Finance Leadership Development Program

Ciena; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Ciena’s Finance Development Program (FDP) in Maple Lawn, MD is a three-year, rotational track designed to develop high-potential early career professionals for future leadership roles within the Finance organization.

Participants rotate through Accounting, FP&A, Commercial Management, Tax, Treasury, Internal Audit, and Investor Relations, building a broad foundation in financial operations and strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, or related field.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated leadership potential through projects, competitions, or student groups.

Responsibilities

• Complete a minimum of three rotational assignments across multiple finance disciplines.
• Support financial analysis, forecasting, reporting, and business decision support activities.
• Develop understanding of Ciena’s financial systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Participate in cross-functional projects that drive business and operational improvements.
• Build professional relationships with finance leaders, mentors, and business partners.
• Gain exposure to finance processes, systems, and business operations through rotations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Leadership potential

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Excel

Financial systems

Job description

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We’re a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well-being—on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters.

Our comprehensive, approximately three-year, Maple Lawn, MD based Finance Development Program (FDP) is designed to prepare high-potential early career professionals for future leadership opportunities within Ciena’s Finance organization. The program provides hands‑on experience across multiple finance disciplines while building a strong foundation in financial operations, business partnership, and strategic decision-making.

As a participant in this structured development program, you will complete a number of rotational assignments of varying lengths. Rotations may include opportunities within:

• Accounting
• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
• Commercial Management
• Tax
• Treasury
• Internal Audit
• Investor Relations

How you will make an impact:

• Complete a minimum of three rotational assignments across multiple finance disciplines.
• Support financial analysis, forecasting, reporting, and business decision support activities.
• Develop an understanding of Ciena’s financial systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Participate in cross-functional projects that drive business and operational improvements.
• Build professional relationships with finance leaders, mentors, and business partners throughout the organization.
• Gain exposure to finance processes, systems, and business operations through rotational experiences.
• Participate in mentorship, networking, and development opportunities that support professional growth.

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated academic achievement and leadership potential.
• Desire to learn and take on new challenges.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and communicate recommendations
• Experience leading or contributing to team projects, case competitions, student organizations, research initiatives, or other collaborative efforts.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated curiosity and aptitude for using AI, automation, and emerging technologies to improve financial analysis, streamline processes, enhance reporting, and support data-driven decision-making.

Nice to haves:

• Internship, co-op, or work experience in Accounting, Finance, FP&A, Treasury, Tax, Audit, or related business functions.
• Experience analyzing data and presenting insights.
• Familiarity with financial reporting concepts and business processes.
• Demonstrated leadership through campus activities, student organizations, athletics, or community involvement.
• Interest in pursuing a long-term career within corporate finance and financial leadership.

Pay:

The annual salary for this position is $80,000 USD.

Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations, reflecting our diverse products, industries, and lines of business. Please note that the pay range information provided in this posting pertains specifically to the primary location, which is the top location listed in case multiple locations are available.

Non-Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

Ciena is anEqual Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.