Professional Identity and Practice: Finance Manager Role Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of professional identity and practice, focusing on a finance manager role within the Lakeside International Hotel. It begins with an overview of professional identity, its components, and the company background. The report details the benefits of ongoing professional development, expected skills for the finance manager position, and an evaluation of personal skills, competencies, and abilities. It then explores various learning theories and approaches used for personal and professional development, including the Honey and Mumford learning style, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and Kolb's learning theory. A development plan is created to enhance identified skills and competencies, followed by a discussion of a job interview process and an evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses. The report concludes with a summary of key findings and insights, offering a practical guide to professional development and career advancement.

PROFESSIONAL
IDENTITY AND
PRACTICE

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK...............................................................................................................................................3
Company overview......................................................................................................................3
Determine the benefits of on-going professional development...................................................4
Determine professional employer expectation of skills for specific job role..............................4
Evaluate personal skills, competencies and abilities for particular job role................................5
Define range of learning theories and approaches used for personal and professional
development.................................................................................................................................7
Create development plan for enhancement of skills and competencies......................................9
Design and undertake a job interview for selected service industry.........................................11
Evaluate strengths and weakness of applied interview process.................................................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

INTRODUCTION
Professional identity is an approach which helps in determining the professional self-
concept which involves different elements such as- motives, believes, attributes, experience and
values. The concept of professional identity also focuses on the opinions of an individual and
how an individual perceive themselves in their job (Barnhoorn and et.al, 2019). One of the most
crucial component of professional identity development are- mentoring, critical thinking,
experience, goal orientation, commitment towards profession, perception of a professional
environment and professional socialization. The professional identity is used as a degree which
supports an individual in determining their professional group (Barbara-i-Molinero and et.al,
2017). Lakeside international hotel was established by Bob Potter in 1988. It is a 3-star hotel in
Surrey, United Kingdom. This traditional hotel is along Wharfenden Lake and is mostly visited
by businessman and patron's for attending shows at Lakeside country club. The reports define
various benefits of ongoing professional development and identification of expected skills for a
specific job role. The report will quote range of learning theories and approaches that helps in
personal and professional development and will identify personal skills, abilities and
competencies for performing assigned job role in specific industry. The report also involves a
development plan which will be followed for personal and professional development and how
interview process is depicted and strength and weakness of applied interview process is also
quoted in the report below.
TASK
Company overview
Lakeside international hotel was established by Bob Potter in 1988 and is a 3-star hotel in
Surrey, United Kingdom. The hotel offers 98 ensuite rooms, gym area, free parking, pool, bar
and restaurant, organize corporate lunches and dinners, christmas parties, conferences,
exhibition, trade shows, meeting facilities and wide range of events which can be organized in
the hotel. Lakeside international hotel focuses on hiring expert staff which can ensure seamless
experience to the customers and meet all business needs, personal comfort and ensure that all
facilities such as- dry cleaning, hair dryer, room services, Wi-Fi, laundry services, newspaper,
lift, baggage storage, complimentary breakfast, television for entertainment, telephone and many
other services are provided to the customers.

Determine the benefits of on-going professional development
Professional development is a continuous never ending process of constant learning and
enhancing knowledge, skills and competencies that can support in tapping more career and
professional growth opportunities. It can be seen that personal and professional development can
lead to many advantages and some of the key benefits of ongoing professional development are
discussed below:
 Incline in employability- Professional development is a constant development process
which ensures enhancement of skills, competencies and qualities of an individual that can
offer more employment opportunities and better career growth (Best and Williams,
2018). Through professional development, an organisation can improve employee
performance which can result in greater employability and good career growth.
 Skilled workforce or labor- Professional development plan is the concept which ensures
an organisation have skilled labor for performing the assigned job roles. As by following
a professional development plan, an organisation can improve the skills, knowledge and
competencies of the employees that can help them in performing the job role effectively.
By giving regular training to employees, it can enhance their efficiency, improve their
knowledge and more skilled employees can participate in managerial activities that can
enhance overall productivity of organisation.
 Intrinsic motivation- Professional development plan acts as a medium that can boost
employee morale and interest in their job which directly influences the performance and
employees are more willing to perform effectively for achievement of organisational
objectives that can also help them in effective career growth opportunities.
Determine professional employer expectation of skills for specific job role
For this project report, the chosen hotel is Lakeside international hotel and the job role is
of Finance Manager (Best and Williams, 2019). As a finance manager, the skills and core
competencies which are required to perform roles and responsibilities are described below:
 Leadership- Finance manager is the supervisor of finance department who must focus on
regularly monitoring all financial transactions of the company that can support them in
managing the budgets, expenses and all financial resources of the hotel. With the help of

