- Tenure over Merit - the company is renowned to favor employees who have worked for years over young, ambitious innovators / leaders that bring fresh ideas to the table. Most likely as a result of incumbent leadership who have stayed with the company over 20-30 years. In dire need of younger leaders. Fingers crossed.
- Lowest salary ( NO bonus for Fin )for Fin analyst / Senior analyst in the market (Offsetting the inflated salary and bonuses for Directors and above )
A Fin analyst/ Senior Fin analyst within FP&A makes the lowest paid by any retailer ( let alone the broader market than includes the Big Four/ Fin services / Pharma). Most of my colleagues left and were offered 40% more as a starting salary.
Given Q1 results (comp of 0.5% stock price down app. 20%) the CFO has most likely implemented a hiring freeze. Expect a very low y/y increase.
- Extremely Long hours - Monday start at 7:00 ( FP&A), all other days mostly 8-6:30/ 7z Quarter end and month ends you'll leave around 7-8 for a week or two (forgoe your summer Friday's) Based on this the per hour salary is extremely non competitive. Expensing a taxi home is generally frowned upon. Especially during slower quarters when travel and wages get hit the hardest.
- No opportunity for personal growth/ system training/ technical advancement/ outside learning.
- Annual Review process needs a refresh - even if you score an Exceptional overall. Should the company miss its performance expectations (you will be knocked down a grade or two. ). Can be de motivational.
Overall, good exposure but can mis fire if you don't play by the rules. Company culture within Corporate needs a refresh. My advice - consider your options carefully. If retail is where you want to be, explore and interview a few places before deciding.
