Audit To M&A - Help!! - GS/Citi Finance Controller Vs Internal Transfer To M&A.

Hi All,

Hope You're all keeping well.

I'm in a bit of a Limbo and throught to throw my situation out here in the hopes of gaining some wisdom. The title pretty much says it all. I am currently an audit senior at B4, and like most people, I'm dead sick of audit after 3 years and looking to move out ASAP.

I decided years back that my next move would be an internal one to M&A with the main aim of ending up in BB IB or elite Boutique and I have since initiated the internal process within my firm.

The dilemma now is that the two BB (one being the big G) have contacted me twice in the past few weeks about joining them in finance as product controller (PC) and they seem really keen. The sound of GS on my CV is really tempting (i consider them the Top) and i guess what I'm trying to find out here is if its advisable to join GS as a PC in the hopes of making it to front office or just keep pushing for M&A within my firm in the hopes of breaking out.

I'm also looking to hear from people who have done either moves. Any one ever done PC roles before?

My background: I have my Accounting Qual + MSc (finance related) from Top business school + Current CFA Level II Candidate + Some very fancy National and Global academic achievements. I'm also well rated within my firm.

looking to hear from you.

Thanks

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

If you're hoping to move to BB in product control and then transfer internally to IB, I think that's extremely difficult. Moving between front office functions at a BB is more common. The only thing you'd gain is a BB on your CV but reputation only carries you so far. If you've already got big 4 on the CV, you already have a tick in the box in terms of working for a reputable firm.

My experience is a 1 year placement in a back office role at a BB. Many people told me to apply for the full time role, do CFA and then move to front office. I never applied for the full time role because I couldn't do 3 years in a back office role (nothing against them, I just didn't find it interesting).

I landed a role at a small AM firm in equity research and did 1.5 years there. I'm now getting interviews at elite boutiques for equity research and in every single interview they ONLY ask about my experience at the small AM. Nobody has asked me anything about my 1 year experience at a BB, simply because it wasn't in a relevant function.

I would personally pursue a move internally to M&A and then try and make your move. Just my 2 cents! Good luck with it whatever you decide to pursue.

 

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