List of 29 Branch Manager Interview Questions & Answers
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1.
What do you know about our company?
How to Answer
When considering a new job, having some knowledge about the company is important. The interviewer wants to know that you have taken the time to learn about the company. The best way to do this is by checking out their website, social media, reading reviews from clients and employees, and community news. You can learn about the company culture, products, services, performance, reputation, and more from these sources.
Assure the interviewer that you have done your due diligence to learn about the company and ensure it is a good fit for you. You can also ask the interviewer to share more information about the company.
Ronda's Answer
"I read many positive things about your company online. I was especially impressed with your company culture and the charity work you do in the community. It seems to be the type of environment employees can thrive in."
Ronda's Answer
"I did my research on your company by checking out your website and reading reviews online. From there, I was able to see some of the clients and partners you work with, which was quite impressive. I was also able to learn about the incentives you offer your employees, which sounds like you care about your staff."
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2.
What kind of experience do you have pertaining to this position?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear about your previous roles and opportunities that have prepared you for this role. Because of questions like this, it is essential to understand the job requirements and qualifications they are looking for in an ideal candidate.
In your response, you don't have to limit your experience to just branch manager positions. If you've never been a branch manager, that is ok! Experience that typically prepares someone for a branch manager position include:
-Branch management
-Running banking operations
-Meeting sales goals
-Supervising and training employees
-Customer service
-Managing a budget
Ronda's Answer
"My experience comes from my previous role as a bank manager. In that role, I was responsible for managing daily bank operations, hiring and supervising staff, providing customer service, and meeting sales targets for the bank. This experience has prepared me to take on the role as a branch manager and be successful at it."
Ronda's Answer
"I was a bank teller for many years, so I know all about banking operations. I also have experience managing employees. I am willing to learn anything I don't know well and will look for ways to quickly build my skills."
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3.
What keeps you motivated?
How to Answer
When an interviewer asks this question, they are trying to discover what drives you to succeed in the workplace. Everyone is motivated by different factors such as making a positive impact, money, promotion, prestige or achieving specific results. This makes this question a challenging one to answer. However, be honest in your response and share how your motivation aligns with the company culture and job responsibilities.
Ronda's Answer
"Overall, I'm driven by results. There will always be goals set, and achieving them is what I set my sights on each day. In my previous job, I strategized to make sales goals and did a regular analysis to see what was working and what wasn't."
Ronda's Answer
"In my opinion, customer service is one of the top priorities of everyone who works in the bank. Offering them a good experience from the time they walk in the door is very important and a skill I continue to work on. Being recognized for good customer service keeps me motivated."
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4.
Tell me about a time when you had conflicting priorities. How did you decide what came first?
How to Answer
Discuss how you prioritize when everything demands your attention at once. The interviewer would like to hear about a specific time you had conflicting priorities. Share how you handled the situation and the outcome. Feel free to share the types of tools you use to stay on task and meet deadlines.
Think about how you manage your projects and daily tasks and how those will help you succeed in your role as a Branch Manager.
Ronda's Answer
"In a previous position, I had a financial report due when an irate customer asked to speak to the manager. The report was important, but the customers and their concerns came first so I made it a priority to find out how to resolve the customer's issues. I had to work a little later to get the report done, but I didn't mind. The customer left happy, and the report was submitted, so to me, that was a win, win."
Ronda's Answer
"I manage my priorities by creating a list of things that I need to accomplish. This helps me stay on task and never miss a deadline."
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5.
How are your communication skills?
How to Answer
Both written and verbal communication are necessary skills to perform the duties of a Branch Manager. The interviewer wants to know how well you communicate in written and verbal form, whether talking in person, on the phone, emails, reports, or banking documentation.
Share your skill and confidence level in written communication. Also, if you have taken any courses in communication and writing, feel free to mention these to the interviewer. Talk to the interviewer about your written communication abilities and support your answer with a brief example or story.
Ronda's Answer
"I would describe my communication skills as very strong and would rate myself as a 9/10. I have always had a penchant for writing and have taken communication, writing, and business administration courses. I often utilize written communications as a follow-up to verbal communications. They provide a great resource for associates to go back to and reference, plus they might answer any questions that come up along the way."
Ronda's Answer
"My communication skills are powerful in written and verbal form. I have attended many toastmasters to hone my public speaking skills, so communicating with others comes very easily."
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6.
What experience do you have in banking?
How to Answer
The Branch Manager role is centered around the banking industry. Share your banking experience with the interviewer and how it aligns with the requirements of this role.
