Financial – Page 10 – Financial Michael Jordan

Category: Financial

04
Sep
2018

How To Prepare For The Investment Banking Interview

It seems that the investment banking industry has narrowly escaped Armaggedon and the survivors are waiving the bonus flags again. Intern classes are getting bigger and Business Week reported that Goldman Sachs has reclaimed the top spot as the most popular employer among elite MBA students again. If you are a career switcher and one among many MBA applicants dreaming of joining Goldman Sachs or another bulge bracket investment bank for the summer internship, this article is for you. Below we provide an overview of an investment banking interview and explain why its important to prepare in advance. This is especially true if you are a career switcher.

There are several types of questions which you are likely to be asked in your interview. They include career questions, educational questions, competency questions, fit questions, technical questions and industry questions.

While its difficult to predict which questions exactly you will be asked, there are four questions which will appear in any investment banking interview:
– The WMTYR (Walk me through your resume)
– The 3 Why’s (Why investment banking? Why our bank? Why (should we hire) you?

The answer to the first and the second questions may be quite similar to those you provided in your MBA admission interviews. Answer to the third question is a little bit more complicated and will require specific preparation.

The usual reason for interest in any specific investment bank include: (a) a strong platform, which means strong coverage teams, diverse offering of advisory and financial products, many interesting deals and opportunities to learn (b) a strong presence in specific markets or industries (c) and the most important, tons of wonderful and smart people with whom you talked with during your recruiting process and whom you really made a connection with. Networking is a critical component for your interview preparation but we will discuss this area in one of our
future postings.

Why (should we hire) you? To answer this question you need to reiterate your main strengths, interest in a specific bank and a great fit you feel for the bank you are interviewing with.
You should prepare for this question especially well as a banks approach to this question will usually be that a person who cannot sell himself cannot sell the banks products and banking is definitely a sales job.

Good to know Other challenging fit questions examining your understanding of the
investment banking can be:
– What does an investment banker actually do?
– What is the role of an associate in the investment banking?
The answer to the first question will usually go in the following way:
An investment bank serves as intermediaries between their clients
who need capital in the form of debt and equity
It provides strategic advisory services by structuring transactions
that meet clients needs and objectives
Overall, Investment bank works with companies on the transactions
that will enhance their value. This may include accessing capital
markets to find growth or expand operations, as well as investing in another
company through merger or acquisition. Banks are not only the
matchmaker between parties involved in a transaction, but also the primary
architects of the deal.

A typical answer to the question about the role of an associate will
go like this :
Analyzing industry and company data related to the transaction
Building excel models to valuate companies
Joining strategic meetings
Performing due diligence meetings with the clients
Creating, editing client presentations
Monitoring, paying close attention to documentation associated with
the deal (prospectus, internal memos)
Managing relationship with an analyst
The most important attributes that an associate should have are:
quantitative skills, the ability to learn quickly, discipline, a strong work ethic, the ability to
work in teams, detail orientation and dependability.

While answering competency and behavioral questions you should be structured and succinct. Banks like well organized and structured thinking and will quickly dismiss candidates who ramble or cannot distinguish important points from the less important ones. We recommend creating 3 bullet points for each of your answers and putting them on the paper in advance. Practice your answers with friends and be sure that your story is consistent and flows well before the interview.

The technical part

The technical part of the interview will test your familiarity with the accounting and financial terms. This will definitely require thorough preparation even if you study at one of the top MBA programs . First of all you will need to be familiar with the financial statements and their analysis. The profit and loss statement, the balance sheet and cash flow statements are all fair game in the interview.
Secondly, you will need to have a basic understanding of the company’s valuation methods. You should be very familiar with terms such as cost of capital, cash flow discounting, multiples, accretion and dilution, LBO, CAPM, WACC and Beta.

You also may be asked how M&A and IPOs work and even be given a case study on a business situation. It is strongly recommended that you start b-school having at least a basic understanding of accounting and finance.

