EY Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

EY is a global leader in assurance, consulting, strategy, and transactions, committed to building a better working world through innovative solutions and diverse teams.

The Business Analyst role at EY is pivotal in connecting business needs with technical solutions, particularly within the Government & Public Sector (GPS) practice. As a Business Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing business requirements, engaging with stakeholders to gather insights, and translating those needs into actionable plans that align with technology capabilities. Your expertise will be critical in driving operational efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and implementing change across various projects. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage relationships with diverse stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Business Analysts at EY are expected to demonstrate high ethical standards and integrity, aligning with the company's values. They should possess a proactive approach, showcasing creativity and curiosity in problem-solving while navigating complex challenges. A solid understanding of business processes, technology integrations, and the Agile framework will set you apart as a candidate. This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the key competencies and expectations for the Business Analyst role at EY.

The interview process for a Business Analyst position at EY is structured and can be quite extensive, typically spanning several weeks to a few months. Candidates can expect multiple rounds of interviews that assess both technical and behavioral competencies, as well as their fit within the company culture.

1. Initial Application and Screening

The process begins with an online application where candidates submit their resumes and cover letters. Following this, selected candidates may receive a call from HR for an initial screening. This conversation usually focuses on the candidate's background, interest in the role, and basic qualifications. It serves as a preliminary assessment to determine if the candidate aligns with EY's values and expectations.

2. Online Assessments

Candidates who pass the initial screening may be required to complete online assessments. These assessments often include numerical reasoning, situational judgment tests, and other aptitude evaluations. The goal is to gauge the candidate's analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for a Business Analyst role.

3. Behavioral Interviews

The next stage typically involves one or more behavioral interviews. These interviews are conducted by HR representatives or hiring managers and focus on the candidate's past experiences, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific situations where they demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.

4. Technical Interviews

Following the behavioral interviews, candidates may face technical interviews. These sessions often involve case studies or scenario-based questions that require candidates to demonstrate their analytical thinking and business acumen. Candidates might be asked to analyze a business problem, propose solutions, and discuss the implications of their recommendations.

5. Group Discussions or Case Studies

In some instances, candidates may participate in group discussions or case study exercises. These sessions assess how candidates collaborate with others, communicate their ideas, and contribute to team dynamics. It’s essential to showcase effective communication and teamwork skills during these interactions.

6. Final Interviews

The final round usually consists of interviews with senior management or partners. This stage is more in-depth and may include discussions about the candidate's long-term career goals, alignment with EY's mission, and how they can contribute to the firm's success. Candidates should be ready to articulate their understanding of the role and how their skills can add value to the team.

7. Offer and Onboarding

If successful, candidates will receive a job offer, which may be followed by negotiations regarding salary and benefits. Once the offer is accepted, the onboarding process begins, where new hires are introduced to EY's culture, policies, and their specific roles within the organization.

As you prepare for your interview, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked during each stage of the process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Interview Process

The interview process at EY can be lengthy, often spanning 2-3 months and involving multiple rounds, including case studies and behavioral interviews. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the interviews, as this will help you manage your time and expectations. Be prepared for a mix of technical and behavioral questions, and remember that the interviewers are looking for your problem-solving abilities and how you handle real-world scenarios.

Prepare for Case Studies

Given the emphasis on case studies in the interview process, practice structuring your thoughts and articulating your reasoning clearly. Use frameworks to analyze problems and present your solutions logically. Be ready to discuss your thought process and the rationale behind your decisions, as interviewers will be interested in how you approach complex issues.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Business Analyst, your analytical skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis, requirements gathering, and translating business needs into technical specifications. Highlight specific examples from your past work where you successfully identified problems and proposed effective solutions. This will demonstrate your ability to add value to the team.

Emphasize Communication and Collaboration

EY values strong communication and collaboration skills. Be ready to discuss how you have worked with diverse teams and stakeholders in the past. Share examples of how you navigated challenging conversations or managed differing opinions to achieve a common goal. This will show that you can effectively engage with clients and colleagues alike.

Align with EY's Values

EY places a strong emphasis on integrity, ethical standards, and a commitment to building a better working world. Familiarize yourself with the company's values and culture, and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with those of EY. This will help you demonstrate that you are not only a good fit for the role but also for the company as a whole.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

At the end of your interview, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Use this time to demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Ask about the team dynamics, the types of projects you would be working on, or how EY supports professional development. Thoughtful questions can leave a positive impression and show that you are genuinely interested in the position.

Practice Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions are a significant part of the interview process. Prepare for questions that ask you to describe past experiences, such as how you handled difficult situations or worked under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise answers that highlight your skills and experiences.