Ronda's Answer
"My career in banking started with my job as a bank teller. From there, I was promoted to a bank manager, where I gained experience that would allow me to be successful as a branch manager. This experience includes financial reporting, meeting sales and deposit goals, customer services, and supervising employees."
Ronda's Answer
"I worked at a bank briefly where I learned about the products and services offered in a bank. I understand the general processes, but this role will allow me to get a deeper understanding. This role will offer the growth that I am seeking."
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7.
How would you rate your customer service skills?
How to Answer
Customer service is a major responsibility of a branch manager. And unfortunately, not all customers are happy ones. Because of this, the interviewer wants to know how well your customer service skills are. Share with the interviewer your experience providing customer service. You can also rate your skills on a scale of 1 to 10, with ten being exceptional.
Ronda's Answer
"I've worked in the banking industry for many years, which has taught me how to deal with all kinds of customers. I wouldn't say my skills are perfect, but I would give myself a 9 when it comes to customer service."
Ronda's Answer
"My customer service skills are my greatest strength. I am a very patient person, so I don't get too overwhelmed when there are a lot of customers or when a customer is upset. After all, we are dealing with their money, so I can empathize when there is an issue."
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8.
When it comes to professional development, how do you stay on top of changes in the industry?
How to Answer
Once you are in your career, the learning still doesn't stop. There will always be trends or industry changes that you must know about, and the interviewer wants to learn how you stay in the know. Here are a few professional development examples you can use to demonstrate how you stay on top of changes in the industry:
-Attend conferences
-Take courses or workshops
-Networking with other professionals
-Read industry-related news
-Subscribe to industry-related blogs
Ronda's Answer
"Staying on top of changes in the industry ensures I am using the latest tools with the most current knowledge to do my job. I attend a national conference each year, and I also read industry news articles."
Ronda's Answer
"For professional development, I take advantage of any training opportunities offered by the company and have also taken workshops in my own time."
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9.
Have you ever held a managing position before?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know if you have managerial or supervisory experience. As a branch manager, you will be responsible for managing all operational functions in the bank, from supervising employees to handling financial tasks. To prepare for this question, make sure you are familiar with the skills and experience mentioned in the job ad. In your response, share the management skills that align with what the company is seeking for this role.
If you don't have the specific skills they are seeking, describe your transferable skills. These are the skills that you've developed that can be used in any role. Some examples include:
-Communication
-Problem solving
-Analytical skills
-Creativity
-Project management
Ronda's Answer
"Yes, I have held a managing position before as a bank manager. In this role, I was exposed to running a bank and gained experience supervising employees. I have also developed my communication and problem-solving skills over the years, which I know is important when dealing with customers. I know that the branch manager position will allow me to apply these skills while learning more operational aspects of the bank."
Ronda's Answer
"I have never officially held a managing position before, but I always step in for my supervisor when she is out. And though I don't have as much specific experience, I do have strong communication, teamwork, and analytical skills."
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10.
Why should we hire you?
How to Answer
This question is often a challenge for individuals to respond to when they are unsure or can't articulate how they can successfully fulfill this role. If you can't think of ways to be unique, ask a few co-workers or friends what sets you apart from other people. Their observations may help you understand how you are perceived. It is also a good idea to think about the highlights of previous job performance reviews. If a supervisor praised you on a particular area that you do well or received recognition for making a significant impact on a project, feel free to mention this in your response if it relates to the branch manager role.
Perhaps you already know what sets you apart! Your answer could include any industry accolades, exceptional achievements, additional industry-related training, a second language, or your involvement in the community. Don't be afraid to brag about yourself a bit. In an interview, you are your most influential advocate.
Ronda's Answer
"You should hire me because I am unlike anyone else you have interviewed before. When I started at my current company, I was the youngest bank teller they had ever hired. That didn't stop me from learning operations and becoming a bank manager. I am dedicated to my craft and engaged in this industry to the point where I commit myself to take at least one business development or leadership-related workshop every business quarter. You won't be disappointed when you hire me."
Ronda's Answer
"My previous role as a bank manager has given me the exact experience and knowledge you are looking for. I can hit the ground running!"
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11.
What are your career goals?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to ensure that this will be a long-term fit for you and get an idea of your hopes for your career. Be open with the interviewer about your dreams within this company on a long-term basis. Share what promotions you hope to eventually receive and discuss what you wish to learn from being a branch manager for their organization. The key to answering this question is to express to the interviewer that you hope to be employed by the company for many years to come.
