Interview Experience for Senior Specialist, SEC Reporting at Coursera

As someone who has interviewed for the Senior Specialist, SEC Reporting position at Coursera, I can provide an in-depth account of the interview process, key responsibilities, and the types of questions I encountered. The role is focused on managing SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) filings, ensuring compliance with financial reporting requirements, and providing support for Coursera’s financial transparency.

Role Overview

The Senior Specialist, SEC Reporting at Coursera is responsible for ensuring that the company complies with SEC regulations and reporting requirements, including the preparation and filing of SEC reports (e.g., 10-Q, 10-K, 8-K). The position involves a deep understanding of U.S. GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), SEC regulations, and financial reporting processes. The role plays a key part in Coursera’s financial governance, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and transparency in financial disclosures.

Key Responsibilities:

• SEC Filings: Preparation and filing of quarterly and annual SEC reports, including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K.
• Financial Reporting: Ensuring that financial statements are prepared in compliance with U.S. GAAP and SEC regulations, and coordinating with internal teams to gather relevant financial data.
• SOX Compliance: Ensuring that financial controls are in place and compliant with Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) requirements.
• Ad Hoc Reports and Analysis: Assisting with special reporting requirements, investor relations materials, and financial analysis as needed.
• Internal Collaboration: Working closely with internal stakeholders, including accounting, legal, and investor relations teams, to ensure proper reporting and compliance.
• External Auditor Coordination: Collaborating with external auditors to support the audit process and ensure that financial reports meet regulatory standards.

Interview Process

The interview process for the Senior Specialist, SEC Reporting role at Coursera is comprehensive, focusing on technical accounting knowledge, SEC reporting expertise, and alignment with Coursera’s values. Below is a detailed breakdown of the stages in my interview process:

1. Initial Screening (Recruiter Call)

The first stage was an introductory call with a recruiter. The recruiter provided an overview of the role and asked high-level questions about my background and interest in the position.

Common Questions During the Screening:

• “Why are you interested in the Senior Specialist, SEC Reporting role at Coursera?”

  • I explained my passion for financial reporting and the opportunity to contribute to Coursera’s mission of democratizing education. I also mentioned my experience with SEC filings and how I enjoy working in a regulatory-compliant environment, ensuring accuracy and transparency.

• “Can you walk me through your experience in SEC reporting?”

  • I provided examples from my past roles where I managed SEC filings, such as 10-K and 10-Q, and how I worked closely with legal and finance teams to ensure compliance. I also discussed my experience in managing financial disclosures and handling auditor requests.

Preparation Tip:

• Be prepared to articulate why you are interested in the role, especially in terms of how your experience aligns with Coursera’s mission. Highlight your knowledge of SEC filings and your experience working in compliance-heavy environments.

2. Technical Interviews (Accounting and SEC Reporting)

The next round consisted of technical interviews focused on my knowledge of accounting principles, SEC reporting requirements, and financial disclosures. This stage was designed to assess my understanding of U.S. GAAP, SEC filing requirements, and the overall financial reporting process.

Common Questions:

• “Can you explain the difference between U.S. GAAP and IFRS? How would you handle a situation where there’s a divergence between the two in a SEC filing?”

  • I discussed the key differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRS, particularly in areas like revenue recognition, lease accounting, and financial statement presentation. I explained that I would ensure full disclosure in SEC filings and work with auditors and legal teams to resolve any discrepancies before filing.

• “How do you ensure accuracy and compliance in preparing 10-K and 10-Q filings?”

  • I explained that accuracy starts with proper internal controls and data verification. I outlined my approach, which includes gathering financial data from relevant teams, ensuring consistency with internal records, reviewing calculations, and performing reconciliations. I also discussed how I would collaborate with auditors to ensure that the final report meets SEC requirements.

Sample Technical Question:

• “Walk me through the process of preparing an 8-K filing for an important corporate event.”
  • I described the steps involved in preparing an 8-K filing, including gathering the necessary data related to the event, drafting the filing in accordance with SEC guidelines, ensuring proper disclosures, and reviewing the document with legal and finance teams before submission. I also discussed the importance of timely filing and communication with the SEC to meet deadlines.

