Controller or FP&A Manager - Choice Given And Unsure Where To Go
New to WSO, not to the industry, so I'm looking for some feedback.
Background:
- Started in tax, did a few years, left when I got my CPA
- Went private into food manufacturing, promoted to corporate accounting, promoted back into supply chain; all accounting and finance positions
- Currently the Operations Manager of Finance at their smaller manufacturing facility; I'm the only accounting manager so I do everything
I interviewed for the Controller position at a rapidly growing food manufacturer. They came back with an "odd" proposition - they want me 100%, know I would do great as the Controller, but believe I would do even better as the FP&A manager, a new position they would be creating and restructure for me. They feel my personality (inquisitive, open minded, charismatic, etc...) with my operations history would be better in this FP&A role, and also feel this is a key role for their rapidly growth. Compensation and position are the same, and both report directly to the Director of Finance. Bottom line, they are giving me the choice of position and will fill the other one anyways.
In my current position, I enjoy the managerial (aka FP&A) more then the financial (aka Controller) side; I wouldn't mind doing either position. I'm torn though as I am unsure what my future would be in FP&A while I know I could steadily grow as a Controller. Any thoughts or advice?
Would it be for the controller of the entire plant? How many people would be working under you in the managerial FP&A role? What are your long term goals?
I think this question doesn't have to do with the quality of the position as both are good opportunities, but rather the risk involved. The question here is twofold: are you willing to take a risk and are you in a situation where you can take a risk?
If you don't have a family (kids, specifically) this is a no brainer in my opinion. Take the risk. The bottom is lower but the upside is far greater from what you've included in your post. If you do have family you have to look at this a bit more carefully.
While yes, taking on a new position is a risk, I think it's in your best interest. FP&A can lead to the CFO level (though controller can too). It sounds like you'll enjoy the work more. There are plenty of exit ops. Even if it doesn't end up working out, it's another element to add to your resume, and in a direction you seem to want to go.
Short answer: I'd take the job. Don't go on my word though, you're the only one who can decide if you're willing to take a risk with your career.
Controller of what? A plant, a division, a business? If so, how big revenue wise in comparison to the size of the company? If it's one of the main plants, I'd go there.
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