SFA for a Group within Magna... good intro role, not a long-term career
Pros
- Solid financial results - RRSP matching & bonus - Very structured processes and reporting which is helpful for building foundations necessary for a career in FP&A - Lots of exposure to senior leadership during quarterly business reviews and annual planning - Off-site events where global directors come together to discuss operating plans (SFA's would be invited from time to time)
Cons
- the hours are extremely volatile... when it's not month-end, quarter-end, or budget season... you are bored to tears. When it is, be prepared to work around the clock for weeks (into the midnight hours) - Because of the very structured processes and controls, there is no room to implement improvements or make suggestions... "this is what we have always done" - You will work on the same tasks over and over again... very cyclical role. Barely any ad-hoc reporting / analysis - Boys club. Very little female influence in leadership - Advancement typically means working as a plant controller. plant controllers are given systems from the 1980's to perform their work because senior leadership is too cheap to impact the bottom line with system improvements. plant controllers work around the clock all the time - Managers are focused on impressing senior leadership through financial results. They are not focused on coaching and mentoring their staff.