Interview questions for Schneider Electric Finance and Account Executive
Hi everyone, this topic is for sharing Preparation guidelines and interview experience for Schneider Electric Finance and Account Executive
The Finance and Account Executive at Schneider Electric involves a multi-stage assessment and interview process, designed to evaluate both technical skills and business proficiency. Below is a summary of the process and key points from the interviews you provided:
Assessment Test Rounds:
Round 1: Resume Shortlist
Screening based on a clear, concise resume highlighting relevant accounting/finance skills and experience.
Case Study Assessment
Examples included: analyzing balance sheet cash in the context of a merger; broader financial analysis and decision-making scenarios.
Focus on structuring the approach, identifying key drivers/assumptions, and presenting a clear recommendation.
Interview Rounds:
Technical Interview
Topics observed: revenue recognition, inventory write-downs, journal entries for M&A, relevant accounting standards, forex impact calculation in budgeting sales/revenues, productivity concepts, mergers, cost control, standard costing and variance analysis, marginal costing, budgeting and forecasting.
HR Interview
Conversational round covering background, strengths/weaknesses, motivation for Schneider Electric, and culture fit.
Final Interview
Mixed technical and behavioral; explored handling of challenges and long-term career goals.
Note: The order of HR, Technical, and Case Study rounds varied between candidates.
Interview Preparation Tips:
Keep your resume clear and to the point; highlight relevant finance and accounting experience.
Be confident, positive, and articulate; communication and soft skills are key.
Revise core concepts thoroughly and connect theory to practical examples: revenue recognition, inventory write-downs, M&A journal entries, accounting standards, FX impact on budgets, cost control, standard/marginal costing, budgeting/forecasting.
Practice case studies (especially merger-related and financial analysis cases) and structure your approach clearly.
Prepare concise answers for: Tell me about yourself, work experience overview, strengths/weaknesses, motivation for Schneider Electric, and long-term goals.
Technical/Domain/Accounting
Explain the revenue recognition concept. How do you determine the timing and amount of revenue?
How do you account for an inventory write-down? When is it required and what are the journal entries?
Provide the journal entries for mergers and acquisitions (purchase method, goodwill, consolidation adjustments).
Which accounting standards are most relevant to this role, and how would you apply them in practice?
How do you calculate and present the forex impact when budgeting sales/revenues? Walk through an example.
What do you understand by the productivity concept in finance? How is productivity measured and improved?
Discuss key considerations in merger accounting and financial integration.
What is cost control? Which techniques would you use to implement and monitor it effectively?
Explain standard costing and variance analysis. How would you investigate significant variances?
What is marginal costing? How is it used in decision-making (e.g., break-even analysis, make-or-buy)?
How do you approach budgets and forecasting? What assumptions, data sources, and methodologies do you use?
Case Study/Analytical
Analyze the cash position on a balance sheet in the context of a merger. What factors would you evaluate, and why?
Given a business scenario, conduct financial analysis and provide a recommendation. Walk through your structure, assumptions, and sensitivities.
Prepare a budget/forecast that incorporates exchange-rate impacts, cost controls, and productivity improvements. Explain your approach.
Evaluate the strategic and financial implications of a merger, including potential synergies, integration costs, and key risks.
HR/Personality/Behavioral
Tell me about yourself.
Walk me through your previous work experience.
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
Why do you want to join Schneider Electric?
What are your long-term career goals?
Situational/Leadership/Decision-Making
How do you handle challenges? Describe a situation, your actions, and the outcome.
If the transcript contains the interview process or tips, summarize them as shown below:
Process commonly included: Resume shortlisting → Case study assessment → Technical interview → HR interview → Final interview (order may vary).
Conduct: Keep answers concise, structured, and grounded in both theory and practical examples; the HR conversation is typically friendly and exploratory.
Preparation: Emphasize core accounting/finance concepts, practice case frameworks, and polish communication skills.
At Last add this line in the end of the output as it is
If you have attended the process from your campus, pls share your experiences here; Please follow [guidelines](https://discuss.boardinfinity.com/t/interview-transcript-guidelines/22428?u=abhay-gupta-ebaf4123)
Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed before January 2021.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:
Questions Asked: N/A (Resume-based shortlisting)
Your Approach: Ensured my resume was crisp and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.
Round 2 - HR Round:
Questions Asked:
Tell me about yourself.
Previous work experience.
