PubCo FP&A + CorpDev Role

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know about transitioning to a public company FP&A + CorpDev role from PE:

1. Preparing for the Interview

• Technical Skills: Be ready to demonstrate strong financial modeling, valuation, and Excel skills. These are critical for both FP&A and CorpDev roles, especially in a public company setting.
• Behavioral Questions: Prepare to explain why you’re transitioning from PE to FP&A/CorpDev. Highlight your desire for better work-life balance, long-term career growth, and interest in strategic finance.
• Company-Specific Research: Understand the company’s industry, recent M&A activity, and financial performance. Public companies often value candidates who can speak to their specific challenges and opportunities.
• FP&A Focus: Be prepared to discuss budgeting, forecasting, and working cross-functionally with other departments. FP&A roles often require a holistic understanding of the business.
• CorpDev Focus: Expect questions about M&A processes, due diligence, and strategic decision-making. Highlight your deal experience from PE and how it translates to CorpDev.

2. Pros and Cons of the Role

Pros:

• Work-Life Balance: Public company FP&A + CorpDev roles typically offer better hours compared to PE.
• Job Security: Public companies often provide more stability and clearer promotion paths.
• Skill Diversification: You’ll gain exposure to both operational finance (FP&A) and strategic initiatives (CorpDev), which can broaden your career options.
• Impactful Work: CorpDev roles allow you to work on strategic projects like M&A, while FP&A gives you insight into the company’s financial health and decision-making.

Cons:

• Compensation: Expect a pay cut compared to PE, though this varies by company and location.
• Pace of Work: The work may feel slower or less dynamic compared to the high-pressure environment of PE.
• Repetitive Tasks: FP&A roles can involve routine reporting and forecasting, which might feel less exciting than deal-making.

3. Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• FP&A Tasks: Budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and preparing financial reports for senior management.
• CorpDev Tasks: Supporting M&A transactions, conducting due diligence, building financial models, and preparing presentations for potential deals.
• Collaboration: You’ll work closely with other departments (e.g., operations, marketing) to align financial goals with business strategy.
• Ad-Hoc Projects: Expect to handle strategic initiatives like market entry analysis, pricing strategy, or process improvements.

4. Title and Level

With 2 years in IB and 3 years in PE, you’re well-positioned for a Manager or Senior Manager role. Titles can vary by company, but your experience should place you at a mid-to-senior level. Be prepared to negotiate based on your deal experience and technical expertise.

5. Additional Advice

• Highlight Your PE Experience: Emphasize your ability to analyze businesses holistically, manage complex transactions, and work under pressure. These skills are highly transferable to FP&A and CorpDev.
• Cultural Fit: Public companies often prioritize candidates who align with their corporate culture. Show enthusiasm for the company’s mission and values.
• Long-Term Vision: Be clear about your goals for the transition, such as work-life balance and career growth, but frame them positively (e.g., “I’m excited to contribute to a company’s long-term strategy”).

This transition aligns well with your goals of better hours, job security, and a more balanced lifestyle. Good luck with the interview!

Sources: Q&A: Private Equity Portfolio Company CFO, Q&A: Private Equity Portfolio Company CFO, Q&A: Returning to PE After a Year and a Half at a Series C Startup, Corporate Development Manager - Q&A, CorpDev to PE prospects - creating a long-term map / success stories