National Funding Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

National Funding is a leading provider of short-term loans and equipment leasing for small businesses across the United States, recognized for its rapid growth and commitment to customer service.

The Business Intelligence role at National Funding involves leveraging data to drive strategic decisions and improve operational efficiency. As a Business Intelligence Analyst, you will create dynamic dashboards using Tableau to support various business units, author complex SQL queries and ETL processes for the data warehouse, and contribute to the development of a modern data stack. Your responsibilities will include producing actionable insights through data journalism, identifying opportunities for process optimization, and collaborating with different teams to foster a culture of data-driven decision-making.

To excel in this role, candidates should possess advanced SQL skills, a solid understanding of data visualization principles, and experience with cloud databases, particularly Snowflake. A background in financial services or consulting is preferred, along with strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. The ideal candidate will embody the company’s values of teamwork, strategy, hustle, and positivity, ensuring a collaborative environment that supports growth and success.

This guide aims to prepare you for your interview by providing insights into the skills and responsibilities essential for the Business Intelligence role at National Funding, helping you articulate your qualifications and demonstrate your fit for the team.

The interview process for a Business Intelligence role at National Funding is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the team. It typically consists of three main rounds, each designed to evaluate different aspects of your qualifications and experience.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step in the interview process is a phone screen with a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and understanding of the Business Intelligence role. The recruiter will also discuss the company culture and the expectations for the position. This is an opportunity for you to express your enthusiasm for the role and ask any preliminary questions about the company.

2. Hiring Manager Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates will have a video call with the hiring manager. This interview delves deeper into your technical skills and experience, particularly in SQL and Tableau, as well as your familiarity with data warehousing concepts. The hiring manager will likely ask about your previous projects and how you have utilized data to drive business decisions. This is also a chance for you to learn more about the team dynamics and the specific challenges the Business Intelligence team is currently facing.

3. Panel Interview

The final stage of the interview process is an in-person panel interview, which typically includes the Director of Business Intelligence and two other team members. This round is more comprehensive and may involve a series of technical questions, case studies, and situational scenarios to assess your problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of different chart types, dashboard creation, and how you would approach specific business problems using data. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to meet senior leadership, such as the Chief Data Officer and Chief Financial Officer, for a brief introduction, which can provide insight into the company's strategic vision.

As you prepare for these interviews, it's essential to be ready for a variety of questions that will test your technical expertise and your ability to communicate complex data insights effectively.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at National Funding typically consists of three rounds: a recruiter phone screen, a hiring manager Zoom call, and an in-person panel interview. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. During the panel interview, you may meet key stakeholders, including the Director of Business Intelligence and team members. Be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the role.

Showcase Your Technical Proficiency

Given the emphasis on SQL and Tableau in the role, ensure you are well-versed in these tools. Be prepared to answer questions about complex SQL queries, ETL processes, and the creation of dynamic dashboards in Tableau. Practice articulating your thought process when solving technical problems, as this will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

National Funding values teamwork, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Expect behavioral questions that assess your fit within the company culture. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, highlighting instances where you demonstrated teamwork, problem-solving, and a positive attitude in challenging situations.

Emphasize Your Analytical Skills

As a Business Intelligence Analyst, your ability to derive insights from data is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you utilized data analytics to drive business decisions. Highlight your experience with data storytelling and how you effectively communicated insights to stakeholders, as this will showcase your ability to influence and motivate others.

Research the Company Culture

National Funding prides itself on a positive and energetic work environment. Familiarize yourself with their values and recent initiatives. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to a culture that emphasizes teamwork and fun. This will help you connect with your interviewers and demonstrate that you are a good cultural fit.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the current projects the Business Intelligence team is working on, the tools they are using, and how they measure success. This not only shows your genuine interest but also gives you valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations.

Follow Up Professionally

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the role and briefly mention a key point from the interview that resonated with you. This will leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to showcase your skills and fit for the Business Intelligence role at National Funding. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence interview at National Funding. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills in SQL, Tableau, and data analytics, as well as your ability to communicate insights effectively. Be prepared to demonstrate your experience with data visualization, data warehousing, and your problem-solving capabilities.

SQL and Data Management

1. Can you explain the difference between INNER JOIN and LEFT JOIN in SQL?

Understanding SQL joins is crucial for data manipulation and retrieval.

How to Answer

Discuss the purpose of each join type and provide examples of when you would use them in a query.