effective leadership, a Finance Manager can direct the team, delegate all work and will
ultimately support in avoiding excess usage of monetary resources.
 Communication- Finance Manager have to work with different offices and departments
and communication is the effective key that can help them in ensuring good coordination
in the business (Binyamin, 2018). With the help of an effective communication, a finance
manager can build and maintain the financial position of company in the industry.
 Mathematical proficiency- As a Finance Manager, you must have proper knowledge of
algebra mathematics and strong mathematical proficiency that supports in managing all
financial transactions, international finance and determine all financial documents of the
company.
 Problem solving ability- As a Finance Manager, it is the responsibility of manager and
whole team to determine the financial risk that can adversely affect the business position
and through strong problem solving ability of finances, a manager can plan effective
strategies that can help in resolving issues which can negatively influence business
position and financial stability of company in the industry (Dadich and et.al, 2015).
Evaluate personal skills, competencies and abilities for particular job role
In the given scenario, I want to become a Finance Manager and in relation to that I must
identify my strengths and weakness that can support me in excelling in my career and following
my career path. With the help of self-assessment skills and competencies, various soft and hard
skills are evaluated and described below:
STRENGTHS
 Motivation- By being highly
motivated and optimistic, this has
been a strength which supported in
performing all activities within the
business. Motivation is acted as a
strength that supported in creating and
maintaining a positive workforce that
positively influence the performance
of individual and overall organisation.
WEAKNESS
 Lack of time management.
 Lack of technical knowledge.
 Leadership.
 Poor decision making ability.

 Strategic planning- Strategic
planning acts as a strength as this skill
supported in planning all activities of
business in effectively meeting the
organisational objectives.
 Communication skills- With the help
of effective two-way communication
skill, this has been a strength for
sharing and transferring all important
information and data that can support
in building strong relationships and
effective decision making and meeting
organisational objectives and timely
manner.
 Budgeting and managing finances-
The ability to manage all financial
resources and create budgets has been
a strength for effective utilization of
all financial resources and the avoid
unnecessary and excess expenses that
can affect the position of company.
The ability to manage all funds and
financial resources has been a strength
for strengthening the financial
position.
 Management of risk- This skill has
been a strength, as it supports in
determining risk factors through
effective market analysis and form
effective decisions that can help in
facing risk and challenges which are

responsible for creating an adverse
impact. This strength has helped in
facing challenges and minimize the
negative impact of identified risk
factors.
 Teamwork skill- This ability has
acted as a strength for working in a
team and encouraged in forming
effective decisions for achieving
organisational objectives and
maintaining performance standards.
With the help of effective team
working ability, this has helped in
improving organisational performance
and productivity and lead to a more
successful and profitable organisation.
OPPORTUNITIES
 Enhanced knowledge of hospitality
operations.
 Effective and optimum utilization of
resources.
 Improved leadership skills and boosts
confidence.
 Better career growth opportunity and
job position.
THREATS
 Increased competition level.
 Rapid change in technology.
 Frequent changes in policies and
programs.
Define range of learning theories and approaches used for personal and professional
development
Professional development process is an approach that support in improving occupational
status. The professional development plan involves decision making for supporting long time
learning which is aligned with the objective of a person for their career and professional growth

