Associate Director - Corporate Finance (M&A)

Old Mill; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking professional services firm in Exeter is looking for an experienced M&A Adviser to join their Corporate Finance Team. This is a senior role requiring leadership in transactions and the ability to deliver tailored solutions for clients. The firm offers a hybrid working model and a generous benefits package including professional development funding and a competitive pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous Holiday Allowance

Celebrate Your Birthday

Flexible Working

Employee Assistance Programme

Ongoing Professional Development

Perks and Discounts

Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record in managing transactions end-to-end, including negotiations.
• Ability to win trust and explain complex ideas clearly.
• Capability to spot opportunities and drive value for clients.

Responsibilities

• Leading transactions, including deal structuring and negotiations.
• Working directly with clients to understand business and personal objectives.
• Delivering tailored solutions that align with client goals.

Skills

Experience in M&A

Strong communication skills

Strategic mindset

Collaborative approach

Job description

Overview

We’re more than accountants. Old Mill is a forward-thinking professional services firm with a growing Corporate Finance team and a reputation for doing things well. We combine accountancy, tax, and wealth management under one roof, so our clients get genuinely joined-up advice at every stage of their business and personal journeys. Our ethos is simple: do great work and be nice to people! It sounds straightforward, but it shapes everything we do. As a business, we’re open to flex, whether that’s how we work with our clients or how we support our team with hybrid working, flexible hours, and the freedom to base yourself at any of our South West offices.

We’re now looking for an experienced M&A Adviser to join our Corporate Finance Team. This is a senior role where you’ll work with ambitious business owners and investors on a wide variety of M&A and private equity transactions. Because our team is small but growing, you’ll have the freedom to get involved in the full range of corporate finance work, while also developing your own areas of specialism, if you wish to.

Responsibilities

What you’ll be doing

• Leading on transactions, including deal structuring and negotiations
• Working directly with clients to understand both business and personal objectives
• Delivering tailored solutions that align with client goals
• Supporting origination and business development as part of a team effort - our responsibility is shared
• Working cross-functionally within the organisation and with external stakeholders

What makes us different

• Team-first approach: Success is collective here, so you’re not under constant pressure to chase the next deal at all costs. That means you can focus on quality, take time off without worrying, and know your colleagues have your back.
• Flexibility: After an initial settling-in period, you’ll have the freedom to base yourself at any of our five South West offices, with a hybrid pattern of (no more than) three days in the office each week – unless you want to do more. We’ll also consider part-time arrangements if that’s your preference.
• Growth and progression: As part of a smaller, agile team, you’ll have more room to take ownership, shape your career, and step up as we expand.
• Breadth of work: Rather than being boxed into one area, you’ll gain exposure to a wide variety of deals and sectors, alongside the opportunity to specialise if you wish.
• Experience in M&A, ideally gained within accountancy or finance.
• A proven track record in managing transactions end-to-end, including negotiations.
• Strong communication skills, able to win trust and explain complex ideas clearly.
• A strategic, proactive mindset, with the ability to spot opportunities and drive value for clients.
• Collaborative, with the confidence to lead but the humility to contribute to a team effort.

If you want to progress your career in Corporate Finance without being lost in a big, rigid hierarchy, Old Mill offers the best of both worlds: the backing of a multi-service firm with the feel of a close-knit, supportive team.

We go beyond the basics to offer a benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth:

• Generous Holiday Allowance – Start with a minimum of 26 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days.
• Celebrate Your Birthday – Enjoy an extra day off to celebrate.
• Flexible Working – Hybrid working model with 3 days a week in the office, allowing for a great work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Programme – Confidential support available 24/7 for your mental, physical, and financial wellbeing.
• Ongoing Professional Development – Full funding for your professional qualifications, with continuous learning opportunities.
• Perks and Discounts – Access to exclusive employee discounts on a wide range of products and services.
• Pension Scheme – A competitive pension to help plan for your future.

Additional Information

Please note that the job title used internally might not match the one you see in this job advert.

How to apply

Piqued your interest? We would love to talk to you! Please contact Kaz Austen at [e-mail].