Big Four Corporate Finance Offer Need Advice

Hi all,

I know there are other threads on this, but most of them are rather old and didn't have exactly what I was looking for.

I recently received an offer at a Big 4 corporate finance team (i.e. MM IBD). As all of the other threads said, the starting offer is lower than other MM IBD firms, but it was presented as a work hard play hard situation, with a great work-life balance (insane amount of vacation).

I currently work at a boutique bank and am relatively confident I could land another offer at a different MM firm. Although, it might take another 6 months.

So, here are the questions:

1.) Can any one confirm the work-life balance in Big 4 Corp Fin? Do you actually get to take the vacation, or do they just give it to you because it's a company-wide thing?

2.) Is it worth asking for a higher base? I am coming in with a little over a year of full-time experience and a pretty long list of internships.

3.) Can anyone speak to the pay increases as you move up the ranks. I was told I would be eligible for a raise at the end of the year.

4.) What is the typical bonus % range? I was told it is completely discretionary and could be as high as 100% (highly unlikely) but is more likely in the 15 - 50% range depending on performance and level.

 

1) Where are you located (US or Intl?) 2) What are your goals in the short-term: are you looking for highest pay / prestige or a solid gig with work/life balance? 3) Why are you leaving your current gig?

Worked with the Big 4 CF but wasn't part of them. I believe it'll be easier to pivot to MM/BB IBD from your current boutique (unless its tiny) than Big 4, where you're pigeonholed, rightly or wrongly, as an accountant.

 

UK perspective here so take with pinch of salt.

1) It's fine. 9-6/7 usually, later on deal crunch time. UK is different but we get 25 days which it's expected you take.

2) Not really, you will be paid within a firm-wide range for your level. 5% increase max. Give it a go but don't expect anything - your internships are fairly irrelevant for comp.

3) Annual pay increases, usually promotion linked. Look for your base to double within 3 years and then double again in another 4-5.

4) No chance of 100%. 15-20% more likely. Definitely influenced heavily by performance.

Best Response

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