Billing Analyst Interview Prep

Tell me about yourself?

-my name is Oscar David Osorio-Cruz, Ive always been a hard worker. My mother owned a hair salon, wher I would always assist in any way I could wether it be keeping tabs on the products’ purchasing pricing and selling prices. As I grew up I degab workin with my fahter in contruction, specifically drywall. I would help in both manual labor and communication with the clients for instance with translating. I went to high school at sun valley high school and graduated a semester early, where I decided to take courses at Central Piedmont Community College then later transfer to Wingate university. I originally majored in nursing, i gained a , now expired CNA license, I then switched over to accounting because it was more aligned with my skills. Throughout my course work I gained skills related to financial accounting financial reporting, cost accounting, budging and financial analysis. I love to work in both independently and as part of a team. On the ETS Major Field Test, i scored in the 77th percentile which is above the national average.

What exactly does a billing Analyst do?

Customer receives goods/services → company bills customer → billing gets recorded → revenue/accounting records are updated → payment eventually comes in → accounts are reconciled.

What do you understand about the billing analyst position?

My understanding is that the role is responsible for making sure billing activity is accurate and properly reflected in the accounting records. That includes reviewing transactions, performing reconciliations, researching discrepancies, applying the appropriate debits and credits, and making sure revenue is recognized in the correct accounting period under US GAAP and ASC 606. I also understand that because it's a high-volume environment, attention to detail and being able to identify and resolve discrepancies efficiently are very important

How would you investigate a reconciliation discrepancy?

-verify the amounts

-compare periods

-compare detaied transactions between the billing system and general Ledger to identify where the difference came from.

-Is it a missing transaction, dupicate

-I would then determine the appropriate corrrction and document the issue

Deferred Revenue

Money the company has received/billed but hasn’t earned yet.

What if you don't know something?

If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't want to guess. I would first review the available documentation or company procedures, and if I still needed clarification, I would ask someone with more experience. Once I understood the correct process, I'd make sure I documented it so I could handle a similar situation independently in the future.

How would you make sure you're accurate when dealing with a high volume of transactions?

“I would use a consistent process and make sure I'm checking the key information on each transaction. I'd also use tools like Excel filters, formulas, and reconciliations to identify potential errors or unusual items. I think it's important to work efficiently, but not at the expense of accuracy.

A customer says they were charged $8,000, but they believe they should have been charged $6,000.

1. Review the invoice → Is it actually $8,000?

2. Review supporting documentation→ What was the customer supposed to receive?

3. Check the contract/order→ What price/rate was agreed upon?

4. Check quantities→ Were the correct quantities billed

5. Determine the cause

→ Billing error?

→ Customer misunderstanding?

→ Additional service?
→ Incorrect rate?

6. Correct/document

→ Follow company procedures.

Accrued accounting means

company records revenue when earned → job done in October, but paid in november; record as if on october

Records expenses when incurred → uses 800 in electricity in october, pays bill in november, recorded for October

“That's great. So, what interested you in this Billing Analyst position, and why do you think it would be a good fit for you?”

Since I'm a recent graduate, I'm excited to have an opportunity to apply the education I've worked hard to earn over the past few years. What interests me about this position is that it would allow me to use my accounting knowledge in a practical setting, especially when it comes to billing accuracy, analyzing transactions, and working with financial records. I also see it as a great opportunity to build my professional experience, learn from people who have experience in the field, and continue growing as an accountant.

I see that you recently graduated. Can you tell me about your experience with Excel and any accounting software you've used?

I'd consider my Excel skills to be at an intermediate level. During college, I took a course specifically focused on Excel, where I learned different functions, formulas, and tools used to organize and analyze data. Since completing that course, I've continued practicing and reviewing the material on my own because I want to strengthen my skills beyond what I learned in the classroom.

As for accounting software, I've also completed a course focused on QuickBooks, so I have an academic foundation in using that software. I'm comfortable continuing to learn new systems as well, since I understand that different companies may use different platforms.

“Since you're just starting your accounting career, you may not have much direct billing experience yet. Why should a company choose you over someone who already has experience in this type of role?

Although I don't have direct professional experience yet, I believe I'd be a good candidate because I've built a strong foundation through my accounting education that I can apply to the position. I also bring a fresh perspective, a willingness to work hard, and a desire to learn. I'm receptive to feedback, and I'm willing to put in the effort to learn the company's processes and become someone the company can rely on.

If Jake asks about your salary expectations

I'm looking for something in the $50,000 to $55,000 range, although I'm open to discussing the overall compensation package and the responsibilities of the position. Could you share the salary range the company has budgeted for the role?