Cliftonlarsonallen Data Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Cliftonlarsonallen (CLA) is a top 10 national professional services firm dedicated to creating opportunities for clients, employees, and communities through a wide range of services including audit, tax, consulting, and wealth advisory.

As a Data Analyst at CLA, you will play a critical role in analyzing data to uncover trends and insights that support business decisions. Your key responsibilities will include developing and maintaining reports, creating dashboards and visualizations, and collaborating with various departments to address workforce issues. This position requires proficiency in data analysis and reporting, with a strong emphasis on using Workday for report generation and maintenance. A successful candidate will possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively communicate insights to stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Additionally, being a team player who thrives in a collaborative environment and embraces diverse perspectives is essential to align with CLA's values.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the role's expectations and the skills necessary to stand out as a candidate.

The interview process for a Data Analyst position at CliftonLarsonAllen is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the firm. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step usually involves a phone interview with a recruiter. This conversation is designed to gauge your interest in the role and the company, as well as to discuss your background and career aspirations. Expect to answer questions about your education, relevant experiences, and motivations for applying to CliftonLarsonAllen. This stage is crucial for establishing a connection and ensuring that your values align with the firm's culture.

2. Behavioral Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates often participate in a behavioral interview, which may be conducted by a hiring manager or a senior team member. This interview focuses on your past experiences and how they relate to the role. You will likely be asked to provide examples of how you've handled conflicts, worked in teams, and demonstrated problem-solving skills. The aim is to understand your interpersonal skills and how you approach challenges in a professional setting.

3. Technical Assessment

For Data Analyst roles, a technical assessment may be included, where you will be evaluated on your analytical skills and familiarity with data tools. This could involve discussing your experience with data analysis, reporting, and any relevant software, such as Workday or SQL. You may also be asked to interpret data sets or explain your approach to analyzing trends and metrics.

4. Final Interview

The final stage typically consists of a more in-depth interview with senior leadership or a panel. This round may cover both behavioral and technical aspects, allowing you to showcase your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. You might be asked to discuss specific projects you've worked on, your understanding of workforce metrics, and how you would contribute to the team at CliftonLarsonAllen.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to ask questions about the firm’s culture, team dynamics, and expectations for the role, as this demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and the company.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise based on the experiences shared by previous candidates.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Emphasize Your Analytical Skills

As a Data Analyst at CliftonLarsonAllen, your ability to analyze data and identify trends is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your academic or professional experience where you successfully analyzed data to derive insights. Highlight any projects where you developed reports or dashboards, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and understanding of data analysis.

Showcase Your Technical Proficiency

Familiarity with Workday and reporting tools is a significant advantage for this role. If you have experience with Workday, be ready to discuss how you utilized it in previous roles or projects. If you lack direct experience, familiarize yourself with its functionalities and be prepared to explain how your skills in SQL or other reporting tools can translate to using Workday effectively.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a range of behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and teamwork. Reflect on past experiences where you faced challenges, such as conflicts with colleagues or tight deadlines, and articulate how you navigated those situations. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your thought process clearly.

Understand the Company Culture

CliftonLarsonAllen values diversity and collaboration. Research the company’s mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a culture that embraces different perspectives and fosters teamwork. This will show that you are not only a fit for the role but also for the company as a whole.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

During the interview, aim for a conversational tone while maintaining professionalism. The interviewers appreciate a relaxed yet respectful atmosphere, so don’t hesitate to engage in dialogue. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, as effective communication is key in a collaborative environment.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. Use this as a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. If you discussed any specific topics during the interview, mention them briefly to reinforce your interest and engagement.

By focusing on these areas, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a great cultural fit for CliftonLarsonAllen. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Analyst interview at CliftonLarsonAllen. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, understanding of data reporting, and ability to communicate insights effectively. Be prepared to discuss your experiences, particularly in data analysis and reporting, as well as your approach to problem-solving and teamwork.

Data Analysis

1. Can you describe a project where you analyzed data to identify trends? What was your approach?

This question assesses your practical experience in data analysis and your ability to derive insights from data.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific project where you utilized data analysis techniques. Highlight the tools you used, the data sources, and the outcomes of your analysis.

Example

“In my previous role, I analyzed employee engagement survey data to identify trends in job satisfaction. I used SQL to extract data from our database and employed Excel for analysis. My findings revealed a significant correlation between employee recognition and job satisfaction, which led to the implementation of a new recognition program.”

2. How do you ensure data accuracy and integrity in your reports?

This question evaluates your attention to detail and understanding of data quality.

How to Answer

Explain the processes you follow to validate data and ensure its accuracy before reporting. Mention any tools or methodologies you use.

Example

“I always cross-reference data from multiple sources to ensure accuracy. I also implement validation checks within my reporting tools to catch any discrepancies. For instance, I regularly conduct audits on my reports to confirm that the data aligns with the original datasets.”

3. Describe a time when you had to present complex data to a non-technical audience. How did you approach it?

This question tests your communication skills and ability to simplify complex information.

How to Answer

Share an experience where you successfully communicated complex data insights. Focus on how you tailored your presentation to the audience's level of understanding.

Example

“I once presented a detailed analysis of our sales data to the marketing team. To make it accessible, I created visual dashboards using Tableau, highlighting key trends and actionable insights. I focused on storytelling, explaining the implications of the data in a way that resonated with their marketing strategies.”

4. What metrics do you consider most important when analyzing workforce data?

This question gauges your understanding of key performance indicators relevant to HR analytics.

How to Answer

Discuss the metrics you believe are critical for workforce analysis and why they matter.

Example

“I consider metrics such as employee turnover rate, engagement scores, and time-to-fill positions as crucial. These metrics provide insights into workforce stability and employee satisfaction, which are essential for making informed HR decisions.”

Workday Reporting

5. What experience do you have with Workday reporting tools?

This question assesses your familiarity with Workday, a key tool for the role.

How to Answer

Detail your experience with Workday and any specific reporting tools you have used within it.

Example

“I have over three years of experience using Workday, particularly with the Report Writer and Discovery Boards. I’ve created various reports to track employee performance metrics and ensure compliance with HR policies, which helped streamline our reporting processes.”

6. How do you identify reporting needs within an organization?

This question evaluates your analytical thinking and understanding of business needs.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to gathering requirements for reporting and how you prioritize them.

Example

“I typically start by meeting with stakeholders to understand their objectives and challenges. I then analyze existing reports to identify gaps and areas for improvement. This collaborative approach ensures that the reports I create are aligned with the organization’s strategic goals.”

7. Can you give an example of a challenging report you had to create? What obstacles did you face?

This question looks for problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of challenges.

How to Answer

Describe a specific reporting challenge, the steps you took to overcome it, and the final outcome.

Example

“I was tasked with creating a comprehensive report on employee turnover that required data from multiple systems. The challenge was reconciling discrepancies between the data sources. I collaborated with IT to ensure data consistency and ultimately delivered a report that provided valuable insights into turnover trends.”

8. How do you stay updated on best practices for reporting and analytics?

This question assesses your commitment to professional development and staying current in your field.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to keep your skills sharp and your knowledge up to date.

Example

“I regularly attend webinars and workshops focused on HR analytics and reporting. I also follow industry blogs and participate in online forums to exchange ideas with other professionals. This continuous learning helps me implement best practices in my work.”