Corporate Finance Associate

Equals One; Wakefield; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading corporate finance boutique in Wakefield is seeking a Corporate Finance Executive – Accountant to join their dynamic team. The role offers the opportunity to engage in high-impact advisory work, assisting with acquisitions, valuations, and developing robust financial analyses. Ideal candidates will have strong financial acumen and the drive to excel within a supportive culture that values teamwork and proactive problem-solving.

Benefits

23 days holiday plus bank holidays

Tax-free bonus opportunities

Ongoing professional development

Hybrid flexibility options

Dynamic and engaging work culture

Qualifications

• Strong head for numbers and numerical aptitude.
• Part-qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), newly qualified, or already in corporate finance.
• Motivated to grow skills in a supportive environment.

Responsibilities

• Support CEO and team on corporate finance transactions and advisory projects.
• Prepare financial analysis, business plans, and valuation reports.
• Assist with due diligence and funding proposals.

Skills

Financial analysis

Commercial thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent (part-qualified or newly qualified)

Tools

Excel

Job description

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Corporate Finance Executive – Accountant

Salary: £40-45k FTE – dependent on skills and experience

Wakefield, WF1 2SX – office/hybrid required

Full time/Part time – minimum 20 hours per week

What is on offer?

• Competitive salary, based on skills and experience
• 23 days holiday plus bank holidays, pro-rated plus your birthday off
• Hybrid flexibility options
• Tax-free bonus opportunities via employee ownership
• Ongoing professional development and support
• A dynamic and engaging work culture where your input genuinely matters

About Us

fds is an award-winning, employee-owned corporate finance boutique. We support business owners from start-up through to successful exit, providing tailored, commercially-focused advice every step of the way.

At fds, you will be working alongside two of the UK’s most accomplished and decorated business leaders - CEO Poonam Kaur and Chairman Jo Haigh. Poonam is a multi-award-winning corporate financier and business consultant, having led fds’s largest ever $72 million deal and played a key role in the firms transition to employee ownership. She is regularly recognised for her leadership, governance expertise, and commitment to supporting business owners.

Jo Haigh, an equally acclaimed figure, is a renowned dealmaker, best-selling author, and serial entrepreneur who has bought and sold over 400 companies and was named The Sunday Times NED of the Year. Together, they bring a rare combination of strategic insight, hands-on experience, and a passion for mentoring the next generation of finance professionals.

We are not your typical accountancy firm - our work is dynamic, strategic and client-driven.

Our services include:

• Mergers & acquisitions
• Succession planning
• Valuations and business plans
• Private equity and funding strategies
• Board performance reviews and shareholder support
• General business advisory

Due to continued growth, we are looking for a bright, numerically-astute individual to join our Corporate Finance team. This is a unique opportunity to move into a high-impact advisory role, outside the scope of traditional accountancy.

The Role

You will work directly with our CEO and Corporate Finance team on a broad range of projects. This includes working on acquisitions, disposals, valuations, and strategic planning assignments for clients across diverse industries. You will play an integral part in helping businesses shape their future.

Key responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Supporting the CEO and team on corporate finance transactions and advisory projects
• Preparing high-quality financial analysis, business plans, and valuation reports
• Assisting with due diligence, funding proposals, and other transaction support
• Participating in project delivery from start to finish
• Contributing to the development of internal processes
• Taking part in marketing and business development initiatives

Candidate requirements:

We are open to a range of backgrounds - you may be part-qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), newly qualified, or already working in corporate finance. More important than titles is a strong head for numbers, commercial thinking, and the drive to build something meaningful.

You should:

• Be confident working with financial data and Excel
• Communicate clearly, both in writing and in person
• Be organised, proactive, and calm under pressure
• Enjoy problem-solving and working as part of a close-knit team
• Have a full driving licence (preferred, due to occasional travel)
• Be motivated to grow your skills in a supportive environment

Interested? To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining why you would be a good fit for this role.