Strategic Finance Compensation + Progression?
Does anyone have any data points for compensation for Strategic Finance roles at $1B+ pre-IPO tech startups? I imagine it's significantly lower than IB, but am curious to know by how much at each level.
I'm interviewing for a Strategic Finance Associate role (2-4 years IB experience) in SF and not sure what I should answer if asked about desired comp.
Hi Analyst 2 in IB - Gen, hope I can help. Do any of these links cover what you're looking for:
More suggestions...
Fingers crossed that one of those helps you.
Chicago-based pre-IPO tech startup here: entered my current strategic finance role with 2 years of post undergrad experience (M&A) at $90K base. 2 years and 2 promotions later I'm at $115K.
Thanks, stumbled upon your previous threads (linked for anyone curious) and they were very helpful. Unfortunately, not too many data points out there!
A couple of follow-ups if you don't mind answering:
1. Roughly what stage is your current company (Series A/B/C/D+)?
2. Did you receive any equity when you joined your company / as part of your annual bonus?
3. Do you think Chicago companies pay less than SF/NYC for Strategic Finance roles?
1. We're Series C
2. No equity at my level, they only gave equity to VP+ / very early joiners
3. Not 100% sure, I'm actually trying to figure this out myself, but I would hope that SF/NYC roles at my level pay at least $120K+ (salary only)
Opus has some good resources - 2020 unfortunately doesn't break out by location but 2019 (Google Drive link) does:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nF8wPb7tw5LrH7yGvw1TXh2XC6DZiG9W/view
https://www.joinopus.com/startup-compensation-guide
Personally just locked in 185 base at a Series B company in SF, coming in as senior manager level. Did interview at a # of places for more associate level roles as well (hey, can't be too picky) and I'd say ~125 is a pretty common target for strat fin associates. Anything past 135 is going to be difficult generally speaking unless you move later stage.
We’re you in IB before? If so, what level?
3 years IB (A2A), 2.5 years PE (sr. associate)
Aw, too bad they don't list equity/bonus - any thoughts on what that looks like by level? Thanks.
Unfortunately I don’t, sorry!
What was your all-in offer if able to share? I have a few years post-MBA associate (would be VP next year) at top group and was recently offered ~250 all in for a bit later stage private company in SF. Trying to get a feel if that’s on market.
185 + 5k (units, not $ value) in options, standard 4 year vest + annual refreshes.
Working in a Strategy Finance role at a late-stage, Series D FinTech company in NYC (working remote out of state, however). Entered with 2.5 years of FP&A experience at well known tech company (not FAANG) and top CPG firm at $115k base, no sign-on, no annual bonus, ~$20k options w/ standard 4 year vest and 1 year cliff + annual refreshes.
$20K options/year or $20K options with 4 year vest (essentially 5k/year)?
Bump - any 2024/5 data points?
Post 2-year banking stint, expect maybe $150K all in in a T1 city.
What does progression look like after that in 3-5 years after and more long term?
Expect maybe a 10% raise at most every year. Maybe higher if you are at a high growth place.
The good comp in strat fin are at the tech unicorns which are few and far between.
Most are unsexy though and as a rule of thumb you will be taking about a 40%-50% pay cut compared to banking or PE
Confirming ~150 all in cash data point for 2/3 years of IB
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