Marriott Finance Leadership Development Program

Hello! Any thoughts on the program? Would it set me up for Wall Street after a few years? Possibly in Hospitality consulting or private equity?

Basically it is a 12-18 month program where I will be Assistant Director of Finance at a Marriott property. Here is the job description.

Basically I want to know if this is a good FLDP. I know it may not be like GE's or Lockheed Martins FLDP, but I want to know if it is a good opportunity and what the exit opps are?

Thank you!!

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

Assisting in Planning and Decision Making

• Assists in the development of means to improve profit, including estimating cost and benefit, exploring new business opportunities, etc.

• Analyzes information, forecasts sales against expenses and creates annual budget plans.

• Compiles information, analyzes and monitors actual sales against projected sales.

• Analyzes differences between actual budget wages and forecasted wages for more efficient budget planning.

• Identifies the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

• Assists in the creation of the annual operating budget for the property.

• Provides analytical support during budget reviews to identify cost saving and productivity opportunities for property managers.

• Assists in the implementation of a system of appropriate controls to manage business risks.

• Ensures a strong accounting and operational control environment to safeguard assets, improve operations and profitability.

• Analyzes financial data and market trends.

• Assists in the development and implementation of a comprehensive annual business plan which is aligned with the company’s and brand’s strategic direction.

• Provides on going analytical support by monitoring the operating department’s actual and projected sales.

• Produces accurate forecasts that enable operations to react to changes in the business.

Assisting in Leading Finance & Accounting Team

• Utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision making; demonstrates honesty/integrity; leads by example.

• Communicates the strategic goals, the focus and the owner priorities to subordinates in a clear and precise manner.

• Oversees internal, external and regulatory audit processes.

• Provides excellent leadership by assigning team members clear accountability backed by appropriate authority.

• Conducts annual performance appraisals with direct reports according to Standard Operating Procedures.

Anticipating and Delivering on the Needs of Key Stakeholders

• Attends meetings and communicating with the owners, understanding the priorities and strategic focus.

• Understands and meets the needs of key stakeholders (owners, corporate, guests, etc.).

• Communicates financial concepts in a clear and persuasive manner that is easy to understand and drives desired behaviors.

• Demonstrates an understanding of cash flow and owner priorities.

• Manages communication with owners in an effective manner.

• Manages property working capital and cash flow in accordance with brand SOPs and owner requirements.

• Facilitates critique meetings to review information with management team.

Developing and Maintaining Finance and Accounting Goals

• Ensures Profits and Losses are documented accurately.

• Monitors all taxes that apply, ensuring that taxes are current, collected and/or accrued.

• Submits reports in a timely manner, ensuring delivery deadlines.

• Develops and supports achievement of performance goals, budget goals, team goals, etc.

• Improves profit growth in operating departments.

• Reviews audit issues to ensure accuracy.

Managing Projects and Policies

• Generates and provides accurate and timely results in the form of reports, presentations, etc.

• Reconciles balance sheet to ensure account balances are supported by appropriate documentation in accordance with SOPs.

• Ensures that the P&L is accurate (e.g., costs are properly matched to revenue, costs are recorded in the proper accounts).

• Ensures compliance with management contract and reporting requirements.

• Ensures compliance with standard and local operating procedures (SOPs and LSOPs).

• Ensures compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Managing and Conducting Human Resource Activities

• Ensures team members are cross-trained to support successful daily operations.

• Ensures property policies are administered fairly and consistently.

• Ensures new hires participate in the department’s orientation program.

• Ensures new hires receive the appropriate new hire training to successfully perform their job.

• Creates appropriate development plans which develop team members based on their individual strengths, development needs, career aspirations and abilities.

• Conducts performance review process for employees.

• Participates in hiring activities as appropriate.