Graduate Financial Analyst - Corporate Finance (M&A)

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.; Sydney; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Houlihan Lokey in Sydney is recruiting a Graduate Financial Analyst to work on corporate finance and M&A advisory assignments across industries. You will prepare financial analyses, build models and support due diligence, with presentations for clients and prospective buyers.

Strong academic background and at least 1 year of M&A experience are expected. The role starts January 2027 and requires excellent Excel/PowerPoint skills and English communication in a fast-paced team environment.

Qualifications

• Strong academic track record with 75+ WAM or equivalent Distinction; degree in 2026/early 2027 and able to commence full-time in early 2027.
• Minimum 1 year of M&A experience.
• Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint; strong financial modeling skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English; strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyse and explain historical and projected financial information.
• Create financial models and perform valuation work.
• Coordinate and perform business due diligence.
• Prepare confidential information memoranda, management presentations and pitches.
• Conduct research on sectors, companies and potential buyers.
• Value companies and build client and advisor relationships; assist in engagement planning.

Skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Financial modeling

Analytical skills

English communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/ Economics/ Accounting

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Business Unit:Corporate FinanceIndustry:GeneralOverviewHoulihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE:HLI) is a leading global investment bank recognized for delivering independent strategic and financial advice to corporations, financial sponsors, and governments. With uniquely deep industry expertise, broad international reach, and a partnership approach rooted in trust, the firm provides innovative, integrated solutions across mergers and acquisitions, capital solutions, financial restructuring, and financial and valuation advisory. Our unmatched transaction volumes provide differentiated, data-driven perspectives that help our clients achieve their most critical goals. To learn more about Houlihan Lokey, please visit HL.com.Corporate FinanceThe Houlihan Lokey Corporate Finance business has extensive expertise in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, activist shareholder and takeover defense, and other related advisory services for a broad range of clients. In addition, we have the proven ability to engineer and execute financing solutions that are essential for growth and success and offer access to financing in the public and alternative capital markets through the issuance of debt, equity, or hybrid securities. In EMEA, we work with a wide spectrum of companies, from middle-market privately owned enterprises to large multinational organizations. With a growing platform of Corporate Finance professionals and offices across the region, in addition to our global reach and in-depth knowledge across a broad range of industries, we have the breadth and targeted expertise to provide exceptional client service.** Houlihan Lokey operates in Australia through its subsidiary, Houlihan Lokey (Australia) Pty Limited. Houlihan Lokey does not otherwise act through a branch, office or permanent establishment in Australia and does not provide banking services, securities brokerage services or accept deposits from or offer investment products to retail clients in Australia. Furthermore, Houlihan Lokey (Australia) Pty Limited is not authorised as an authorised deposit-taking institution (ADI) in Australia with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). **Please note that we are currently only hiring for an January 2027 start date.ResponsibilitiesAs a Graduate Financial Analyst in our Sydney office, you will work alongside experienced investment bankers in a stimulating, fast-paced environment on corporate finance and M&A advisory assignments for clients across various industries. The team’s engagements principally include M&A transactions (Sponsor, Public, and Private), with a strong focus on sell-side transactions.As a Financial Analyst, you will:Prepare, analyse and help explain historical and projected financial informationCreate financial modelsCoordinate and perform business due diligencePrepare confidential information memoranda, management presentations, marketing pitches and other presentationsConduct research on sectors, companies and potential buyersValue companies and businessesBuild relationships and maintain direct contact with clients and prospective clients and professional advisorsAssist in planning of engagementsRequirements and QualificationsStrong academic track record with 75+ WAM (or equivalent Distinction average) from a highly regarded university, completing your degree in 2026 / early 2027 and available to commence full-time in early 2027 (preferably studying Accounting, Economics, Finance, Commerce, or a related quantitative discipline)Minimum 1 year of M&A experienceStrong quantitative, financial, and analytical skills with a focus on accuracy and attention to detailAn understanding of valuation theory, methodologies, and applicationsProficient skill in Excel and PowerPointExcellent verbal and written communication skills in EnglishStrong interpersonal skillsAn independent, solutions-focused mindsetHighly motivated, with the ability to work cooperatively with all levels of staff in a rapidly changing, demanding, but ultimately rewarding environmentMost importantly, we seek to attract dedicated, team-oriented candidates with a deep desire to win, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to work hard to achieve the highest standards of performanceWe are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.#LI-120512