Here are some books that can help you.
VAULT Guide to Finance Interviews by D. Bhatawedekhar, Dan Jacobson,
and the Vault Staff
Vault Career Guide to Investment Banking by Tom Lott, Derek Loosvelt
and the Staff of Vault
Heard on the Street by Timothy Falcon Crack.
Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies by Tom
Copeland, et al, John Wiley & Sons Inc
Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies
by McKinsey and Company
Financial Modeling, 3rd Edition (Hardcover), Simon Benninga

In the industry part of the interview the interviewers will test your understanding of the industry and your professional interests.
You will be asked about financial news and trends, current articles related to investment banking, discussions of the economic environment and economic trends, trends in M&A and definitely about specific deals.

To be prepared for this part of the interview its advisable to start reading financial and economic newspapers and journals. The Wall Street Journal, FT and Economist are good sources to gain relevant knowledge.

A couple of additional hints:
– Know recent interesting deals executed by banks with which you are interviewing.
– Talk about deals with passion the interviewers will test not only your level of knowledge but also your passion for IB
– And finally, always read the news in the morning before your interview

Some additional books to better understand investment banking before your interview include:
The Business of Investment Banking: A Comprehensive Overview , by K.
Thomas Liaw
Blue Blood and Mutiny: The Fight for the Soul of Morgan Stanley , by
Patricia Beard
The Last Tycoons: The Secret History of Lazard Frres & Co. , by
William Cohan
The Accidental Investment Banker: Inside the Decade that Transformed
Wall Street , By Jonathan Knee
More entertaining books include:
Barbarians at the Gate , By Bryan Burrough and John Helyar.
Bombardiers , By Po Bronson
Monkey Business: Swinging through the Wall Street Jungle, By John
Rolfe and Peter Troob.
Liars Poker: Rising Through the Wreckage on Wall Street , By Michael
Lewis, Norton Books.

Good luck with your interview!

31
Aug
2018

Monthly Billing Software Versus Manual Billing

categories: Financial

Dealing with business either small or big makes no difference. It needs strict compliance when it comes to cash finances. You should be kin of the in and out of your money. You have to be firmed when it comes to decision making and dealing with clients needs. But, this does not mean that you have to be stiffed in accommodating your customers or clients concerns. What we are talking here is the cash flow or finances. We all know that you can not run any kind of business without proper accounting.

Traditionally, this is done through manual billing process. Typically, it is practiced even at this present situation. Why? It is because people have heard the so-called monthly billing software but were not familiar on how to use the process. Maybe they are not aware how it is being run and how it is done. But, in todays situation we can say that billing or invoice software is better that manual billing. We are not saying that manual billing is no longer important. What we emphasize here is the advantages given to us of this billing software.

Reality shows that in preparing invoices and billings are time consuming. Monthly billing software is more innovative and easier to use and manage. You will have accurate records of your rates as well as the rates of your customers at a given time. You can easily monitor the status of the things paid and unpaid. You can have flexible time to contact your customers or clients. It is less error free compared to manual billing. In addition to this, in manual procedures if the statements are lost, it will take time to recover the data. Another thing is that you will have to wait for a long period of time because it will undergo the usual process again.

Probably, there is a need to educate more people who engaged in business about the uses of this software. Although it has been advertised in various websites but profound knowledge of the uses and purposes are still needed. This will release all the doubts and queries regarding the security and accuracy in using it. In order to stop people from keep on wondering how it truly works is to explain to them accurately.

As we mentioned the advantages, the said software is also applicable for music teachers. It would be easier for them to adjust their work schedules and administration of their finances. Since, time is very important to them as teachers they should opt for the monthly billing software. They can charge rates and collect the same to their client at the most convenient time. Unlike in manual billing that they have to do it manually so there will be great possibility of committing mistakes and errors.

Further, it would help them maintain their clients and improve the quality of their music lessons. Instead of spending hours in listing, computing and recording of the data, they can concentrate more on their lessons. And with this, efficiency and promptness in performing their tasks are no longer an issue to their profession.

Furthermore, when it comes to money matters, you can eliminate any conflict with your clients or customers. It is because you can present the data or invoice neatly and accurately.

