Job Responsibilities
Financial modeling of companies: prospective acquisition targets
(ie due diligence), new business ventures, IPOs, turn-arounds;
create departmental budgets; capacity ustilization analyses;
perform industry research; business line analyses
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Job Requirements
Most people who do what I do have pedigrees from investment
banking or from large CPA firms; an MBA is a must, but the college
name on the diploma is only critical if networking does not get
you in the front door of the VC; I went to Loyola Marymount, a
school known as a top producer of accountants on the West Coast,
and an MBA program that caters to mid-level managers; also went to
Southwestern Law School, which produces most of the judges in
California; most important quality of my education as applied to
my career was to learn to think outside the box...that is,
understand the concepts of marketing and finance and operations,
but then use them as an entrpreneur would in having to justify his
business every day to customers, vendors and money
people...question everything!
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Uppers
Freedom to do what I want, how and when I choose; I learn about the mechanics of
every aspect of every business I model, and across various industries from
entertainment to healthcare to technology; compensation can include retainers,
stock options, bonuses, salaries; successful turn-arounds are very fulfilling
since you contribute to saving jobs and dreams.
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Downers
If the deal flow slows, so does your income; so, hitch your wagon
to a team that generates enough business deals to keep you alive
and then some; unless you thrive in a crises environment full of
stress, this job may not be very enjoyable; time management is
very important because blowing deadlines means clients will not be
happy and you get most of your business leads from happy clients.
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Lifestyle
Varies based on the culture of each client you work for; sometimes, you get to
work from home a significant part of the time; sometimes you're camped out in a
hotel for weeks on end.
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Compensation
My average range is between $75 - $95 hour, plus stock options and
bonuses.
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Advice to Jobseekers
If you want job security, a steady paycheck and pension, regular
hours, this is not for you; it's a very risky endeavor and it can
be feast or famine; networking is everything...who you know is
just as important if not more so than your resume and your alma
mater; never ever talk negatively about individuals you work with
or for as they may become your future client or provide you a
great lead or are in a position to affect your paycheck; find a
mentor in the industry; never lose site of the fact that you are
temporary and easily replaced.
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