Securian Financial Group Data Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Securian Financial Group is a leading provider of insurance and financial services, dedicated to helping individuals and businesses secure their financial futures.

As a Data Analyst, you will play a pivotal role in transforming data into actionable insights that guide financial reporting and decision-making processes. This position involves preparing and analyzing financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP and statutory accounting principles, and collaborating with various teams to support internal and external reporting requirements. You will leverage your analytical skills to perform detailed reviews of financial data and assist in the consolidation of financial statements, all while utilizing tools like SQL, R, and Tableau to present your findings effectively.

The right candidate will possess strong problem-solving abilities, a keen eye for detail, and excellent communication skills to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels. Familiarity with financial systems and a proactive approach to monitoring accounting changes are essential traits for success in this role. Embracing Securian's core values of integrity and innovation, you will contribute significantly to the financial health of the organization.

This guide is designed to prepare you for your interview by highlighting the critical areas of focus and the skills that Securian Financial Group values in a Data Analyst. With this preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to demonstrate your fit for the position and make a lasting impression.

The interview process for a Data Analyst at Securian Financial Group is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several rounds, each designed to evaluate different aspects of your qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Recruiter Screen

The first step in the interview process is a 30-minute phone call with a recruiter. This conversation serves as an introduction to the company and the specific role. The recruiter will discuss your background, skills, and career aspirations while also providing insights into the company culture and expectations for the position. This is an opportunity for you to express your interest in the role and ask any preliminary questions you may have.

2. Technical Interviews

Following the initial screen, candidates typically participate in a series of technical interviews conducted via video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams. These interviews usually consist of three 30-minute sessions with different team members. During these sessions, you will be asked to demonstrate your proficiency in key areas such as financial reporting, data analysis, and the use of analytical tools like R or Tableau. Expect to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Data Analyst role, including your approach to problem-solving and analytical thinking.

3. Behavioral Interviews

In addition to technical assessments, candidates will also undergo behavioral interviews. These interviews focus on your interpersonal skills, teamwork, and how you handle various workplace scenarios. Interviewers will be interested in understanding how you communicate with stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and contribute to a collaborative team environment. Be prepared to share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your strengths in these areas.

4. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process may involve a more in-depth discussion with senior management or team leads. This interview is often more conversational and aims to assess your alignment with the company's values and long-term goals. You may be asked about your career aspirations and how you envision contributing to the team and the organization as a whole.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the specific skills and experiences that will be relevant to the role, particularly in financial reporting and data analysis.

Next, let's explore the types of questions you might encounter during the interview process.

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

Understand the Financial Reporting Landscape

Familiarize yourself with the key principles of financial reporting, particularly GAAP and statutory accounting principles. Be prepared to discuss how these principles apply to the role and the specific challenges that Securian Financial Group faces in this area. Demonstrating a solid understanding of financial regulations and compliance will show your commitment to the role and the company’s mission.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect to encounter behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges in financial reporting or analytics. Highlight your attention to detail and how you’ve contributed to team success in previous roles.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on analytics and reporting, be ready to discuss your proficiency in tools like R, Tableau, and Microsoft Office, as well as your experience with financial systems such as SAP. Prepare to provide examples of how you’ve used these tools to analyze data, create reports, or improve processes. If you have experience with SQL, be sure to mention it, as it can be a valuable asset in data manipulation and reporting.

Communicate Effectively

Strong communication skills are crucial for this role, especially when responding to inquiries from internal and external clients. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated findings or recommendations to stakeholders in the past, and how you can bring that skill to Securian Financial Group.

Embrace the Company Culture

Securian Financial values a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Research the company’s culture and be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs. Highlight any experiences you have that demonstrate your ability to work well in a team and contribute positively to a diverse workplace. Showing that you understand and appreciate the company culture can set you apart from other candidates.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of your interviews, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how the company is adapting to changes in the financial landscape. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Analyst role at Securian Financial Group. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Analyst interview at Securian Financial Group. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, understanding of financial reporting, and proficiency with relevant tools and methodologies. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of GAAP, your experience with financial systems, and your ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Financial Reporting and Accounting

1. Can you explain the key differences between GAAP and IFRS?

Understanding the differences between these two accounting standards is crucial for a role that involves financial reporting.

How to Answer

Discuss the fundamental principles of both GAAP and IFRS, highlighting key differences such as revenue recognition, measurement of assets, and the treatment of leases.

Example

“GAAP is rule-based and primarily used in the United States, while IFRS is principle-based and used internationally. For instance, under GAAP, revenue is recognized when it is realized or realizable, whereas IFRS allows for revenue recognition when control of the asset is transferred to the customer.”

2. Describe your experience with preparing financial statements.

This question assesses your practical experience in financial reporting.

How to Answer

Provide specific examples of the types of financial statements you have prepared, the processes you followed, and any software tools you used.

Example

“In my previous role, I was responsible for preparing monthly and quarterly financial statements for our subsidiary. I utilized SAP for data extraction and ensured compliance with GAAP by conducting thorough reviews and reconciliations before finalizing the reports.”

3. How do you ensure accuracy in your financial reports?

Accuracy is paramount in financial reporting, and interviewers want to know your methods for achieving it.

How to Answer

Discuss your attention to detail, the review processes you implement, and any tools or techniques you use to minimize errors.

Example

“I implement a multi-step review process where I cross-check figures against source documents and previous reports. Additionally, I use Excel functions to automate calculations, which reduces the risk of manual errors.”

4. Can you provide an example of a complex accounting issue you resolved?

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills in a financial context.

How to Answer

Share a specific situation where you identified a complex issue, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome.

Example

“Once, I discovered a discrepancy in our revenue recognition due to a misinterpretation of a contract. I collaborated with the legal team to clarify the terms and adjusted our reporting accordingly, which ultimately ensured compliance and improved our financial accuracy.”

Data Analysis and Tools

5. What tools do you use for data analysis and reporting?

This question assesses your familiarity with industry-standard tools.

How to Answer

Mention specific tools you have experience with, such as Excel, Tableau, or SQL, and describe how you have used them in your work.

Example

“I frequently use Excel for data manipulation and analysis, leveraging pivot tables and advanced formulas. Additionally, I have experience with Tableau for visualizing financial data, which helps in presenting insights to stakeholders effectively.”

6. How do you approach data validation?

Data validation is critical in ensuring the integrity of financial data.

How to Answer

Explain your methods for validating data, including any specific techniques or tools you use.

Example

“I perform data validation by cross-referencing data from multiple sources and using automated scripts to check for inconsistencies. This process helps me identify any anomalies before they affect our financial reporting.”

7. Describe a time when you had to present complex data to a non-technical audience.

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

How to Answer

Share an example of how you tailored your presentation to suit the audience's level of understanding.

Example

“I once presented our quarterly financial performance to a group of non-financial managers. I focused on key metrics and used visual aids in Tableau to illustrate trends, ensuring that I explained technical terms in simple language to facilitate understanding.”

8. How do you stay updated with changes in financial regulations?

This question assesses your commitment to professional development and compliance.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to keep informed about regulatory changes, such as industry publications, webinars, or professional organizations.

Example

“I subscribe to several financial news outlets and participate in webinars hosted by accounting organizations. Additionally, I am a member of a local CPA society, which provides valuable networking opportunities and updates on regulatory changes.”