I’m curious if anyone has made the transition from working in FP&A to roles in deal advisory. I’m currently employed in financial planning and analysis but have a strong desire to move into the deals sector at a Big 4 firm.
With my CPA certification and accounting degree, plus being in my mid-30s, I am not exactly at an entry-level stage. My aim is to enter investment banking advisory, transaction services, or potentially private equity consulting at a leading firm.
Does anyone know if Big 4 firms hire candidates with CFA qualifications for these advisory roles? What are the best strategies to make this career change? I believe my FP&A experience is relevant, but I need guidance on how to effectively present myself.
Any insights from those who have successfully navigated this transition would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!
Made this exact jump 3 years ago - FP&A at a mid-size company to transaction services at EY! Your CPA will help big time. Clients love that credibility. The modeling skills transfer well, but you’ll need to learn due diligence work and deal timelines (they’re brutal). Reach out to Big 4 recruiters and brush up on valuation. Mid-30s isn’t too late - they actually want experience over fresh grads for senior associate spots.
You’ll probably be surprised by the pay bump. Big 4 deal advisory pays 20-30% more than corporate FP&A, plus you get solid bonuses when deals are active. Your CPA’s worth more than you think - compliance expertise matters way more now since deals get scrutinized harder. Transaction services loves people who get financial reporting and can catch operational issues during due diligence. I’d go after mid-market deals first instead of the massive ones. Those teams want experienced people who can talk directly to business owners and management without needing their hand held.
Your transition is totally doable, especially with your credentials and experience. I’ve worked with tons of professionals making similar moves, and Big 4 firms definitely want people like you for senior deal advisory roles. Your FP&A background gives you operational insight that traditional investment bankers often lack - huge advantage in transaction services where understanding business fundamentals matters.
On CFA vs CPA - both work, but your CPA plus FP&A experience actually sets you up well for due diligence and financial analysis. The real difference maker? Show you understand M&A processes and valuation methods. Maybe grab some corporate finance or valuation coursework to fill any gaps.
Network through alumni and industry events instead of cold emails. Big 4 firms love experienced hires who can jump in immediately, and your maturity is actually a plus with sophisticated clients who want seasoned professionals.
Absolutely, you can make that switch! Your FP&A experience gives you a great foundation. Consider networking with professionals in deal advisory via LinkedIn and look into additional certifications relevant for the transition. You’ve got this!
lol “mid-30s isn’t too late” - you’re basically ancient for deal advisory. Your FP&A background gives you modeling skills, but Big 4 deals teams are sweatshops that prefer burning out 25-year-olds. CFA beats CPA for this work. Network hard and hope someone takes a chance on your “seasoned” resume. Good luck with those 80+ hour weeks.