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Financial Leadership Program - FAQ
What is the FLP?
The Financial Leadership Program (FLP) at United Technologies Corporation (UTC) is the premier entry-level position for graduates with a bachelor's degree in finance or accounting. The FLP is a two-year rotational training program, consisting of four six-month assignments. Rotational assignments are available in the finance and accounting departments throughout the six UTC divisions. Each associate will rotate throughout three or four functional areas: Accounting, Finance, Financial Planning & Analysis and Operational Finance.
What are the qualifications of successful FLP associates?
Potential candidates should possess the following qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
- Strong academic record
- Strong analytical, communication and organizational skills
- Demonstrated leadership ability
- Ability to work in team-oriented positions
- Good sense of time management
How does the recruiting process work?
The FLP recruits at 10 target universities and college campuses for full-time, intern and co-op positions. The finance management team of UTC conducts the on-campus interviews. Selected potential candidates are then brought to UTC's corporate headquarters in Connecticut for the second round interviews. December graduates start in January, whereas the May/June graduates start in July.
What kind of work will I do as an FLP associate?
Associates have the opportunity to rotate through four functional areas: Accounting, Finance, Financial Planning & Analysis, and Operational Finance. These areas are located across all of the UTC business units.
- Accounting assignments include: General Accounting, Consolidations, Government Accounting, Tax Accounting, Collaboration Accounting, Labor and Overhead Accounting
- Finance assignments include: Program Financial Control, Campaign Analysis, Internal Audit, Treasury and International Pricing
- Financial Planning & Analysis assignments require associates to provide analysis in support of planning, budget variance, forecasting, financial reporting, valuation and business analysis
- Financial Operations assignments include: Module Center, Service Center, Engine Center, Manufacturing Plants, Operations Planning and Reporting
The biggest difference in the work between the business units comes in understanding the issues, products, services and processes that are specific to each industry. Associates are not just learning corporate finance principles, but they are also contributors fulfilling key job requirements, adding value and organizing special projects as business needs arise.
What kind of training is provided?
During each six-month rotation, FLP associates attend a one-week training seminar. These seminars are designed to:
- Increase the associate's knowledge base of UTC finance and accounting topics, skills, processes and systems
- Build the internal networks necessary for effective problem solving and communications
- Prepare associates to be effective contributors quickly through exposure to the company-specific calculations, definitions, systems and methodologies
- Develop the business and managerial skill set needed to be an effective professional
UTC also provides numerous opportunities for continuing education for all employees through the Employee Scholar Program.
What kind of job-specific training is provided?
As associates move from rotation to rotation, they are responsible for cross-training each other on their rotation duties. Therefore, the associates create their own training schedules. The cross-training time period extends one month prior to the start date of the new rotation. For rotations outside of Connecticut, the training is consolidated into a one-week timeframe prior to the start date. Other job-specific training is available via the online learning portal.
What factors contribute to how rotations are assigned?
Every six months, associates will select six rotation preferences and provide reasoning for the positions they have selected. The FLP manager will weigh factors such as performance, geographical location, business unit interest and business unit needs to match associates with the most appropriate rotations. While there is no guarantee that associates will be placed in their preferred unit or location for each assignment, every effort is made to ensure the placement fits an individual's career goals. Approximately one to two months before the start of a new rotation, associates are notified where they have been placed.
Can I do an assignment outside of Finance?
The FLP rotations are almost entirely within the Finance and Accounting Departments. There may be rotations in related fields, but associates should expect to hold finance or accounting positions throughout the program.
Is it possible to work outside of the United States on the FLP?
Yes. However, international opportunities vary by business need. Currently, there are opportunities in Montreal, Singapore and the Greater London area. Although the FLP is primarily a U.S. domestic program, other international locations may be considered in the future.
How much traveling is required on program?
The FLP offers assignments in a number of locations, so associates may relocate for a six-month period. Every effort is made to accommodate location preferences; however, associates are not guaranteed relocation. Off-site associates must travel to Connecticut for each FLP training seminar. Associates will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses associated with travel.
How are FLP associates evaluated?
The FLP associates are evaluated twice during each rotation: at the mid-point and at the end. The most important factor in evaluating associates is their job performance. In each rotation, associates are evaluated by their direct functional supervisor. While participation in FLP team projects and training sessions is also taken into consideration, performance is the most important factor.
How is the FLP regarded internally at UTC?
The FLP is a premier entry-level program. UTC management and executives completely support the program and review its status monthly. FLP associates are viewed as the future finance leaders of UTC, and the FLP training and experience is greatly valued throughout the company.
What are FLP project teams?
A core initiative of the FLP program is participation on project teams. Teams were identified to focus on key elements of our program, and to improve functionality and overall contribution to the organization. Every rotation, each associate is assigned to one of the five project teams depending on the business unit. To learn more, click here.
Do the FLPs interact with each other?
Yes, in addition to working together on the project teams at each business unit, every six months associates spend a week of training together. Each new associate is also paired with an FLP mentor who currently is on the program. Moreover, there are periodic community service opportunities and social events for the associates to get together outside of work.
What are the opportunities after graduating from the program?
Upon graduation from the FLP, associates are provided with a job listing from which they may select the positions they are interested in interviewing for. The FLP prepares graduates for numerous challenging positions. Typically, the first off-program position will last approximately 18-24 months.
Please click here to e-mail any additional questions to current FLP associates.
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