Ronda's Answer
"Becoming a branch manager is my main goal! After that, my career goals are to run the number one branch in the region with consistently high customer reviews! As the branch manager, I would also like to help my employees develop their managerial skills, so they are prepared for management roles as well."
Ronda's Answer
"I see myself working to improve any weak areas within the bank and developing employees for future success. I would also like to eventually be promoted to a leadership role here at XYZ where I can take my banking experience and be equipped to make good decisions for your company."
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12.
Do you work well under stress?
How to Answer
As a Branch Manager, there may be times when dealing with employees, meeting financial goals, keeping customers happy, or just the regular duties of each day might become stressful. The interviewer wants to know if you are someone who can handle stress on the job. Explain how you manage stressful times and your ability to control pressure in the workplace.
Ronda's Answer
"Stress is part of any demanding job, and I embrace it to the fullest. I take good care of myself and prioritize my workload to maintain a healthy balance in my stress levels."
Ronda's Answer
"I handle stress very well, and when you call my references, they will attest to this fact. When I am under pressure, I focus on the task at hand and do not get distracted. Staying ahead of deadlines is very helpful, and I will delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress."
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13.
What are your greatest strengths?
How to Answer
This question is often a challenge for people because they either don't know how they shine or don't know how to articulate it without sounding arrogant. However, if there are things you are great at, now is the time for you to share them! Before responding, think about the skills and experience mentioned in the job description and identify the ones you'd consider your strengths. These are the skills you want to mention in your response as they will demonstrate your ability to do the job well.
If you are unsure what your strengths are, think about the positive feedback from previous supervisors or co-workers. Share these with the interviewer.
Ronda's Answer
"When I worked as a bank teller, I always received excellent feedback for my customer service skills. I enjoy working with the public, and I think it translates into my work and the level of service I provide everyone. I'm also very organized and flexible with changes."
Ronda's Answer
"I believe my greatest strengths are my communication and customer service skills. I think the key to both is remaining professional at all times."
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14.
What are your greatest weaknesses?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know the area you are weak or more challenged in when being a branch manager. You can be candid in your answer, recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. However, pick weaknesses that are not core skills for this position. Be sure to have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness.
Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest and greatest book on the subject, or maybe you are taking a seminar at a nearby community center. Identify your weakness and the action taken for improvement. We are all human with our weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!
Ronda's Answer
"I believe I could improve on some technical skills including Excel and PowerPoint. Currently, I am at a beginner to intermediate level; however, I would be more comfortable at an advanced level to help me develop reports better. I have enrolled myself in an evening/weekend workshop for the next six weeks. I'm looking forward to seeing how stellar my skills are after that course and how I will be able to apply my skills on the job!"
Ronda's Answer
"Everyone has weaknesses. I tend to be too nice sometimes. To get better in this area, I have to remind myself that it is ok to have boundaries and that both customers and employees must adhere to the rules and policies."
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15.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know what your plans are and whether or not you have set any. Tell the interviewer about your career goals in the next five years or so. Ensure to link your career goals to the company you are applying for to show the interviewer that you can be a long-term asset and look for stability. If you haven't set any, consider plans such as a promotion to an executive position within the company, being more educated in banking operations, transition into other areas of the bank, or being a high performer as a branch manager.
Ronda's Answer
"Ideally, five years from now, I would love to see myself growing into a more prominent leadership role within your organization, such as a director-level position. My career interests align very nicely with your company's goals which helps me see a great long-term fit here."
Ronda's Answer
"In five years from now, I would like to have grown within the same company I started with, having acquired skills enabling me to establish myself as an expert in my field. I would love to be responsible for a regional area or a group of managers."
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16.
Give me a situation where you had to deal with a difficult customer and how did you handle it?
How to Answer
As a branch manager, there may be times when you'll have to deal with demanding customers. Customers are trusting your bank with their money, so it comes as no surprise that issues have the potential to escalate quickly. The interviewer would like to hear a specific example that demonstrates how you react to these scenarios. Be sure to express your ability to solve problems while remaining professional.
Ronda's Answer
"In my role as a bank manager, I had to deal with a customer who was upset after being denied for a personal loan. The customer was very irate and couldn't understand why they were denied. I handled the situation by reminding the customer of the requirements that were needed to be approved. I also explained how they could improve their chance of being approved in the future and offered other services that might meet their needs. The customer appreciated my explanations and left with other options to consider. Throughout the ordeal, I remained professional and empathetic to show the customer that our bank cares about our customer's needs."
