Should I make the switch from financial advisory to corporate? I still enjoy the work here but new offer is for a 50% increase.

So I've been in a financial advisory (mostly strategy, infrastructure projects) unit of a Big 4 for about 4 years. I received a call recently from a headhunter for a role in the strategy department of a large corporate. Went for the interview and managed to secure an offer that is 50% higher than my current basic, because it would have taken me much to move - and they have better benefits.

To be honest I'm still enjoying my work, and I would definitely learn more and add onto my resume here. Hours are long but I don't mind the hours so much.

How restrictive is internal strategy in terms of a future career path? By moving into internal strategy, what sort of corporate times would be available to me in future? Would I aim then to be a CSO of a corporate instead of a CFO?

If I were to stay in my current role, I could see my options being open for both finance or strategy if I were to move out later on in future, as opposed to now. Would it be smart to reject the new offer on the basis of experience in a big 4 being worth more in future?

3 Comments
 

For financial advisory that depends (I'm more familiar with independent financial advisory firms so the work/lifestyle may be a bit different for you), TBH, headhunting opportunities will continue you to come after this one. Here's what would help, could you tell a bit more about you're current work, as far as what you enjoy about it (besides the team/people) and what you frankly are bored about?

I also still can't glean what you're looking in this new opportunity. In other words, you said the offer 50% above current, there had to be a reason that you interviewed in the first place (be honest). What was it? That'd give others a better idea of why you'd take the offer/willing to exit your current job.

 
Best Response

My current work - I'm in the infrastructure team of a Big 4. To sum up what we do: pre-feasi/ feasi studies, business case development, through to procurement and project finance. So the projects I'm involved in are, while focused on infrastructure industry (power plants, ports, roads, water agencies, etc), can be quite broad - ranging from performing feasy studies/business case development (more strat work) through to building or reviewing complex financial models as part of project finance.

I enjoy the exposure to various projects and different clients. Which keeps things interesting and I feel like I'm always learning.

However... The pay I'm currently getting isn't great. I'm not happy with remuneration. So in terms of what made me go for the interview itself, I wanted to know what I could be getting outside. The work does sound interesting, but I'm not sure how much I would like it compared to what I'm currently doing.

 

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