Head of IA vs. Senior Manager in a Real IA Setup - Step Back or Smart Move?
Would you take a Senior Internal Audit Manager role in a small IA team (3 people total) under an experienced Head of IA?
Context:
I’m currently Head of Internal Audit, strong title, good compensation
Reality: one-man show, been fighting for resources for 2.5 years
Finally got 0.6 FTE, but not the profile I wanted, person was out of IA for 7 years
Feels like... and obviously... the function isn’t taken seriously, more of a cost solution than a strategic one
New opportunity:
Senior Manager Group IA, reporting to a seasoned Head IA.
Company is a spin-off of a large conglomerate, solid and attractive business model but a bit chaotic it seema after the spin off.
IA function is relatively new, mix of building the setup and hands-on delivery
Lower title and lower pay (~20%). Still solid but always more painful to step back.
Trade-off: Stay where I have the title, access to AC and higher salary but limited traction, or move to a smaller, more credible setup where I can actually build something, but take a step back on paper.
What would you do? And do you still think I later could get a Head IA role. I am 44.