UK- Corporate finance (lead advisory) in smaller firm

Hi all,

I am a newly qualified big 4 charted accountant (Audit) and have been offered a position at a top 25 firm for corporate finance. I am very unsure whether to take it. The reason why I'm not staying at the Big 4 to do CF is positions are limited and  I would have to return for busy season meaning I will not be fully in CF until 2022.

The firm is in the top 25 with around £500m deal transactions in the year. Theres room to grow but I will take a pay cut (5%) but will get overtime. Im wondering am I aiming too low by going to a smaller firm and taking a pay cut? What are my prospects if I decide to leave the role after a few years? Will doing CF at a smaller firm hurt my chances else where (either in FP&A or another CF position)?

Thanks in advance