Be Yourself

Finally, be authentic during your interviews. EY values diverse perspectives and experiences, so let your personality shine through. Share your unique insights and experiences, and don’t be afraid to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. A genuine connection can make a lasting impression on your interviewers.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can approach your EY Business Analyst interview with confidence and increase your chances of success. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at EY. The interview process is known to be thorough, often involving multiple rounds that assess both technical and behavioral competencies. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of business processes.

Experience and Background

1. Describe a time when you solved an issue between your peers.

EY values collaboration and teamwork, so they want to see how you handle interpersonal conflicts and contribute to a positive work environment.

How to Answer

Focus on a specific example where you identified a conflict, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome. Highlight your communication skills and ability to work with diverse perspectives.

Example

“In my previous role, two team members had differing opinions on a project approach. I facilitated a meeting where each could express their views. By encouraging open dialogue, we found a compromise that incorporated both ideas, ultimately leading to a more robust solution.”

Business Analysis and Requirements Gathering

2. How do you approach gathering business requirements from stakeholders?

Understanding how you engage with stakeholders is crucial for a Business Analyst role.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for eliciting requirements, such as interviews, surveys, or workshops. Emphasize your ability to listen actively and ask clarifying questions.

Example

“I typically start by conducting one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders to understand their needs. I also use workshops to gather input from larger groups, ensuring that all voices are heard. This approach helps me create comprehensive requirement documents that reflect the stakeholders' true needs.”

3. Can you explain the difference between requirement gathering and requirement elicitation?

This question tests your understanding of key concepts in business analysis.

How to Answer

Clarify that requirement gathering is about collecting existing information, while elicitation involves actively engaging stakeholders to uncover their needs.

Example

“Requirement gathering is the process of collecting documented needs from stakeholders, while elicitation is a more interactive approach where I engage stakeholders through discussions and workshops to uncover their underlying needs and expectations.”

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

4. Describe a very difficult time during your current role and how you handled it.

This question assesses your resilience and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Choose a challenging situation, explain the context, the actions you took, and the results. Focus on your analytical approach to resolving the issue.

Example

“In my last project, we faced a significant delay due to unforeseen technical issues. I conducted a root cause analysis, identified the bottlenecks, and collaborated with the technical team to develop a revised timeline. This proactive approach minimized the impact on our deliverables.”

5. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

EY looks for candidates who can manage competing priorities effectively.

How to Answer

Discuss your prioritization methods, such as using a matrix to assess urgency and importance, and how you communicate with stakeholders about timelines.

Example

“I use a prioritization matrix to evaluate tasks based on their urgency and impact. I also maintain open communication with stakeholders to manage expectations and adjust priorities as needed, ensuring that critical tasks are completed on time.”

Technical Knowledge and Tools

6. What tools and techniques do you use for data analysis?

This question gauges your familiarity with analytical tools relevant to the role.

How to Answer

Mention specific tools you have experience with, such as Excel, SQL, or data visualization software, and how you apply them in your analysis.

Example

“I frequently use Excel for data analysis due to its powerful functions and pivot tables. Additionally, I utilize SQL for querying databases and Tableau for visualizing data trends, which helps in presenting insights to stakeholders effectively.”

7. How do you ensure that the solutions you propose align with business objectives?

This question assesses your ability to connect technical solutions with business goals.

How to Answer

Explain your process for aligning solutions with business objectives, including stakeholder engagement and validation of requirements.

Example

“I ensure alignment by continuously engaging with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. I validate requirements against business objectives at each stage, and I conduct regular reviews to ensure that the proposed solutions meet the strategic goals of the organization.”

Behavioral and Situational Questions

8. Tell me about a time you had to adapt to a significant change in a project.

This question evaluates your adaptability and flexibility.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a change you faced, how you adapted, and the outcome of your actions.

Example

“During a project, the client changed their requirements midway through. I quickly organized a meeting with the team to reassess our approach and re-prioritize tasks. By adapting our strategy, we were able to meet the new requirements without delaying the project timeline.”

9. What motivates you to work in the consulting field?

This question helps interviewers understand your passion for the role.

How to Answer

Discuss your interest in problem-solving, working with diverse clients, and the impact you can make through consulting.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems and help organizations improve their operations. Consulting allows me to work with diverse clients and industries, which keeps my work dynamic and fulfilling.”

10. Why do you want to work at EY?

This question assesses your knowledge of the company and your alignment with its values.

How to Answer

Express your admiration for EY’s commitment to integrity, diversity, and innovation, and how these values resonate with your career goals.

Example

“I admire EY’s commitment to building a better working world and its focus on integrity and diversity. I believe that my values align with EY’s mission, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects that drive positive change.”