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If you’re pretty sure you don’t want to be in client services long term you’re best served getting on a track you want to be on sooner rather than later. Personally think OPs level is a good one to make this kind of exit it it’s what you want to do - you get more runway to learn the ropes and be more on an individual contributor vs being expected to manage people day one in a role you’ve never done.
In terms of what I’ve seen for SM/D exit opportunities - the variety of stuff recruiters are chasing you with narrows significantly at this level. 90%+ is lateral FDD roles. You do see the occasional more interesting exit - direct to portco cfo type exits, but those are rarely recruiter sourced roles and are usually situations where partners are involved helping make intros to clients etc - not something to count on.
Rare - the partner is sticking their neck out. Have only seen it happen for extremely high performers that would have been partners but decided they wanted a different path.
I went from FDD director to FP&A manager with a significant pay bump (~40% cash comp increase). I wouldn’t get hung up on titles.
Definitely was underpaid at RSM, but they are know for that (Really Shitty Money). Timing of promotion happened during down year for the firm. A lot less than the COVID era director promotions got
You are way overthinking just take the role if you don’t want to do public Acct grind
Personally, I would stay and take the money if you want to maximize comp. Your concern about not getting into industry at a higher level is a valid one, but just because you go into industry earlier doesn’t mean you’ll have a fast track either.
It’s basically take more nearly guaranteed money or opt out and try your luck at industry. Personally I value comp and trajectory too much to tap out, but if you really value WLB I think it’s a closer decision.
Much appreciated for your response. If you went from the corporate side back to FDD, what drew you back in? Are you glad in hindsight you went back to FDD?
Ran out of text room in the post, so adding context here.
I like what I do, but don't think I want to do the public accounting grind for life. So I'm looking at FP&A exits as they seem to offer better WLB. I am in a MCOL area.
I would prefer to go to FP&A now, but don't want to "waste" an upcoming senior manager / director promotion. So if it would be a possibility to take an FDD exit opp to FP&A director in a year or two, then I might prefer that. I just don't know if FDD senior manager / director to FP&A director is a common route. I feel like FP&A director roles always want some form of prior FP&A experience.
Helloo