I'm not sure myself mate, because I just became a HoD less than 1 year at my new job. I guess how I got the job was through networking (thanks to my contacts from my Big 4 years). Assuming that I don't screw up at my current job (as the learning curve is super steep and the responsibilities are too demanding ), the logical career progression would either be the head of finance or CFO of a big organisation. That's what I'm aiming for all this while (fingers crossed  )

As for pay, hopefully I'll earn more when I'm in my 40s 

May I know what is the career progression from here onwards? Only 2 years in the bank and you are already head of finance. What is the likely pay in the 40s?