(González-Calvo and Fernández-Balboa, 2018). Learning can be done through various mediums
which involves various theories, ideologies and models that can enhance skills, knowledge and
competencies of a person and some of these personal and professional learning theories are
discussed below:
 Honey and Mumford learning style- This learning theory was given by Peter Honey
and Alan Mumford. This learning theory is based on four distinct learning styles and
preference of cell which is based on activist, theorist, pragmatist and reflector. The
Honey and Mumford learning style is based on the fundamental that observation helps in
learning (Liu and Geertshuis, 2021). This learning style is a continuous process that relies
on experience observation, active experimentation, reflective observation, perception and
conclusion of a person which can be derived from their observation experience and
perception.
 Bloom’s Taxonomy- This learning theory was given by Benjamin Bloom in his
theoretical framework for learning. The Bloom’s Taxonomy determines three factors of
learning which are- cognitive, affective and psychomotor. The cognitive domain of
Bloom's Taxonomy focuses on knowledge, critical thinking and comprehension of a
specific subject. The affective factor defines how people emotionally react and involve
which happens at behavior level and this domain focuses on and handling awareness,
improving emotions, feelings and attitudes. The psychomotor domain of Bloom's
Taxonomy depends on skill based learning which comprises of capability to manipulate
or influence instruments related to which similar to a hand or a hammer. The major focus
of psychomotor domain is on change or development in behavior and skills.
 Kolb learning theory- This learning theory was given by David Kolb in the year 1984 in
one of his publication. This learning style comprises of 4 stages that are- concrete
learning, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization and active experimentation.
Kolb believes that people can make progress by following stages that supports them in
completing the whole process and shaping their expectations into reality. David Kolb
emphasis that learning style can be developed by demand of current environment,
lifetime experiences and due to genetics (Luft and Roughley, 2016). This learning style
focuses on imaginative and innovative measures strategies of performing all assigned job
roles and activities.

Create development plan for enhancement of skills and competencies
Professional development plan is a plan of action which quotes strategies and time
duration for development of skills, knowledge and competencies. The professional development
plan comprises of setting objectives, defining strategies, time duration, identifying current
performance standards which will be improved in the specific time span by following the
strategies mentioned in the plan. The personal and professional development is a continuous
process of improvement which supports person in enhancing their skills, knowledge,
competencies and lead to increased personal and professional development opportunities
(Matheson and Sutcliffe, 2018). Professional development plan is created on the basis of identify
the weakness and skills which needs to be enhanced. The personal and professional development
plan supports in improving existing skill set by setting short, medium and long term objectives
which will be accomplished in specific time duration and by making optimum utilization of
resources.
Personal and professional development plan for InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) as
Finance Manager
SKILLS CURRENT
LEVEL
EXPECTED
LEVEL
STRATEGY ANALYSIS TIME
DURATION
Lack of time
management.
Planning all
activities and
keeping a
detailed
calendar of
all tasks to be
completed
can aid in
successful
time
management
(Nickel and
Zimmer,
The progress
in time
management
skills may be
tracked and
assessed by
determining
if all
allocated job
roles in the
hotel are
completed
within the

2019). specified
time frame.
Poor decision
making
ability
A
constructive
way for
improving
decision-
making
talents is to
attentively
observe prior
judgments,
engage with
team
members,
anticipate
future
requirements,
use new
ways, and
communicate
effectively
(O’Shea and
McGrath,
2019).
Through
being capable
of making
productive
and creative
judgments
that can lead
to increased
corporate
profitability.
Lack of
technical
knowledge
With the aid
of a
professional
training, the
skill may be
improved by
The capacity
to fulfil all
given duties
with the use
of technology
used by the

studying and
gaining new
information,
which may
be useful in
meeting the
changing
requirements
of the
industry
(Schaible,
2018).
organisation
may be
utilized to
evaluate skill
growth.
Leadership The plan for
increasing
leadership
skills was to
research
other leaders,
learn from
them, and
grasp their
models and
strategies.
The capacity
to guide other
members and
delegate roles
and activities
that need to
be completed
may be
assessed by
reviewing
performance.
Design and undertake a job interview for selected service industry
InterContinental Hotel Group should recruit candidates who can understand customer
requirements and implement innovative and constructive ideas that can lead to maximum
customer satisfaction. The finance division of InterContinental Hotel Group is one of the
important definition which supports in maintaining organisational performance, business
financial position, management of money, design strategies and implement those strategies for
maintaining the competitive position of the organisation in hospitality sector (Sharpless and et.al,

