Find out what it’s like to be a Marriott associate.

Home » Job Family » Finance & Accounting

From Restaurant Server to Finance Leader: A Career Built at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

Sandra, Director of Finance, with long hair and a gray top.
Courtesy of Sandra P.

Name: Sandra P.
Position: Director of Finance
Hotel: The Miami Beach EDITION

When Sandra joined The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami as a Server Attendant in 2004, she was looking for great benefits and a steady opportunity. What she found was a career that would span nearly two decades, dozens of roles, and several iconic Marriott brands across Miami.

“My career at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne was truly transformative,” Sandra says. She moved from the restaurant floor to the finance office, building deep operational expertise while growing her leadership impact. At Key Biscayne alone, she held roles as a Restaurant Server, F&B Supervisor, General Accountant, and Accounting Manager before being promoted to Senior Assistant Director of Finance, also supporting The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove.

→ Learn More About the Open Opportunities at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne

Along the way, she built a reputation for mentorship, continuous learning, and a steady hand during challenging times.

“Each step challenged me to grow professionally and personally,” she reflects. Her recognition as East Region Finance Leader of the Year in 2018 was just one milestone in a career defined by resilience and results.

Sandra, Director of Finance, standing on a balcony in front of a ski resort.
Courtesy of Sandra P.

Today, Sandra serves as Director of Finance at The Miami Beach EDITION (her third Director of Finance role!) and continues to support others in growing their careers. But no matter where her journey takes her, she says the lessons and culture at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne remain core to who she is.

What first brought you to the resort—what were you looking for in that moment of your career or life?

“The great benefits.”

What stands out most about the culture or work environment there?

“The service, strong training, and consistency.”

Can you share a guest interaction or team win that still sticks with you?

“A kid with a very severe allergy would come to eat breakfast and lunch every day with his mom. Mom would always eat the same as him to avoid the risk of him picking from her plate. During the stay, I personally took care of them, making sure all allergy restrictions were followed. They ended up having a memorable safe stay.”

Sandra, Director of Finance, sitting on a boat in front of a city.
Courtesy of Sandra P.

What kind of support or resources helped you succeed in your role?

“Multiple mentors. Finance Training. Brand Training.”

How did you see the Marriott Leadership Essentials—Be Curious, Be Courageous, Be Connected—come to life in your time at the resort?

“They are crucial for your success.”

What’s one thing you learned or experienced at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne that you have or will carry with you for your career?

“Training, and the consistency of application of the philosophy of the credo card.”

Sandra, Director of Finance, standing in front of a restaurant.
Courtesy of Sandra P.

What would you tell someone considering a role at the resort?

“‘Go for it’—it is an amazing opportunity that opens a door for much more if you put in the work.”

Anything else you’d like to share about your time at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne and/or your Marriott journey?

“This resort has a unique location, with multiple opportunities in different roles that can lead you to a great career. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is well known in the entire company for great performance.”

→ Marriott Is Hiring! Find What You’re Looking For in a Career