Example

"An INNER JOIN returns only the rows where there is a match in both tables, while a LEFT JOIN returns all rows from the left table and matched rows from the right table. For instance, if I want to list all customers and their orders, I would use a LEFT JOIN to ensure I include customers who may not have placed any orders."

2. How do you optimize a slow-running SQL query?

Performance optimization is key in business intelligence roles.

How to Answer

Mention techniques such as indexing, query restructuring, and analyzing execution plans.

Example

"I would start by examining the execution plan to identify bottlenecks. Then, I might add indexes to frequently queried columns or rewrite the query to reduce complexity, such as breaking it into smaller parts or using temporary tables."

3. Describe your experience with ETL processes.

ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) is fundamental in data warehousing.

How to Answer

Share specific tools and methodologies you have used in ETL processes.

Example

"I have extensive experience with ETL processes using tools like DBT. I typically extract data from various sources, transform it to meet business requirements, and load it into our Snowflake data warehouse, ensuring data integrity throughout the process."

4. What are window functions in SQL, and when would you use them?

Window functions are essential for advanced data analysis.

How to Answer

Explain what window functions are and provide a scenario where they would be beneficial.

Example

"Window functions allow you to perform calculations across a set of table rows related to the current row. For example, I would use a window function to calculate a running total of sales over time, which helps in analyzing trends without collapsing the data into a single summary row."

Data Visualization and Tools

1. How do you determine which chart type to use for your data?

Choosing the right visualization is critical for effective communication.

How to Answer

Discuss factors such as the data type, audience, and the story you want to tell.

Example

"I consider the nature of the data and the message I want to convey. For instance, I would use a line chart for trends over time, while a bar chart is more suitable for comparing categories. Understanding the audience's familiarity with different visualizations also guides my choice."

2. Can you walk us through a Tableau dashboard you created?

Demonstrating your practical experience with Tableau is important.

How to Answer

Describe the purpose of the dashboard, the data sources, and the insights it provided.

Example

"I created a Tableau dashboard for the sales team that visualized monthly sales performance across different regions. I connected it to our SQL database, used filters for interactivity, and included KPIs that allowed the team to quickly assess performance and identify areas for improvement."

3. What are some best practices for designing dashboards?

Effective dashboard design enhances user experience and insight delivery.

How to Answer

Mention principles such as clarity, simplicity, and user engagement.

Example

"I focus on clarity and simplicity by limiting the number of visual elements and ensuring that each component serves a purpose. I also prioritize user engagement by incorporating interactive filters and tooltips that allow users to explore the data further."

4. How do you handle data discrepancies in your reports?

Data accuracy is vital in business intelligence.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to identifying, investigating, and resolving discrepancies.

Example

"When I encounter data discrepancies, I first verify the data sources and check for any recent changes in the data pipeline. I then collaborate with relevant teams to understand the root cause and make necessary adjustments to ensure the accuracy of future reports."

Analytical Skills and Problem Solving

1. Describe a time when you identified a significant business insight from data.

This question assesses your analytical thinking and impact on the business.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, the data you analyzed, and the outcome of your findings.

Example

"While analyzing customer acquisition data, I noticed a significant drop in conversion rates from a specific marketing channel. After further investigation, I discovered that the landing page was not optimized for mobile users. By presenting this insight, we were able to redesign the page, resulting in a 20% increase in conversions."

2. How do you prioritize multiple projects with tight deadlines?

Time management is crucial in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization and any tools you use.

Example

"I prioritize projects based on their impact on business goals and deadlines. I use project management tools like JIRA to track progress and communicate with stakeholders, ensuring that I focus on high-impact tasks first while keeping an eye on upcoming deadlines."

3. Can you give an example of a complex problem you solved using data?

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Describe the problem, your analytical approach, and the solution you implemented.

Example

"I faced a challenge with customer churn analysis. By segmenting the data and applying predictive modeling techniques, I identified key factors contributing to churn. I presented these findings to the leadership team, which led to the implementation of targeted retention strategies that reduced churn by 15%."

4. How do you ensure data quality in your analyses?

Data quality is essential for reliable insights.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for validating and cleaning data.

Example

"I ensure data quality by implementing validation checks at various stages of the data pipeline. I regularly perform data audits and use automated scripts to identify anomalies, ensuring that the data I work with is accurate and reliable for analysis."