2015). For conducting the interview for the vacant job position of a Finance Manager and to
identify the right candidate for the position, there are different set of questions which must be
answered by the candidates for getting selected. Some of the questions which are asked in the
interview for the job position of a Finance Manager in InterContinental Hotel Group mentioned
below:
1. What skills and qualities makes you suitable candidate for working as a Finance
Manager in IHG?
I worked for Hilton for 7 years as Senior Finance Manager and Chief and I have
appropriate knowledge and experience of managing all financial funs and movement of
cash. I can make appropriate use of my knowledge, learnings, skills and experience of my
7 years for this job and will focus on ensuring business progress by which the financial
stability and financial position of the InterContinental Hotel Group can be maintained and
business can gain competitive advantage. I am suitable for this job role in the
organisation as I am looking forward to work with the group and enhance my knowledge
and get an opportunity to work with the company. While working in Hilton, I used to
manage a team of 15 employees and regularly guide and monitor their performance by
which we can ensure progress towards the achievement of organisational objective and
maintain business profitability.
2. Define major roles and responsibilities of Finance Manager in hospitality sector?
As a finance manager, the roles and responsibility within a hospitality sector involves-
management of all financial transactions, managing flow of cash that can help in
fulfilling requirements of all departments of the organisation. As each division of
business will require financial and monetary funds for successfully operating and such
requirements are fulfilled by the incharge or Finance Manager by analyzing the demands.
As a Finance Manager, the control over all activities and regularly monitoring the
transaction of business will support the whole organisation in maintaining the financial
position of hotel in the industry and hospitality sector.
3. According to you, why financial plans are important and how they contribute in
making business successful?
Financial plans are considered important in the corporation as they are created with the
purpose of ensuring the financial stability and all requirements of the company, allowing

them to retain their competitive and financial position in the marketplace. These financial
plans developed by Finance chiefs helps the management in eliminating waste,
effectively using resources, allocating budgets, and lowering costs, all of which can
support an organization to sustain its place in the marketplace.
4. What knowledge you have about cash flow and how you can manage different
operations of business?
Cash flow refers to the inflow, outflow, and flow of money. Managing working capital is
an essential tool for ensuring that a business succeeds and lasts for a long time. Focusing
on all assets, liabilities, and costs and organisation will require monetary funding to
manage such resources, as well as the ability to closely monitor and control such
resources, which will aid in the management of the organization's cash and budgets.
Evaluate strengths and weakness of applied interview process
The organisation should keep track of its employees' performance, as this will help them
in discovering their strengths and weaknesses and provide them with vital feedback that will help
them improve their performance. The assessments were distributed to a large number of
employees, assisting them in attaining the necessary performance requirements. Employee
information was reviewed based on their financial inquiries, where they assured a rapid and
precise answer, which would aid in improving the method and improving overall organisation
and presentation (Thomas and Mockler, 2018). The employer must review the mentioned
information briefly in order to have a better insight of the employee's abilities, competence, and
shortcomings, and therefore be able to provide essential skills to develop and strengthen skills,
knowledge, and competence.
Different procedures and standards are used by the business, which are more efficient for
workers to apply and perform efficiently in order to meet the required goals and objectives. All
workers must adopt an innovative and productive strategy that will assist them in the successful
exploitation of resources, which may be a step toward advancement and overall business
productivity; such assessments were based on the employees' experience and expertise.
Employees must be provided with the necessary raw materials so that they may deliver their
work in a professional manner, and the organisation as a whole may succeed (Tinkler and et.al,
2018). With the support of an experienced and professional personnel, the company must be able

to satisfy the needs of their customers on a daily basis, while also focusing on growth via
continuous learning and development. The corporation provided experience letters to employees,
which served as vital documentation for their career advancement and improved job
opportunities.
CONCLUSION
From the report and above information, it can be presumed that professional development
is a cycle for enhancing skills, knowledge and competencies by identifying personal abilities and
also helps in performing specific job roles and responsibilities. With the help of a professional
development, it gives a better insight of personal skills and knowledge and different advantages
of professional development which can help in getting better employment opportunities.
Professional development plan helps in determining weaknesses and create a development plan
that can be an approach for improving weakness. A person must identify their skills, strengths
and weakness that can help them in determining their shortcomings and create effective plans
and strategies which will support in achieving all objectives and enhancing skills and knowledge
by learning that can be a benefit in professional manner.

REFERENCES
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