Ronda's Answer
"When I worked as a bank teller, I had to handle difficult customers often. Sometimes they would deposit money into the wrong account or think they had more money available. I always remained professional, and luckily the banking system can easily provide reports of withdrawals and deposits which usually cleared up issues."
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17.
How do you feel you will be able to contribute to the goals of the company?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know what value you will bring to the team. Engaged employees are always the most productive. Share with the interviewer how you plan to stay engaged to contribute to the company's overall goals.
Ronda's Answer
"As a Branch Manager, my main focus will be customer service and sales. To stay engaged in both, I will stay on top of the data that provides insight into the customer's experience and weekly sales. With this information, I'll be able to strategize to improve any weak areas."
Ronda's Answer
"I have a degree in finance which will allow me to focus on the sales goals and financial reporting. Because it is the banking industry, this will be a great contribution."
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18.
Give me an example of how you would grow deposits in your branch.
How to Answer
Increasing the number of deposits at the bank is an essential responsibility of a branch manager. The interviewer wants to know what strategies you will use to ensure deposits are growing. Some examples could be:
-Offer checking accounts for specific life stages
-Offer other services and incentives that support your customer's needs
-Build marketing campaigns around your best customers
-Offer a better deposit rate than the competition
-Offer discounts when loans are set up with an auto-pay account at your bank
-Effective marketing strategies
Ronda's Answer
"In my experience, the easiest way to increase deposits is by understanding your customer's needs and offering the services that support them. I also like to use incentives to make offers sound more enticing."
Ronda's Answer
"I would grow deposits by offering better products and services than the competition. If we are offering better rates, better incentives, and most importantly better customer service, we are sure to increase our deposits."
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19.
What is it about our company that you like?
How to Answer
Whether you are a current employee or just starting, there are likely aspects that excite you about this company. Tell the interviewer the aspects of the company that attracted you the most and why. Link your answer with some of your values to demonstrate you are well suited for this role. Be sure to tie in how you plan to bring the enthusiasm for your job to their company.
Ronda's Answer
"The greatest aspect of this company that I like is your community service. This is directly aligned with my values, so it would be an honor to work for a company that believes in strengthening our communities as much as I do. My passion will also be a value add to your organization as I hope to apply my skills in as many ways as possible to help out."
Ronda's Answer
"After reading the content on your website and also reading employee reviews, I can tell that your company values its' employees. You seem to foster a work environment that is supportive, and that is very important to me as I hope to be an employee for many years to come."
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20.
What methods do you use to prioritize work assignments?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know more about the types of tools you use to stay on task and meet deadlines. Discuss how you prioritize when everything demands your attention at once. Think about how you manage your projects and daily tasks and how those will help you succeed in your role as a branch manager.
Ronda's Answer
"Immediate customer issues take priority. Then, I manage my time by exercising the idea of 'time-blocking.' This approach means that I won't incessantly check my email; instead, I will allow myself to return emails in 30-minute time blocks, four times per day."
Ronda's Answer
"I prioritize my work based on the deadline and nature of the work. In my years working as a bank manager, I never missed a deadline."
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21.
What are your future plans with this company?
How to Answer
This question is all about what you envision for your future with the company. The interviewer wants to know if you plan on staying with the company long-term and also wants to know if you have hopes to be promoted, build on your skills, train employees, etc. Your response will help both you and the interviewer determine if being hired is a good match for both of you.
Ronda's Answer
"My future plans are to grow with this company. As the branch manager, I'm sure I will learn more about the operational areas of the bank, and I plan to find ways to improve them. Eventually, I'd like to pursue an executive position that will allow me to use my skills and experience to make good decisions on behalf of the company."
Ronda's Answer
"I would love to be hired as the branch manager and be rated as the best branch for customer service or sales. These are the goals I'll have in mind if hired. I would also like to train others to become managers as well and serve as a mentor."
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22.
How would you describe your management style?
How to Answer
As a Branch Manager, you will be responsible for managing others. Share with the interviewer your management style.
Ronda's Answer
"I would say that my management style is adaptable. Certain management styles work better in different settings and depending on the dynamics of the group. However, I am a manager that welcomes open communication and feedback, leverages strengths, and guidance for employees who want a future in management."
Ronda's Answer
"My management style is adhering to the policies of the company but remaining personable, so employees feel comfortable communicating concerns, recommendations, or other matters if necessary."
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23.
Tell us about your previous work experience that relates to this position.
How to Answer
Reading the job description AND your resume before the job interview will help you prepare for this question. It may sound odd that you would need to read your resume, but it is possible that you could forget the incredible work you've done in previous roles. Reading your resume will help you recall any work experience that aligns with the job description. Share any similarities between this role and the jobs you've previously had to demonstrate how you are the best fit for the job.
