Financial Planning Analyst

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied via the company website in May 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Coding Test:

    • Questions Asked: Past experience, current expectations, future plans, case study on financial trends in the market.
    • Your Approach: Focused on aligning my past experiences with the role’s requirements and discussed current financial trends with relevant examples.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study:

    • Questions Asked: Personal information, accounting-related questions, logical reasoning, and questions regarding the financial market.
    • Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly for accounting and financial market topics, ensuring clarity in logical reasoning and personal responses.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Topics to prepare: Financial instruments like derivatives, call and put options, and other related concepts.
  • Brush up on analytical skills, financial analysis, and market trends.

Conclusion:
The interview process was structured and focused on both technical and analytical skills. Preparing for financial instruments and market trends was crucial. For future candidates, I recommend practicing case studies and staying updated with financial news.

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Company Name: Citi Bank

Position: Financial Planning Analyst

Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed before April 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Basic Introduction
      2. Previous relevant experience
    • Your Approach: I kept my introduction concise and focused on my academic background and relevant coursework. For the experience question, I highlighted my internships and projects related to financial planning.
    • Outcome: I passed this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Swifts-related questions, Corporate Actions meaning and types
      2. Treasury and Fixed Income
    • Your Approach: I reviewed banking operations and corporate actions beforehand, so I could explain them clearly. For the treasury and fixed income question, I discussed my understanding of the concepts and their relevance to the role.
    • Outcome: I received positive feedback and progressed further in the hiring process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on banking operations, especially Swifts and corporate actions.
  • Understand the basics of treasury and fixed income, as these are common topics for financial planning roles.
  • Practice explaining your previous experience in a way that aligns with the job requirements.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with the role. I felt well-prepared, but I could have spent more time on practical examples for treasury and fixed income. My advice for future candidates is to focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical applications of financial concepts.

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Company Name: Citi Bank

Position: Financial Planning Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied via the company website in September 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening)

  • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and tailored to the role, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.

  • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

  • Questions Asked: General aptitude questions to assess problem-solving and analytical skills.

  • Your Approach: Practiced sample aptitude questions beforehand to get comfortable with the format.

  • Outcome: Cleared the test and moved to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell me something about yourself.
    • How did you hear about this position?
    • Why do you want to work here?
    • Why did you decide to apply for this position?
    • What is your greatest strength?
    • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
    • What do you know about this company/organization?

  • Your Approach: Prepared answers in advance, focusing on aligning my skills with the role and showcasing my knowledge about Citi Bank.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the final round.

  • Round 4 - Offer Letter Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    • What’s your favorite movie of all time?
    • Do you have a hidden talent?

  • Your Approach: Kept the tone light and professional, ensuring my answers reflected my personality without being too casual.

  • Outcome: Received the offer letter!

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company thoroughly to answer “Why this company?” convincingly.
  • Practice common HR and technical questions to build confidence.
  • Tailor your resume to the role, emphasizing relevant skills.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. The key was preparation—knowing my resume inside out and being ready to articulate my fit for the role. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing behavioral questions and staying calm during the process. Good luck!

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Company Name: Citi Bank

Position: Financial Planning Analyst

Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed before October 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume-based shortlisting)
    • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was well-formatted and clearly highlighted my relevant experience and skills.
    • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Previous experience, P&L, Balance sheet ratios.
      2. About education and career advancement.
    • Your Approach: I discussed my previous work experience in detail, focusing on financial analysis and my understanding of P&L and Balance Sheet ratios. For the second question, I highlighted my educational background and how it aligns with my career goals.
    • Outcome: The round went well, and I received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Prepare thoroughly with income statement and Balance Sheet concepts.
  • Ensure your resume is well-structured and clearly presents your qualifications.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and I felt well-prepared for the HR round. I would advise future candidates to focus on their financial knowledge and ensure their resume is polished and professional.

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Company Name: Citi Bank

Position: Financial Planning Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: I applied via a referral in December 2020.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me about yourself.
      2. What was the reason for leaving your previous company?
      3. How do you work?
      4. What was your role in your previous company?
      5. What is your expected salary?
      6. Are you willing to work here (yes/no)?
    • Your Approach: I answered honestly and concisely, focusing on my relevant experience and skills. For the salary question, I provided a range based on industry standards.
    • Outcome: I passed this round.

  • Round 2 - Interview:

    • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
    • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
    • Outcome: [Details not provided]

  • Round 3 - Interview:

    • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
    • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
    • Outcome: [Details not provided]

Preparation Tips:

  • The questions asked were similar to those in other bank interviews. Focus on preparing for common HR and technical questions related to financial planning and analysis.
  • Brush up on skills like budgeting, financial analysis, forecasting, and variance analysis.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was straightforward, but I could have prepared more thoroughly for the technical aspects of the role. My advice to future candidates is to research the company well and practice answering common interview questions confidently.

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Company Name: Citi Bank

Position: Financial Planning Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via the company website in September 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Details: The initial round involved a resume screening process.
    • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

    • Details: An aptitude test was conducted to assess skills and suitability for the role.
    • Outcome: Cleared the test and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 3 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me something about yourself.
      2. How did you hear about this position?
      3. Why do you want to work here?
      4. Why did you decide to apply for this position?
      5. What is your greatest strength?
      6. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
      7. What do you know about this company/organization?
    • Your Approach: Prepared answers highlighting my background, interest in the role, and knowledge about Citi Bank.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the final round.

  • Round 4 - Offer Letter Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. What’s your favorite movie of all time?
      2. Do you have a hidden talent?
    • Your Approach: Answered casually to keep the conversation light and engaging.
    • Outcome: Received the offer letter.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on resume clarity and relevance.
  • Brush up on aptitude skills for the test.
  • Research the company thoroughly for the technical round.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions to showcase your strengths and fit for the role.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and well-structured. Preparing for behavioral and technical questions helped a lot. I would advise future candidates to research the company and practice common interview questions to build confidence.