Application Guide

How to Apply for Strategic Account Executive - Financial Services

at Workiva

🏢 About Workiva

Workiva is a leading cloud platform that simplifies complex reporting, including ESG, financial, and governance, for enterprises. Their focus on integrated reporting and transparency positions them at the forefront of climate impact and compliance, making it a mission-driven and innovative workplace. Working here offers the chance to be part of a company that values sustainability and cutting-edge technology.

About This Role

This role is pivotal in driving growth within Workiva's largest Financial Services accounts by expanding the adoption of the Workiva platform across various business units and use cases. You'll be a strategic partner to clients, helping them streamline reporting and meet compliance requirements, directly impacting their operational efficiency and sustainability goals. Your work will involve cross-functional collaboration and high-impact relationship building.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing your pipeline and checking in with key client stakeholders via calls or emails to understand their evolving needs. You'll likely spend time collaborating with internal teams to strategize on account opportunities, then prepare and deliver tailored presentations or demos to client executives. The role involves significant travel and networking, but the remote nature offers flexibility, with a mix of virtual meetings and occasional onsite visits.

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🎯 Who Workiva Is Looking For

  • Proven track record of exceeding sales quotas in a strategic account executive role, specifically within Financial Services or similar complex enterprise environments.
  • Deep understanding of the financial services industry, including regulatory pressures, ESG reporting trends, and the operational challenges of large institutions.
  • Experience in developing and executing strategic account plans that result in multi-solution expansion within existing accounts, not just new logo acquisition.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage C-level executives and build trusted advisor relationships.

📝 Tips for Applying to Workiva

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific examples of expanding accounts within financial services, quantifying growth and the complexity of deals you've managed.

2

In your cover letter, mention your familiarity with ESG reporting and how Workiva's platform addresses these needs, showing you've done your homework.

3

Leverage your network to find a referral within Workiva, as referrals can significantly boost your chances of getting noticed.

4

Highlight your experience collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., Solution Sales, Customer Success) to drive adoption in your previous roles.

5

When applying, incorporate keywords from the job description (e.g., 'strategic territory plan,' 'multi-solution growth,' 'executive stakeholders') to pass through ATS screening.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience in expanding existing accounts, not just acquiring new ones, and provide a specific example of a successful expansion strategy.', "Demonstrate your understanding of the financial services industry's current challenges, especially around ESG and compliance, and how Workiva's platform provides a solution.", 'Highlight your ability to build relationships with executive stakeholders and your strategic approach to account planning.', "Express enthusiasm for Workiva's mission of streamlining reporting for transparency and climate impact, aligning your personal values with the company's."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Workiva's website, especially their ESG and financial reporting solutions, to understand the full platform capabilities and messaging.
  • → Read recent news or press releases about Workiva's partnerships, product updates, or financial results to stay informed.
  • → Look up case studies or testimonials from financial services clients to understand the value proposition and typical use cases.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the competitive landscape, such as other ESG reporting platforms, to articulate Workiva's differentiators.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach developing a strategic account plan for a large financial services client to expand Workiva's footprint?
2 Describe a time you successfully expanded a product or service within an existing account. What was your strategy and how did you overcome challenges?
3 How do you stay updated on ESG reporting regulations and trends, and how would you leverage that knowledge in sales conversations?
4 Walk me through how you would engage with a C-level executive to discuss digital transformation and the value of Workiva's platform.
5 Give an example of how you collaborated with internal teams (e.g., Customer Success, Solution Engineering) to drive adoption and revenue growth.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Workiva or the specific role; show you've researched the company and its industry.
  • Don't focus solely on new business sales; this role is about expansion within existing accounts, so highlight your success in that area.
  • Avoid being vague about your experience with ESG or financial services; provide concrete examples to prove your expertise.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Workiva!

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