Finance Development Program (FDP) Participant – Financial Leadership Development

Job Description

Finance Leadership Development Program | Ciena

The Tone:
This is a full-time, comprehensive approximately three-year development program at Ciena, located in Maple Lawn, MD. Ciena is a global leader in high-speed connectivity, building the critical infrastructure that powers the AI era. This program is designed to prepare high-potential early career professionals for future leadership opportunities within Ciena’s Finance organization. Participants will gain hands-on experience across multiple finance disciplines, building a strong foundation in financial operations, business partnership, and strategic decision-making.

The TL;DR
• Role: Development Program Participant
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person Maple Lawn, MD
• Pay: $80000 yearly
• Team: Rotational Finance Teams
• Mission: Prepare high-potential early career professionals for future finance leadership opportunities within Ciena.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Rotational Assignments: Execute a minimum of three rotational assignments across diverse finance disciplines, which may include Accounting, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Commercial Management, Tax, Treasury, Internal Audit, and Investor Relations.
• Financial Support: Provide support for financial analysis, forecasting, reporting, and business decision support activities.
• Process Understanding: Build a foundational understanding of Ciena’s financial systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Project Participation: Engage in cross-functional projects focused on driving business and operational improvements.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate professional relationships with finance leaders, mentors, and business partners across the organization.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. This is an early career role designed for high-potential professionals.
• Experience: Demonstrated academic achievement and leadership potential. Proven ability to lead or contribute to team projects, case competitions, student organizations, research initiatives, or other collaborative efforts.
• Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated aptitude for using AI, automation, and emerging technologies to enhance financial analysis and decision-making.
• Bonus: Internship, co-op, or work experience in Accounting, Finance, FP&A, Treasury, Tax, Audit, or related business functions. Familiarity with financial reporting concepts and business processes. Interest in a long-term career within corporate finance and financial leadership.