Ronda's Answer
"In my most recent position as a bank manager, I had many related responsibilities and exposure to the areas that a branch manager oversees. This role would be a step up in responsibilities which would provide the growth I'm looking for."
Ronda's Answer
"In similar roles, I've been responsible for managing employees, customer service, financial reporting, and administrative duties. The sales aspect of this role will be new to me, but I welcome the challenge and can't wait to learn!"
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24.
What do you consider the top priorities of a branch manager?
How to Answer
The role of a Branch Manager comes with many responsibilities. Reading the job description before the interview will allow you to see which ones have been highlighted for this particular job opening. Share with the interviewer the ones you think are top priorities and your reasons why.
Ronda's Answer
"Any time customers are involved, that is a top priority. It is important to ensure their needs are met and that we are providing a welcoming experience. The other top priorities of a branch manager are sales and supervising employees."
Ronda's Answer
"I believe the top priorities of a Branch Manager are operations, customer service, and managing employees. When these areas are intact, it translates into increased sales and a properly run branch."
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25.
How do you approach explaining complex ideas in simple terms?
How to Answer
Explaining financial information and complex terms is crucial as a branch manager. You want your customers to understand the information you are providing, especially regarding contractual agreements. The interviewer wants to know that you can take complex ideas and communicate them in a way that is easy to understand for customers whose knowledge is likely less specialized in this area. In your response, describe your communication style.
Ronda's Answer
"To communicate effectively, I strive to convey an idea in simple terms rather than deep diving into the details, unless the details are essential to their understanding. The best way for me to do this is by becoming an expert on the products, services, and functions within the bank."
Ronda's Answer
"My degree in finance helps me to take complex financial terms and explain them in a way that is easy to understand. I like to keep it simple and remain open for questions should the customer need further clarification."
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26.
How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?
How to Answer
Everyone likes to be recognized for their effort and accomplishments in the workplace. Share with the interviewer how you would like to be recognized for your hard work. This can be through gifts, financial perks, time off, public recognition, kind words, promotions, and more.
Ronda's Answer
"As a branch manager, I think I'd be happiest with our branch being recognized as a whole because that means we are all working together to meet overall goals. However, I do appreciate kind words, so just knowing that my hard work is noticed would be pleasing to me."
Ronda's Answer
"I am compensation-driven. I like to be recognized for my accomplishments through monetary rewards or bonuses."
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27.
Do you have any questions for me?
How to Answer
It is always a good idea to have questions for the interviewer. Before your interview, make sure you conduct research on the company and thoroughly review the job description for any clarification you may need on the position. Even if your questions are answered during the interview, you should still ask an intelligent question as this shows your interest in the position and the company.
Ronda's Answer
"Yes, can you tell me why this position is vacant? Also, what do you like about working here?"
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28.
Do you consider yourself a leader?
How to Answer
By definition, a leader can lead others, have authority, and make people work together towards a common goal. The interviewer wants to know if you consider yourself a leader and what it takes to lead others as a branch manager. Whether or not you have officially held leadership roles, you may possess leadership qualities. Be honest in your response and share if you possess the following common attributes of a leader:
-Good communicator
-Has a vision for the future
-Empathetic
-Accountable
-Expresses gratitude
Ronda's Answer
"I consider myself a leader. Every day my goal is to ensure the staff is working together towards our company's goals and meeting customer needs. In areas that may be weak, I have been committed to identifying ways to perform better, create stronger teams, and excel at customer service. I will apply this same effort and dedication here in my role as a branch manager."
Ronda's Answer
"I haven't officially held any leadership roles, but my references will tell you that I possess many qualities of a good leader. I'm great at motivating others, communicating well, and seeing the big picture for an organization."
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29.
Describe your experience with financial documents and data.
How to Answer
As a Branch Manager, you will be responsible for producing financial documents and data as a regular part of your job. Describe your financial experience and skill level. If your education has prepared you for this role, feel free to mention any courses you have taken to give you the knowledge needed to perform this job successfully.
Ronda's Answer
"In my current role, I am responsible for allocating funds and managing a budget. This also requires me to develop forecasts and financial objectives. I believe this experience will be incredibly valuable in the branch manager role, and I look forward to bring this skill set to the company."
Ronda's Answer
"I have a bachelor's degree in finance. During my studies, I learned about managing budgets, financial reporting, and complying with the regulations that govern data and practices."