28
Aug
2018

Erp For Construction Industry

categories: Financial

Now a days members of the Engineering, Construction, Contracting, and Real Estate industry are facing biggest challenges and need to meet todays market demands. Biggest challenges are like estimating the cost of construction, manage their assets, their suppliers, subcontractors, HRMS and financial management systems.

Different departments are maintaining the data in different sources by using different files. For example the accounts department was maintaining a software package, and other departments were using excel sheets and not linked to accounting software. And all the times, much of this data available in site offices which was not connected to head office.

Whenever there is a demand of any data or reports, all the departments have to dig out the information, and consolidate it in to report. All these process of collecting data from different departments and consolidating it to reports done manually. This lengthy manual process will badly affect to the decision making process.
A centralized approach to manage data aggregation and dissemination is needed to ensure the long-term value of these firms.

QUADRA ERP is Researched, Designed, and Developed by construction functional experts with technical excellence of software professionals. Over 20 years of construction domain experience of the team has equipped to deliver world class solutions for this complex ECCR&O domain. Specialized knowledge on the requirements of the business practices of the industry gave leverage to the development of a comprehensive and integrated ERP package coordinating all the activities of ECCR&O Industry.

Quadra is an ERP Solution for ECCR&O which integrates all major activities and monitors entire processes in continuous basis. Its a functional software package, which automates workflow between departments with in built control.
The entire system of Quadra comprises well-defined modules for executing and managing different processes in construction. All modules integrated with one another. The Quadra ERP for ECCR&O comes up with below mentioned modules.

PRE CONSTRUCTION:
The initial processes involved in a project are taken care of. The following modules such as Land, Liaison and Legal modules are covered in this section. The land module deals with the matters involved in the initial survey to the final purchase of the land. The legal module helps in having a follow up in all legal related matters. The liaison module helps in automation of work from one department to another.

CONSTRUCTION:
The engineering module contains all the major activities that occur in a project. There are many modules with the help of which the working becomes much easier. Some of the core modules which will fall under the construction section are Tender Bid Management, Estimation, Contractors Billing, Materials Management, Labour Management, Plant and Machinery, Contract Sales Billing, Fixed Asset Management, Project Scheduling, Reporting Tool, MIS, Dashboard and many more modules.
POST CONSTRUCTION:
The post construction section basically deals how a product can effectively keep up the confidence of the clients by managing the assets and by keeping good relations with the customers. The modules which play a major part in the post construction section are lease and rental, project maintenance, and after sales.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS:
Finance is one of the major areas of concern for any company to decide on the ongoing processes and for the future projects. Quadra gives you complete financial management solution. The integrated finance with other modules with the automatic postings gives user to manage, track and maintain financial health of the enterprise. The module offers depth of functionality in accounting, reporting, and financial analysis. This is comprised of Chart of Accounts Creation, General Ledgers linking to company, Tax masters, Opening Balance entry, Cash Budgeting, Voucher Entry, Voucher Posting, Bank Reconciliation, Inter-Company Fund Transfer, Accounts payables and Account Receivable.

HRMS:
HRMS system takes care of the human resource and payroll functions of an organization. Functions performed by Quadra HRMS includes Consultant Definition, HR circulars, Notifications, Awards to employee and Disciplinary action against a employee , Job Vacancies code creation, Man power request from other departments, Applicant Registration, Scheduling the interview, Employee Appraisal, Employee Training, and Employee Portal.

CRM:
In todays competitive business scenario, holding on a successful customer is as critical as finding a new prospect. The activities which involves sales and marketing are also a part of efficient CRM. This Module helps the company to track all pre sale and sale activity right from the enquiry to the closure of sale. This module helps to take care of all marketing activities and its budgets. This module comprised of Enquiry Management, Client Management and Marketing Financials.

CONCLUSION:
All the data and information should be accurate, timely and consistent. More importantly, an ECCR&O organization needs a standard and complete integrated system to consolidate and handle the data. Lack of such complete integrated system may affect badly for ECCR&O organizations in the long run.

