SREI Infrastructure Finance Operations Executive Interview: Rounds, Questions and Preparation

What the job involves

An Operations Executive in banking, finance and insurance handles the back-office and middle-office processes that keep loans, policies and transactions running smoothly. Day to day, this means processing loan applications, verifying KYC and documentation, coordinating with credit and collections teams, managing disbursements and repayments, and ensuring regulatory compliance. In a fast-growing NBFC like SREI Infrastructure Finance, you would also support infrastructure financing operations, vendor payments, and reconciliation of accounts.

Role and Technical Knowledge

1. 1

   What is the difference between KYC and AML, and why are they important in banking operations?

   Explain that KYC verifies customer identity while AML monitors suspicious transactions. Mention that both prevent fraud and money laundering, and are mandatory under RBI guidelines.

2. 2

   Walk me through the steps involved in processing a loan application from receipt to disbursement.

   Cover application logging, document collection, KYC verification, credit appraisal, sanction, agreement signing, and disbursement. Highlight accuracy and turnaround time.

3. 3

   What is reconciliation in banking operations, and why is it done?

   Explain matching internal records with bank statements or vendor records to identify discrepancies. Mention daily, weekly, and monthly reconciliation for accuracy and audit readiness.

4. 4

   What are some key RBI guidelines that an NBFC must follow for lending operations?

   Mention fair practices code, interest rate transparency, KYC norms, and reporting requirements. Show awareness of regulatory bodies like RBI and NHB.

Practical Scenarios

1. 5

   You notice a discrepancy in a customer's loan repayment amount. What would you do?

   Say you would verify the transaction details, cross-check with the repayment schedule, inform your supervisor, and correct the record while keeping the customer informed.

2. 6

   A customer is angry because their loan disbursement is delayed. How do you handle it?

   Show empathy, apologise for the delay, explain the reason if possible, and give a clear timeline. Mention escalating internally if needed and following up until resolved.

3. 7

   You have multiple tasks: urgent loan disbursement, daily MIS report, and a vendor payment. How do you prioritise?

   Prioritise based on deadlines and impact. Disbursement may be time-sensitive for the customer, MIS may have a fixed cut-off, and vendor payment may have a due date. Communicate if any task will be delayed.

4. 8

   What would you do if you found a document missing from a loan file during audit?

   Immediately inform your manager, trace the document, request a duplicate if needed, and document the incident. Suggest process improvements to avoid recurrence.

Behavioural and Situational

1. 9

   Tell me about a time you had to work under pressure or meet a tight deadline.

   Use the STAR method. Describe the situation, your action (planning, prioritising, communicating), and the positive result. Keep it concise and relevant.

2. 10

   Give an example of a time you made a mistake at work or in college. How did you handle it?

   Be honest, show ownership, and explain what you learned. Emphasise that you corrected it and took steps to prevent it from happening again.

3. 11

   How do you handle repetitive tasks while maintaining accuracy?

   Mention using checklists, double-checking entries, taking short breaks, and focusing on the importance of accuracy in finance. Show that you value consistency.

4. 12

   Describe a situation where you had to coordinate with a team to complete a task.

   Highlight communication, division of work, and follow-up. Show that you are a team player who supports colleagues and shares credit.

HR and Company Fit

1. 13

   Why do you want to work in operations in the banking, finance and insurance sector?

   Talk about your interest in processes, accuracy, and the backbone of financial services. Mention that operations ensures smooth customer experience and compliance.

2. 14

   What do you know about our company and this role?

   Research the company's focus, such as infrastructure financing or NBFC operations. Link it to the role's responsibilities and express enthusiasm for the sector.

3. 15

   Where do you see yourself in three years?

   Show ambition to grow within operations, perhaps as a team lead or process specialist. Mention gaining deeper knowledge of products and regulations.

4. 16

   Are you comfortable with rotational shifts or working on weekends if required?

   Be honest but positive. If you are flexible, say so and explain that you understand operations may need coverage beyond regular hours.