Corporate Finance Associate

Global University Systems (GUS); Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Hybrid working

Contributory Pension Scheme

Private Medical Insurance

Season Ticket Loan

Eye Care Vouchers

Training & Development

Staff Discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Refer a Friend

Job summary

Global University Systems (GUS) seeks a Corporate Finance Associate to join the Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Development team. You will support execution of the group’s investment strategy across acquisitions, disposals, refinancing, and strategic corporate finance projects.

You will work on transaction execution, financial analysis, due diligence, stakeholder management, and strategic initiatives driving growth across education sectors and related markets.

Qualifications

• Experience in Corporate Finance, M&A, Transaction Services, or related field.
• Strong financial modelling and valuation capabilities.
• Excellent commercial awareness and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Investment Origination: identify acquisition opportunities and build relationships with targets and advisers.
• Investment Execution: support due diligence, modelling, and deal documentation through close.
• Strategic Assessment: assess growth opportunities and present to leadership and investment committees.
• Integration Support: work with management on post‑acquisition integration and value creation.
• Investment Disposal: assist in disposals and engagement with potential buyers and advisers.
• Capital Structure & Financing: assist with external borrowing and refinancing activities.

Skills

Corporate Finance

M&A

Financial Modelling

Valuation

Stakeholder Management

Deal Execution

Growth Mindset

Job description

Global University Systems (GUS) is a leading international education group with a portfolio of institutions and educational brands operating across multiple markets worldwide. As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a talented Corporate Finance Associate to join our highly active Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Corporate Development team.

This is a unique opportunity to work on high-profile international transactions, partnering with senior stakeholders and gaining exposure across acquisitions, disposals, refinancing activities, and strategic corporate finance projects.

The Role

As a Corporate Finance Associate, you will support the execution of GUS' global investment strategy, contributing to the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and integration of businesses across the education sector and adjacent markets.

You will play a key role in transaction execution, financial analysis, due diligence, stakeholder management, and strategic projects that directly influence the Group’s growth agenda.

Key Responsibilities

Investment Origination

• Research and identify potential acquisition opportunities, strategic partnerships, and investment prospects globally.
• Build and maintain relationships with target companies, advisers, investors, and other industry stakeholders.
• Monitor sector trends, market developments, and competitive activity.

Investment Execution

• Support and lead transaction processes from initial evaluation through to completion.
• Conduct financial modelling, valuation analysis, and investment appraisals.
• Coordinate and manage due diligence workstreams with internal teams and external advisers.
• Assist in deal structuring, negotiations, and transaction documentation.

Strategic Assessment

• Partner with individual GUS brands to assess growth opportunities and M&A strategies.
• Evaluate investment opportunities and strategic initiatives to support long-term value creation.
• Prepare presentations and recommendations for senior leadership and investment committees.

Integration Support

• Work closely with management teams following acquisitions to support integration planning and execution.
• Track performance against investment objectives and support value-creation initiatives.

Investment Disposal

• Assist in the preparation and execution of asset disposals and strategic divestments.
• Support engagement with potential buyers, advisers, and investors throughout sale processes.

Capital Structure & Financing

• Support the management of GUS' external borrowing and financing arrangements.
• Assist with refinancing projects, lender communications, and financial reporting requirements.

About You

We are interested in ambitious finance professionals who thrive in fast-paced, deal-oriented environments.

You will likely have:

• Experience gained within Corporate Finance, M&A, Transaction Services, Investment Banking, Private Equity, Corporate Development, or a related field.
• Strong financial modelling, valuation, and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• The ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset and a genuine interest in corporate transactions and growth

What we offer:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays- time to rest, recharge, and balance life beyond work.
• Hybrid working -most roles offer hybrid or flexible arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Contributory Pension Scheme - 5% personal contribution & 3% Company contribution, so you can build long-term financial security with added benefits of the company contributions.
• Private Medical Insurance (T&C's apply) -prioritising your wellbeing with speedy access to healthcare whenever you need support.
• Season Ticket Loan (T&C's apply) -spreadthe cost of your commute with an interest-free travel loan.
• Eye Care Vouchers -support for regular eye tests and essential eyewear.
• Training & Development opportunities (T&C's apply) - access to short courses via FutureLearn and Group-wide professional development programmes.
• Staff Discount Scheme -via My Rewards Hub, from various retailers – Fashion, Grocery, Health & Beauty, Travel, Automotive, Furniture, Dining, Sports and Leisure, Electronics, etc
• Employee Assistance Programme - confidential support for your wellbeing, whenever you need it.
• Refer a Friend Scheme for staff members (T&C's apply) - earn rewards for helping us bring great talent into the team

GUSis an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.

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