How to answer this Situational interview question about Budgeting for Entry-Level Finance Associate?

How would you approach creating a budget for a new project?

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Finance Associate

Situational

Asked at

PwC

Difficulty :

Easy

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Explanation

This question evaluates your budgeting skills and ability to plan financial resources effectively. Recruiters want to see your structured approach, attention to detail, and ability to anticipate potential challenges. A great answer demonstrates a step-by-step process and includes considerations for contingencies. Avoid being vague or overlooking key components like stakeholder input or risk management.

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Answer Example

I would start by identifying the project's objectives and scope, consulting with stakeholders to gather cost estimates for resources, labor, and materials. Next, I’d break the budget into categories and use historical data or benchmarks for accuracy. I’d also include a contingency buffer to account for unforeseen expenses. For example, while budgeting for a marketing campaign during my internship, I allocated 10% of the budget as a contingency, which helped us stay on track despite unexpected vendor costs.

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