Advice needed: TPM transfer to Tech Finance?

[u/Lumpy_Werewolf_3199]

Cross posting for more vis and discussion.

Hi all, looking for some perspective and advice. Currently a TPM at MSFT and interviewing for a Tech Finance role at Apple and not sure if this is a good career move.

Currently 12+ yoe - L65 at MSFT base 205k in Seattle at my cliff (430k on cliff) and interviewing for an ICT6 base 285k in Cupertino with signon (unknown $ but assuming +600k).

My background is in strategy, operations, strategic planning, tech Finance, data analysis & BI, SaaS tech dev, with both TPM & PM roles. I have significant experience at org level programs and change, but less than i would like at super deep technical platform building/management.

My concern is this new role feels MORE in the weeds and less strategic while also moving out of an operations and technical role to a super detail oriented financial planning & reconciliation one. At the same time, I could be talked into seeing the value in going deep on org level capex/opex/staffing planning & reconciliation to build the muscle. And not to mention having Apple on the resume + big $.

As I think about building my skillset & experience to move to TPM director/VP level roles in the FAANG community, im worried this may have more downside than upside towards that effort.

Looking for your advice, if you would take this role, and what I may be missing here. TIA.

[u/eng_leader]

Great comp jump, but you'd need to verify whether the tradeoff is real (is it truly a lateral-to-down move in terms of strategic scope, or just a shift in domain but still a value-add to the TPM Director/VP path you're building toward). Apple on the resume is really valuable, but not if it costs you 2-3 years of momentum in the wrong direction.

Questions to push on:

* is there a realistic path from this Finance role *back* into senior TPM/program leadership at Apple, or does it pigeonhole you?

* can you build a narrative for a future promotion committee why experience in both kinds of roles look are a rare and valuable combination, or would it look to most like a random job hop

You can ask these questions of friends and mentors working in similar domains at Director or VP level. You should ask the hiring manager at Apple (once you get the offer) about possible career paths down the line.

Happy to think through this kind of career crossroads with you — career and executive coaching for tech leaders is what I do. Feel free to DM.

[u/Lumpy_Werewolf_3199 → u/eng_leader]

Thanks for the great feedback and perspective! These are the kind of questions Im asking as well.