Hello all,
I’m waiting for my CA Final exam results which come out at the end of June. Instead of just sitting around, I want to use this time to learn new skills and figure out what career path makes sense for me.
I’m torn between two options:
- Investment Banking Analyst position
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) role
I’d really appreciate input from anyone working in these areas or has knowledge about them.
Some specific things I’m curious about:
- What does a regular workday look like in each role?
- What skills should I focus on developing to get hired?
- Which option has better potential for career advancement and learning opportunities?
- How easy is it to move internationally with these roles (thinking about UK/Gulf region mainly)?
Also, if you know any good courses, study materials, or networking strategies that would help me get ready for either path while I wait for results, please share. I’m also open to connecting with people already working in these fields to learn more.
Appreciate any advice you can offer!
both paths suck, just pick which type of misery you prefer. ib pays more but you’ll live at the office eating cold pizza at 2am. fp&a has “better” work-life balance, meaning you get weekends to question your life choices.
for international moves, ib wins. banks hand out visas to anyone who can build a decent dcf. fp&a roles stay local since every company thinks their budgeting is special (it’s not).
while you wait, learn python and hope the job market doesn’t implode by july.
Having transitioned from audit to investment banking, I can offer insight from both perspectives. Investment Banking (IB) is primarily centered on executing deals and capital market transactions, whereas Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) is more about strategic planning and assessing business operations. If you’re considering international opportunities, IB has the upper hand, as capital markets are globally connected, with major banks having extensive networks. FP&A roles, in contrast, tend to be localized. While you wait for your results, focus on honing advanced Excel skills and start learning programming languages such as Python or R. Preparing for CFA Level 1 can also provide you with foundational knowledge beneficial for both paths. Staying updated with financial news, particularly sources like the Financial Times, demonstrates your engagement with the markets, which can be advantageous in interviews. Ultimately, the choice hinges on your preference for work-life balance versus the potential for rapid growth and higher compensation, as both career paths offer distinct benefits for CAs.
I’d go with FP&A if you want real skill development early on. Did three years there before consulting - the business sense you build is incredible. You’re basically getting MBA-level strategic thinking without the debt. You’ll actually understand how businesses make money, not just move it around. IB looks flashier, but half my IB friends can’t explain basic P&L stuff beyond their models. For international mobility, FP&A skills travel well - every multinational needs someone who gets their numbers. CA + solid FP&A experience sets you up for CFO tracks down the road. While you’re waiting, try some financial modeling courses on Coursera. The hands-on stuff beats pure theory every time.