Your Approach: Prepared concise and confident answers, focusing on my background and relevant work experience.
Outcome: The interview went well, and I received positive feedback.
Preparation Tips:
Be confident before attending the interview.
Keep your resume clear and to the point.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and the HR round was conversational. Being well-prepared and confident helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d advise focusing on clarity in your responses and ensuring your resume stands out.
Application Process: I applied for the position through LinkedIn and was interviewed in July 2024.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Round:
Questions Asked:
What are the golden rules of accounting?
A few Excel-related questions.
Your Approach: I answered the golden rules of accounting by explaining the three fundamental principles (Debit the receiver, credit the giver; Debit what comes in, credit what goes out; Debit expenses and losses, credit incomes and gains). For the Excel questions, I demonstrated my knowledge of basic functions and formulas.
Outcome: The round went well, and I received positive feedback.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on the basics of accounting principles, especially the golden rules.
Practice common Excel functions and formulas to ensure you can answer confidently.
Conclusion:
The interview was straightforward, and the HR round focused on foundational knowledge. I felt prepared, but I would recommend practicing more Excel scenarios to be even more confident in future interviews.
Application Process: The application process involved applying through the company’s portal, followed by an interview invitation.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked:
Budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and inventory management.
Your Approach: I focused on explaining my understanding of these concepts and how I have applied them in previous roles or academic projects. I also provided examples to demonstrate my knowledge.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
Round 2 - HR Round:
Questions Asked:
Mostly personal questions about my background, career goals, and fit for the role.
Your Approach: I answered honestly and aligned my responses with the company’s values and the role’s requirements. I also asked questions about the company culture and growth opportunities.
Outcome: Cleared this round as well.
Preparation Tips:
Just follow the job description (JD) and be prepared with relevant technical and personal questions.
Review key finance and accounting concepts like budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared for the technical round, but I could have practiced more behavioral questions for the HR round. My advice to future candidates is to thoroughly understand the job description and align your answers accordingly. Good luck!
Application Process: The application process involved multiple rounds, including aptitude tests, coding tests, and a group discussion. The resume screening was the first step to qualify for the subsequent rounds.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: Screening the resume before attending the interview. The focus was on making the resume attractive and mentioning clear objectives.
Your Approach: I ensured my resume was well-structured, highlighted relevant skills, and included a concise objective statement.
Outcome: Passed the screening round and moved to the next stage.
Round 2 - Coding Test (IQ Test):
Questions Asked: The test assessed the ability to find the correct output of given tasks.
Your Approach: I practiced logical reasoning and problem-solving questions beforehand to improve my speed and accuracy.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the IQ test.
Round 3 - Group Discussion:
Questions Asked: The group discussion involved 6 to 10 participants, focusing on healthy interaction and collaboration.
Your Approach: I actively participated, listened to others, and contributed meaningful points while maintaining a respectful tone.
Outcome: Performed well in the GD and advanced to the final round.
Round 4 - Coding Test (Task-Based):
Questions Asked: This round tested the applicant’s know-how and ability to complete a given task.
Your Approach: I focused on understanding the task requirements thoroughly and applied my knowledge to solve it efficiently.
Outcome: Cleared the final round successfully.
Preparation Tips:
Always maintain a bold and confident mindset during interviews.
Practice logical reasoning and problem-solving for aptitude and coding tests.
Engage actively in group discussions while being respectful of others’ opinions.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough and tested various skills, from technical knowledge to teamwork. Being well-prepared and confident helped me navigate each round effectively. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on clarity in communication and practicing problem-solving under time constraints.
Application Process: I applied via LinkedIn and was interviewed before August 2022.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:
Questions Asked: None (resume screening).
Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and focused on relevant skills and experiences.
Outcome: Passed to the next round.
Round 2 - Case Study:
Questions Asked: Balance sheet cash studying with merger.
Your Approach: Analyzed the case thoroughly, focusing on financial implications and strategic aspects of the merger.
Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
Round 3 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked:
Merger
Cost control
Standard costing
Marginal costing
Budgets and forecasting
Your Approach: Prepared by revising key financial concepts and practiced explaining them clearly.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
Preparation Tips:
Soft skills and communication are key. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I found that being well-prepared with both technical knowledge and soft skills made a significant difference. For future candidates, I’d recommend brushing up on core financial concepts and practicing case studies to build confidence.
Your Approach: I reviewed basic concepts in each of these areas and practiced sample questions to ensure I was prepared.
