We caught up with Ellie Shapland, Finance Intern in London, about their experience at Expedia Group.
Tell us about your team
I’m part of the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Division in the Expedia for Business division, working with a wide team covering Demand, Supply, and Central FP&A. The team works to analyze data retrieved from the accounting team to be able to forecast for the future. The team looks at a wide variety of Key Performance Indicators and must consider seasonal changes, changes within Expedia Group, as well as macroeconomic changes out of our control, such as Covid-19. The team’s work is vital in analyzing how are partners and the industry is performing.
Tell us about your role
Throughout my internship, I have been working on a contract database for EG’s Car and Air partners. This database will work to make analysis for the team more efficient and allow them to check if the terms are being followed (an example of this is the commission rates and making sure EG is getting the correct amount from our partners). This led me to deep-diving into contracts and working with people outside my team which helped me build more connections alongside helping with the completion of my project. Alongside the project, I attend team meetings to better my understanding of the field.
What skillsets do you think are required to be successful in your role?
Good analytical skills are definitely needed. In Finance, you spend most of your time looking at Excel spreadsheet and you need to be able to understand and interpret them. As well as this, good communication and being proactive are super important so you feel comfortable asking for help when needed, but can also work independently to get the work done.
What technologies/tools do you work with?
We use an array of technology in Finance which is even different for the various lines of business that are analyzed. Alongside Excel, I have been using Hyperion, SQL, Looker and Thinkcell, which were all new to me when I started. Something that helped me was that EG have great IT support, so when I did struggle with a download or understanding how something worked, there were already articles written or the IT Team was always on-hand.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Expedia Group?
My favourite thing about EG is the culture and the people. From the first day, I have been able to be myself and that’s down to the environment that EG provides and the others who work here.
Keen to find out more about life at Expedia Group? Head to their profile!