2027 Management Development Program - Finance, Controller (Buffalo, NY)

Job description

Program Overview:

Serves as a member of the Management Development Program (MDP) and participates in ten weeks of Core Training and one year of On-the-Job training (OJT). Core Training responsibilities include participation in classroom training, observations of departmental presentations, interaction with senior management, peer networking, and working in teams on group project assignments. OJT responsibilities vary by department and are assigned by the department manager. The position may be responsible for additional projects assigned by the department manager or Leadership Development Manager.

Department Description:

The Controller's department is responsible for a broad range of financial and operational support activities. The department works to ensure the overall integrity and timely reporting of all financial data, promote compliance with all financial regulatory requirements, maintain an adequate system of internal financial control and provide accurate financial information to support the decision-making process. The Treasury Business Unit Controller and Accounting Policy teams within the Controller’s Department ensure appropriate application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles within the financial statements of the Bank.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with business units to provide accounting advice on complex transactions and configuration of accounting subledger systems.
• Prepare accounting research and analysis for various products across the bank.
• Review and update accounting policies of the bank for new and emerging accounting standards.
• Monitor financial results, perform research, and provide explanation for month-end reviews.
• Assist with financial data interpretation, variance analysis, and problem resolution.
• Display foundational understanding of financial statements and key performance drivers.
• Prepare financial schedules, reconciliations, and reports for internal and external stakeholders (e.g., SEC, bank regulators, shareholders, Board of Directors).
• Support general ledger entries and ensure adherence to GAAP, SEC disclosure, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Participate in cross-training and support onboarding of new team members.
• Adhere to department timelines and deliverables.
• Engage in training and development opportunities across Finance.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.

HOW YOU CAN GROW YOUR CAREER:

During your time in the Controller's Office, you will gain an exceptional view of the Bank and have interactions with various constituents across Finance. You will be able to grow your career through different levels of financial analyst with the possibility of becoming a manager of a team of analysts.

Program Primary Responsibilities:

• Participate in and complete a one-year long, non-rotational training program while creating and adding value to assigned department. Receive job specific training, general training in banking, communication and leadership, and personalized coaching and feedback. Performance measures may include several objective test scores, peer and sponsor feedback from group projects, facilitator feedback, Leadership Development Manager-MDP feedback, Department Manager feedback, final assessment score, and year-end performance appraisal from Department Manager.
• Core Training - Participate in training throughout the one-year assignment to learn banking, basic financial skills, technical skills, and leadership/interpersonal skills. Develop a solid understanding of banking functions, processes, and operations.
• Group Projects - Participate in group project assignments, working with a team of their peers to build relationships within their teams as well as with project sponsors, internal and external contacts, and senior management. Teams make a presentation to senior management at the conclusion of each project providing recommendations and potential project solutions.
• On-the-Job Training - The fundamental skills taught in core training are combined with On-the-Job training based on the incumbent's assignment. Job specific training teaches departmental policies, procedures, systems, and products. Upon completion of MDP, all incumbents attain basic skills necessary to contribute as individual contributors and/or managers in their assigned department.
• Complete tasks in a manner that are compliant with applicable laws and regulations and/or that serve to help the Company be in compliance with laws and regulations that apply to the business line the position supports.
• Understand and adhere to the Company's risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company's Risk Appetite.
• Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibilities:

The Management Development Program is a non-rotational, one-year training program for recent college graduates where participants learn about sales, accounting, project management and leadership skills depending upon their career track.  Various methods of training include classroom study, divisional orientations, and teamwork on group projects.  These fundamentals are coupled with on-the-job training to allow for immediate application in the area for which the participant has been hired.

Supervisory/ Managerial Responsibilities: 
Not Applicable.

Ideal Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Accounting or MBA
• Desire to pursue CPA license
• Experience with data visualization or data querying tools (e.g., Tableau, SQL)
• Familiarity with SEC and bank regulatory reporting
• Understanding of internal control frameworks and risk management principles

Education and Experience Required: 

• Bachelor's Degree candidate at a school where M&T Bank recruits MDPs (or an MBA student with no work experience). 
• Outstanding academic credentials (GPA of 3.0 or better). 
• Up to 1 year of work experience. 
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. 
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills. 
• Demonstrated analytical skills. 
• Demonstrated computer skills. 
• Demonstrated presentation skills. 
• Demonstrated leadership abilities. 

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