Preparation Tip:

• Review SEC reporting requirements, especially for 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K filings. Be prepared to explain the technical aspects of accounting, including GAAP compliance, and the role of financial disclosures in maintaining transparency.

3. Problem-Solving Exercise (Financial Reporting and Compliance)

In this round, I was given a practical scenario where I had to assess financial data, identify compliance issues, and determine how to handle a reporting challenge. This exercise was designed to assess my ability to apply technical knowledge in a real-world context.

Example Problem:

• “You are preparing the 10-Q filing, and there is a discrepancy in the revenue figures between two departments. How would you resolve this issue?”
  • I explained that I would first investigate the source of the discrepancy by reviewing the data from both departments and understanding the nature of the issue. I would work closely with the accounting and operations teams to reconcile the figures, ensuring that all data is accurate and consistent with the company’s accounting policies. If necessary, I would adjust the reporting or make a note in the filing to ensure full transparency.

Preparation Tip:

• Practice problem-solving scenarios that require you to handle discrepancies in financial data, ensure compliance with reporting regulations, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

4. Behavioral Interviews (Team Fit and Leadership)

The behavioral interviews focused on assessing how I would fit within Coursera’s culture, how I handle working under pressure, and how I collaborate with various teams, including legal, finance, and auditing teams.

Sample Behavioral Questions:

• “Tell me about a time when you had to handle a tight deadline for an SEC filing. How did you manage your time and ensure everything was accurate?”

  • I shared a specific instance where I had to manage an expedited filing deadline. I outlined my approach to breaking the task into manageable steps, prioritizing high-impact areas, and ensuring that all necessary data was reviewed and reconciled. I also mentioned how I kept the team updated and communicated regularly to ensure everything was on track.

• “Describe a time when you worked with cross-functional teams to resolve a financial reporting issue. How did you approach the situation?”

  • I provided an example where I worked with the accounting, legal, and product teams to ensure compliance with SEC guidelines for a new product line. I explained how I facilitated communication, addressed concerns from each department, and ultimately delivered a compliant and accurate report.

Preparation Tip:

• Reflect on your experiences with team collaboration, particularly in high-pressure situations where you had to deliver regulatory reports on time. Think about how you handle deadlines, cross-functional communication, and leadership.

5. Final Interview (Cultural Fit and Alignment with Coursera’s Mission)

The final interview stage typically involved senior leadership and focused on understanding how I align with Coursera’s values, culture, and mission. Interviewers wanted to assess my ability to communicate complex ideas, work cross-functionally, and contribute to the company’s overall success.

Example Questions:

• “How do you ensure a strong internal control environment when preparing SEC filings?”

  • I explained that I ensure a strong internal control environment by working closely with the accounting team to document and review processes, implement checks and balances, and establish procedures for reviewing financial data. I also emphasized the importance of training staff and ensuring accountability.

• “Why do you want to work at Coursera, and how do you see yourself contributing to the company’s success?”

  • I discussed Coursera’s mission to make education accessible worldwide and how I am passionate about supporting this goal through financial transparency and regulatory compliance. I expressed how my skills in SEC reporting and cross-functional collaboration would contribute to Coursera’s continued growth and success.

Preparation Tip:

• Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with Coursera’s values. Think about how you can contribute to Coursera’s mission while ensuring the accuracy and transparency of their financial reporting.

Skills and Attributes Coursera Values

For the Senior Specialist, SEC Reporting role, Coursera looks for candidates with:

• Deep Knowledge of SEC Reporting: Expertise in preparing and filing SEC reports (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K) in compliance with SEC regulations.
• GAAP and Financial Reporting: Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting standards, and the ability to ensure compliance in SEC filings.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with accounting, legal, investor relations, and audit teams to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Attention to Detail: High attention to detail, especially when managing complex financial data and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Leadership and Communication: Strong leadership skills and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.