SPA Manager/AD

Grant Thornton UK LLP; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading advisory firm in Birmingham is seeking an SPA Manager/AD to manage and advise clients on complex acquisitions and disposals. Responsibilities include financial analysis, drafting engagement letters, and managing client relationships. The ideal candidate will have professional qualifications in ACA, ACCA, or similar, coupled with strong technical skills and experience. The role offers a hybrid working model and opportunities for professional growth within a diverse culture.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Flexible working options

Inclusive culture

Opportunities for professional growth

Access to a wide network

Qualifications

• Qualified professional in ACA, ICAS, CA, ACCA or CIPFA with relevant experience.
• Strong skills in technical and commercial aspects of M&A transactions.
• Experience in advising and reviewing completion accounts and earn-out accounts.

Responsibilities

• Manage client relationships as a second-level point of contact.
• Draft engagement letters and manage assignment costs versus budgets.
• Produce high-quality financial analysis with minimal input from seniors.

Skills

Professional qualification (ACA, ICAS, CA, ACCA or CIPFA)

Technical and commercial skills in mergers and acquisitions

Knowledge of completion mechanisms and financial aspects of SPAs

Education

Professional qualification with post-qualification experience

Job description

We are seeking a SPA Manager/AD to join Grant Thornton’s Sale and Purchase Agreement Advisory team. The role involves managing and advising clients on complex acquisitions and disposals, handling transaction completion processes and financial analysis while working independently of senior partners.

Responsibilities

• Act as a second‑level client relationship point of contact behind associate director/director/partner, and serve as primary contact in their absence.
• Understand the perspectives of different clients, build trust and communication, and keep them updated on progress.
• Identify and resolve risk‑management issues, applying knowledge to manage site issues and involving senior staff and specialists as needed.
• Accurately draft letters of engagement and ensure work is completed before review and submission by associate director/director.
• Demonstrate understanding of technical issues, offer potential solutions and seek advice when required.
• Produce high‑quality financial analysis with minimal input from associate directors.
• Draft fee estimates and budgets for review by the director/partner.
• Present conclusions and recommendations to clients, discussing implications and Action points.
• Monitor and manage assignment costs versus budgets, challenging team member time charged to other departments.
• Understand the firm’s products, services and capabilities and actively cross‑sell.
• Pursue self‑development through performance reviews and Personal Development Plan (PDP) processes.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification such as ACA, ICAS, CA, ACCA or CIPFA with post‑qualification experience.
• Strong technical and commercial skills in mergers and acquisitions.
• In‑depth knowledge of completion mechanisms, enterprise value (EV) to equity value bridges, and the financial aspects of SPAs.
• Experience advising on and reviewing completion accounts and earn‑out accounts.
• Ability to handle transactions with minimal partner involvement and to interface with client management and other professionals.

Benefits

• Hybrid working model combining office/client time and remote work.
• Flexible working options such as reduced days, annualised days or term‑time working.
• Inclusive, diverse culture that values different perspectives.
• Opportunities for professional growth, performance reviews and development plans.
• Access to a wide network of over 5,000 people across 150 global markets.