DASNY interview question possibilities

Tell me about yourself

I’m currently a dual major in Accounting and Finance at the University at Albany, graduating in May 2027.

My coursework has focused on financial reporting, accounting systems, and financial analysis. Recently, I completed a multi-sheet Excel valuation model where I worked with structured financial data and sensitivity analysis.

I’m especially interested in financial systems because I enjoy working with data in a structured way and understanding how reporting supports decision-making.

Outside of academics, I serve as a Resident Assistant, where I maintain documentation, ensure policy compliance, and collaborate with staff which has strengthened my attention to detail and professionalism.”

Why do you think you’re a good fit for this job?

I think I’m a strong fit because my academic background in accounting and finance has given me a strong foundation in financial reporting and data analysis, especially through Excel-based projects.

Ive learned how financial data flows through systems and the importance of internal controls and accuracy.

Additionally, as a Resident Assistant, I regularly handle documentation and ensure compliance with policies, which aligns well with a finance systems role focused on accuracy and process improvement.

I’m detail-oriented, organized, and genuinely interested in financial operations in a public sector environment

How comfortable are you with Excel?

I’m comfortable with PivotTables, XLOOKUP, financial modeling basics, and linking multi-sheet workbooks. I also make sure to build in reconciliation checks to ensure accuracy.

Explain something technical in simple terms.

Financial reporting systems are essentially tools that collect, organize, and structure financial transactions so organizations can analyze performance and ensure compliance.

Why public sector?

I’m interested in how financial systems support accountability and transparency in organizations that serve the public. DASNY’s role in supporting infrastructure for education and healthcare in New York makes the work feel meaningful beyond just numbers.

Tell me about a time you had to ensure accuracy in your work.

In my corporate finance course, I built a multi-sheet valuation model in Excel. Because the model linked multiple financial statements and assumptions, even a small formula error could significantly impact the final valuation. To ensure accuracy, I cross-checked formulas, reconciled totals across sheets, and tested different scenarios to confirm the outputs behaved logically. I also reviewed major calculations separately before integrating them into the full model. That experience reinforced how important validation and structured review steps are when working with financial data.

Describe a time you had to handle confidential or sensitive information.

As a Resident Assistant, I regularly document sensitive student incidents involving conduct or personal matters. I’m required to maintain confidentiality and follow reporting protocols carefully. I’ve learned to separate personal opinions from documentation and focus strictly on facts to ensure accuracy and professionalism.

If you were given a large dataset with errors, how would you approach cleaning and validating it?

I would review the dataset to understand its structure and identify patterns in the errors. I’d check for missing values, duplicate entries, or inconsistent formatting. Then I’d validate totals or key figures against source documentation if available. I believe in building checks into the process so errors are caught early rather than later.

Describe a time you worked with a difficult team member.

As an RA, I’ve worked with peers who had different communication styles or work approaches. When conflicts arise, I try to focus on the shared goal rather than the disagreement. I believe in clear communication and addressing issues early rather than letting frustration build.

What do you hope to gain from this internship?

I hope to gain hands-on experience working within a structured financial system like D365 and understand how reporting supports decision-making at a public authority. I’m especially interested in improving my technical skills while learning how financial operations function in a real organizational setting.

How do you prioritize multiple deadlines?

I prioritize based on urgency and impact. For example, as an RA balancing academics, programming, and documentation, I use a structured task list and focus first on deadlines that affect others. I also break larger projects into smaller steps to avoid last-minute pressure.