Frequently Asked Questions   How well established is the CF Practice within McKinsey? What is the relationship between the CF Practice and other McKinsey offices? What requirements do you look for in a good candidate? What career opportunities are available to CF consultants? How do CF consultants work with other members of a consulting team? If I join the CF Practice, can I transfer to another McKinsey office?   How well established is the CF Practice within McKinsey? Corporate Finance is a long-standing area of work within McKinsey. However, in recent years our client demand for this work has increased as corporate strategy, mergers, acquisitions and post-merger management have become a more important component of business strategy. In the last years, we have established CF as a separate group of specialists, with great success in client work and also in the collaboration with McKinsey’s offices. What is the relationship between the CF Practice and other McKinsey offices? McKinsey currently has over 80 offices worldwide that comprise one global consulting firm. Most of these offices are based on geographical location. Instead, the CF Practice is a global, competence-based office with locations in North and South America, Asia and Europe.   European CF hubs are currently: Benelux, Eastern Europe, France/Paris, Germany, Greece/Athens, Iberia, Italy, UK/London, Scandinavia, Switzerland/Zurich. In North America, hubs are: Boston, Chicago, DC, South-East, Texas, Toronto, Tri-State (incl. NYC), West Coast. In South America, hubs are Andean Pact, Argentina and Brazil. In Asia, hubs are: ASEAN, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea/Seoul, PR of China. What requirements do you look for in a good candidate? A good Associate candidate would have an exceptional academic record (MBA or other advanced degree preferably with a specialization in finance), well developed numerical skills including the ability to undertake sophisticated financial analyses, have demonstrated leadership and shown drive and aspiration throughout their career. We then look for 2-5 years specific work experience in an investment bank (preferably in corporate finance/M&A), accounting firm, consultancy or major blue chip corporation (preferably, in corporate development or finance). The candidate should also demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles of corporate finance, valuation techniques, financial statement analysis and capital market behavior.   A good Business Analyst candidate would have the same basic criteria but would have up to 2 years experience in finance or at least demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles with the ability to be coached. What career opportunities are available to CF consultants? Our CF professionals follow our standard progression from Associate to Partner based on development of increasing consulting and leadership skills, just like all other McKinsey consultants. How do CF consultants work with other members of a consulting team? Most teams represent a mix of local and specialized consultants who work together closely. CF consultants serve as Associates, Engagement Managers, and Partners on projects with significant financial and strategic issues. If I join the CF Practice, can I transfer to another McKinsey office? All McKinsey consultants enjoy a high degree of mobility and many consultants transfer from one office to another at some point during their careers. Such international transfers are indeed positively encouraged as part of your career development.