u/Responsible-Day-2848

Update from a post a couple months back (took the Senior FP&A Manager job over the counter-offer)

About two months into the new role. It's a small-ish site, US-listed parent, and I report directly to the FPA Director. I'm effectively the senior finance person on the ground here.

My boss has already floated that he sees me as someone who could step into his knowledge/responsibilities if he ever moved on. Nothing formal, no timeline, just a clear signal. My goal is Director-level within 1-2 years. I know that's ambitious for someone a month into the seat, but I'd rather build toward it deliberately than wait and hope it happens.

For those who've made Director or manage that transition - what actually moved the needle for you?

Was it: Owning a specific high-visibility project/initiative Building relationships upward (with his boss, with corporate) Formal signals (asking directly, timeline conversations) Just outperforming and letting it be obvious Something else entirely

Curious what worked vs. what was just noise.

Long-time lurker, first post. Would love the community's take on a situation.

**Background:** Started at my current company (large multinational) as an Analyst at €70k about 5 years ago. Grew into real FP&A responsibility over time - budgeting, reporting, business partnering, the full stack. Title: still Analyst on paper after 5 years. Comp crept up to €85k.

The offer: Got recruited for a Senior FP&A Manager role at a DACH subsidiary of a US-listed company. €120k base. Title, scope, and comp were all a meaningful step up. I accepted.

The counter: Once I handed in my notice, my VP came back fast. Counter: €95k - which includes a 3% tariff raise that was going to the entire workforce anyway - plus a verbal promise of a promotion "within a year if the opportunity arises." He was upfront he can't guarantee it.

For context: I have strong standing internally. They genuinely want to keep me.

The math:

• New role: €120k, Senior FP&A Manager title, new platform, new challenge
• Counter: €95k, same Analyst title for at least another year, conditional promotion with no guarantee

What would you do? Hast any one dealt with a counter offer?

Edit: I accepted the Outside offer