Presentations for job interview

Martynt74

Martynt74

Martynt74

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20 Feb 2004
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Hondon de las Nieves, Spain
So I've been asked to do a presentation as part of a final interview process.

I've never been asked to prepare anything like this before. The only experience i had is during the interview for my last job i was given a pile of data, an hour and told to analyse and present my findings to a panel. That felt easier as whilst it was time pressured it was sales data so showing the results was easy, sales up/x division under performing vs last year etc.

This job is to own the finance system and the relevant reporting and whilst it is something I've done before I've never presented on it like this.

Here's the task

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There has been no mention of powerpoint, however i would assume this would be logical, given it's about reporting then it makes sense to show examples of reports.

I've quite a few ideas as to what i can say.

1. First 3 Months

-Spend time getting familair with the existing systems and data
-Analyse the existing reporting suite, assess pros/cons of existing reports
-Spend time with local team members to find out what reports are used often, which need improving, which can be eliminated and if there are any currently unavailable
-Compare findings of local team/wider business with my own notes
-Start to make changes based on outcomes

2. Previous MI

Just explain examples of previous reports/dashboards i've created and the process around that.


I suppose my main concern is that whenever i've done presentations in the past it's never really been create x to last for x amount of time. It's always been to present things i've already been familiar with.

I'd say i was reasonably comfortable speaking in front of people and given there are only going to be 3 people involved here it shouldn't be any worse than an interview.

Any tips/ideas would be great.
 
I have no idea about the content side of it, it might as well be another language to me :p

That said, I do have a little experience with creating and delivering presentations to last a specific amount of time. My method has been - and would be in this case if I were you - to make it without thinking about how long it needs to last, practice delivering it a few times, and adjust from there. Unless you're wildly out (I'd say approximately 50% of the intended length or more) it shouldn't be too difficult to trim/expand parts as appropriate. Might sound a little noddy or unrefined, but it has worked for me.

Good luck, producing and delivering a presentation on something you aren't familiar with can be quite daunting.
 
A few things I would consider related to the specific topic at hand:

-Understanding underlying data quality issues that may influence MI, their impact and how the organisation approaches these (do they have a data governance function, who owns the source data etc)
-Understanding the balance of traditional finance reporting versus ad-hoc analysis and discovery (i.e. the needs of your user base) - what is 'gold plated' for financial reporitng that needs rigorous controls and what is a bit more agile
-Mapping out the data lineage from data input, through intermediary layers up to end outputs
-Any regulatory considerations (largely dependent on industry)
-Identifying pain points in the business in relation to MI and how you might help them (this could fit with the 2nd question i.e. in the past what have you done to help the business and more specifically what was the outcome of that help i.e. actionable MI that led to process change, efficiency savings etc)
-Awareness of any change programmes that are likely to influence Finance/MI e.g. migration of operational platforms, organisational restructuring etc
 
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