24
Aug
2018

Different Types Of Financial Markets – Get To Know Them

categories: Financial

There are several different types of financial markets. Financial markets are tools that allow people to buy and sell securities or commodities and other financial tools. Investors typically trade and sell the various forms of financial instruments through what is called the stock market. They also have the ability to trade between buyers and sellers. The trading can be done both domestically or internationally according to fair market pricing.

Capital markets are different types of financial markets that deal with the trade of certain types of bonds and stocks. Capital markets can either relate to newly issued bonds and stocks. Or it may handle trades of pre-existing bonds and stocks. This market is typically referred to as either the bond or stock market. The bond market oversees financing regarding the issuance of various types of bonds. And the stock market does the same but for stock issues.

Other vital markets include money markets. Money markets are components of the financial markets. This type of market concerns itself with short-term borrowing and lending practices of securities with a maturation date of one year or less. Various instruments are traded in money markets such as treasury bills, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and several other financial instruments. Money markets essentially facilitate short term debt and capital financing.

There are many other types of financial markets such as; derivatives, foreign exchange, insurance and commodity markets. The purpose of all financial markets is to provide some form of fund raising. It is through these various financial markets that those in need of borrowing funds can find those that are willing to lend funds. These types of financial transaction take place in stock exchange. It is in stock exchange where investors can buy and sell shares of stock from other companies.

The entire foundation of the various types of financial markets is based on a system to borrowing and lending. Those seeking funding can be individuals, corporations, the government and other institutions. There are many reasons these various types of borrowers seek funding. When companies sell shares of their stock, they may be in need of additional capital to meet their expansion needs. Various government entities utilize municipal bonds to raise funds for various projects including improving city infrastructure. There are many reasons for funding across all the different forms of borrowers.

Lenders in the Financial Market are actually the investors. Investors will purchase various forms of financial products which will end up converting into capital for the borrower. There are many different ways these transactions occur. One typical way is when a company issues shares of stock from their company. This is a quick way for companies that are valued in the market place, to make quick cash.

The different types of financial markets are in existence for the purpose of raising capital. As with any institution, there are advantages and disadvantages inherent in the system. It is important to be well informed about the various financial tools before you employ them for your use.

19
Aug
2018

Going To College Invest In Wisdom

categories: Financial

I was reading through Proverbs, looking for some direct instruction about finances, and I stumbled upon something very interesting. Read these scripture verses, and see if you notice a theme:

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold. (Proverbs 3:13-14)

Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold (Proverbs 8:10)

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose
understanding rather than silver! (Proverbs 16:16)

Now I might be a bit slower than your average bear, but it seems to me that the Lord is saying that wisdom is more important than gold or silver. Wisdom is worthy of searching for and pursuing. Wisdom and knowledge are worth the effort, and worth all the hard work. It is more important than investing in gold – AND it will get you a better annual average rate of return!

For some families, these verses may help them as they consider the cost of college. College is worth the effort. College may be worth the investment. Nobody knows your family, your finances, and your child’s future income better than you. With all those factors in mind, it may be worth taking a college loan – particularly since it has better dividends than gold and silver (which are doing pretty well right now, what with the government printing money like crazy, LOL!)

I say this with some trepidation, however, because the Bible also has a LOT to say about debt (none of it good). This is DEFINITELY something you should pray about and consider carefully.

One of my friends was talking to me about college debt, and how much debt was OK. From a secular perspective, you want to look at some specific statistics. Look up the statistics for one college at a time. What percent of students graduate on time? What percent of students are employed within 6 months of graduating? What is the average income for graduates? What is the average income for students getting a specific degree? How much debt does the average student accumulate at that college? Then take all the information and put it all together. Can the average student get a job that will pay off the average debt in a reasonable amount of time?

The Lord appears to be a big fan of investing your money in wisdom. It is worth it. How MUCH to invest can vary from family to family. It is worth going over the numbers though. After all, it is better to get wisdom than to pursue gold!