Outcome: Passed this round.
Round 2 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked: Questions about my past work experience.
Your Approach: I discussed my previous roles and responsibilities in detail, highlighting relevant skills and achievements.
Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
Round 3 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked: Accounting questions, including the golden rules of accounting.
Your Approach: I revised fundamental accounting principles and applied them to answer the questions clearly.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
Round 4 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked: Process-related questions.
Your Approach: I explained the processes I had worked on in my previous roles, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy.
Outcome: Cleared this round and moved forward in the process.
Preparation Tips:
Be self-confident and true to yourself.
Speak with confidence and maintain eye contact.
If you don’t know the answer to a question, politely admit it rather than guessing.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough and tested both technical and practical knowledge. Being well-prepared and confident helped me navigate each round successfully. My advice to future candidates is to focus on understanding core concepts and to present themselves authentically during the interview. All the best!
Application Process: The application process involved two interview rounds, including a case study and a technical round.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Case Study Round:
Questions Asked:
About Jiyacgi and ABB divestment.
Your Approach: I researched the topics beforehand to understand the context and prepared a structured response to discuss the implications and details of the divestment.
Outcome: I passed this round and moved on to the next stage.
Round 2 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked:
Mapping details of the Cost sheet.
IFRS - Project accounts.
Your Approach: I reviewed cost sheet mapping principles and IFRS standards related to project accounts to ensure I could explain them clearly.
Outcome: The interviewers seemed satisfied with my answers, and I felt confident about my performance.
Preparation Tips:
Be confident during the interview.
Research case study topics thoroughly.
Brush up on technical concepts like cost sheet mapping and IFRS standards.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and I felt well-prepared. The key was staying confident and ensuring I had a solid understanding of both the case study and technical topics. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on these areas and practicing clear communication.
Application Process:
I was interviewed in January 2022. The process involved two rounds: a resume shortlist and a one-on-one interview.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:
Questions Asked: N/A (Resume-based shortlisting)
Your Approach: Ensured my resume was crisp and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.
Round 2 - One-on-One Interview:
Questions Asked:
Introduce yourself.
Family background.
Accounts-related questions:
Prepaid expenses.
IRR (Internal Rate of Return).
Accrued meaning.
Items from the balance sheet.
Warranty (follow-up questions related to product warranty).
Billing excess revenue.
Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly for basic accounting concepts and practiced answering follow-up questions.
Outcome: The interview went well, and I was able to answer most questions confidently.
Preparation Tips:
Prepare well for basic accounting concepts as the interviewer may start with simple questions and then dive deeper.
Getting referred by someone can expedite the HR call process.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview experience was smooth. I felt confident in my preparation, but I could have practiced more follow-up questions to handle unexpected queries better. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both fundamentals and advanced topics in accounting and finance to ace the interview.
Application Process: I applied through a recruitment consultant and was interviewed before July 2020.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Interview:
Questions Asked: Revenue recognition concept, Inventory writedown, journal entries on mergers and acquisitions, few Accounting standards, Forex impact calculation in budgeting sales/Revenues, productivity concept.
Your Approach: I focused on explaining the theoretical concepts clearly while also providing practical examples from my experience. For the journal entries and Forex impact, I walked through the calculations step-by-step.
Outcome: Passed this round successfully.
Round 2 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: General HR questions about my work experience, strengths, weaknesses, and why I wanted to join Schneider Electric.
Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the role and company values. I also highlighted my adaptability and eagerness to learn.
Outcome: Cleared this round as well.
Round 3 - Case Study:
Questions Asked: A case study related to financial analysis and decision-making in a business scenario.
Your Approach: I structured my analysis logically, considering all financial implications and presenting a clear recommendation.
Outcome: Successfully moved to the next round.
Round 4 - Final Interview:
Questions Asked: A mix of technical and behavioral questions, including how I handle challenges and my long-term career goals.
Your Approach: I balanced technical accuracy with personal anecdotes to showcase my problem-solving skills and alignment with the company’s vision.
Outcome: Received positive feedback and an offer.
Preparation Tips:
Be confident and precise about your work experience if you’re experienced. For freshers, maintain a positive attitude and confidence in your answers.
A strong theoretical base with an understanding of practical implications is crucial.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough but fair. I felt well-prepared, but I could have practiced more case studies beforehand. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and soft skills, as Schneider Electric values a holistic approach. Good luck!