Jump Back
If you’re an accounting professional eager to pivot into a career in corporate finance, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most frequently asked questions we receive, and with good reason. Corporate finance offers exposure to high-value deals, strategic decision-making, and strong career progression opportunities. However, it’s essential to note that this is a competitive space, and making the transition from a traditional accounting or audit background isn’t always straightforward.
Corporate finance teams in industry, boutiques and private equity firms are quite lean. As a result, the majority of these firms require professionals to have some prior corporate finance knowledge and experience before joining.
The good news? With a strategic approach and a bit of patience, this move can become more achievable.
If you’re currently working in a practice firm that has a corporate finance division, this is usually the most straightforward route. Internal transfers are more realistic because the firm already knows your work ethic, technical competence, and ability to deliver. Even if you don’t have direct experience in deals or transactions, your reputation and internal referrals can go a long way in helping the firm take a chance on you.
Express interest early. Even if no positions are currently available, staying on the relevant manager’s radar for future openings can help you get considered when the right opportunity arises.
If you are in a practice firm that doesn’t offer corporate finance services or isn’t hiring in that area, look outward. Consider applying to other firms within the Top 10, as they may be hiring for their corporate finance teams.
This might require you to take a lateral move or even a slight step back in title, but it’s a strategic investment in your long-term goal. Once you gain 12–18 months of experience in corporate finance within a practice setting, you will have relevant experience that will allow you to make the move into corporate finance in industry.
In corporate finance, client size and deal complexity matter. Firms hiring for corporate finance roles typically seek professionals who have worked with clients of similar size or within similar sectors.
For example, many corporate finance transactions involve large companies or complex group structures. As a result, professionals from Big 4 firms often have an edge, having dealt with similar-scale clients. If you trained in a smaller or mid-tier firm, this doesn’t count you out, but you may need to make an interim move.
Consider:
- Moving into a larger practice firm to build relevant client exposure.
- Transitioning into an accounting or finance role in a large corporate to gain experience with bigger company dynamics.
Transitioning from audit or accounting directly into corporate finance presents a steep learning curve. Sometimes, what can be difficult in one move becomes more achievable if you are willing to take a stepping stone into an intermediate role in a related area that builds commercial awareness and broadens your financial skill set.
Suitable transition roles include:
- FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis)
- Finance Business Partnering
- Commercial Finance Analyst
These positions allow you to develop analytical, budgeting, and forecasting skills, all of which are highly relevant to corporate finance. They also show hiring managers that you’re comfortable working across departments and with non-finance stakeholders, a key part of deal execution.
Corporate finance roles often involve tasks such as valuation modelling, deal structuring, due diligence, and financial forecasting. While your accounting foundation is valuable, demonstrating that you’ve started building the skillset required for these kinds of responsibilities is key.
High-impact ways to upskill include:
- Enrol in a financial modelling course (e.g. CFI)
- Learn Excel and Power BI at a more advanced level
- Understand basic valuation techniques (DCF, comparable company analysis, precedent transactions)
- Explore M&A and deal strategy through online courses or case studies
Many career moves happen through informal conversations and referrals, especially in competitive fields like corporate finance. Reach out to people currently in corporate finance roles, particularly anyone that you know personally or may have worked with previously. Taking the time to have a chat will help you gain a better understanding of what their role involves and what their company looks for in new hires.
LinkedIn can also be helpful here, but don’t underestimate the power of attending industry events or asking for introductions through mutual connections.
Even if you don’t have direct deal experience, your CV can still demonstrate alignment with corporate finance.
Highlight:
- Experience with complex consolidations or group reporting
- Exposure to budgeting or forecasting
- Involvement in strategic decision-making or cost analysis
- Projects involving cross-functional teams or external advisors
Framing your experience in a way that connects to the deal-making world can make a big difference in whether you land an interview.
Final Thoughts
Breaking into corporate finance from an accounting background can be a multi-step process, but it is achievable. Be strategic, take calculated steps, and be willing to gain experience in adjacent roles or firms that bring you closer to your end goal. Every step you take is a building block, and with persistence, the right opportunity will come your way.
If you would like to discuss this further or explore progressing your career in corporate finance, reach out to Bernie Duffy on bernie.duffy@barden.ie