Corporate Finance Transaction Leader

Benchmark International; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

Benchmark International is looking for a client-facing professional with strong negotiation and communication skills. This role involves managing M&A transactions, requiring a degree in Finance or Economics and relevant skills in commercial negotiation and teamwork. The position offers clear progression opportunities within a competitive, engaging environment focused on growth in South Africa and internationally.

Benefits

Clear progression opportunities

Competitive salary

Fun working environment

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance or Economics preferred.
• Strong accounting knowledge and M&A transaction knowledge is advantageous.
• Must be able to work under pressure and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop a working knowledge of the project and client’s business.
• Prepare for meetings and facilitate discussions with clients.
• Negotiate acceptable deal structures and maintain detailed records.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Commercial acumen

Technical knowledge of M&A transactions

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Finance or Economics

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Job description

The role is client-facing, involving negotiation and communication with senior levels, both internal and external. The candidate should be able to work well under pressure, meet deadlines, and work efficiently.

Education requirements include a degree, with relevant corporate finance experience gained in an accountancy firm, a corporate finance boutique, or a business brokerage being advantageous but not mandatory. The candidate should be confident in advising clients and guiding junior staff.

Ideal candidates will be qualified or partly qualified with a Finance or Economics degree, or possess strong accounting knowledge.

Role responsibilities and duties:

• Develop a working knowledge of the project, client’s business, and vendor requirements.
• Set the strategic direction of the project from the outset, including resource allocation.
• Understand the client’s financial performance.
• Prepare thoroughly for meetings and facilitate client/buyer discussions as appropriate.
• Follow up with clients/buyers after meetings.
• Guide parties in exploring acceptable deal structures.
• Generate indicative offers and leverage synergistic benefits of acquisitions.
• Communicate effectively between clients, buyers, and advisors, relaying offers and responses.
• Negotiate acceptable deal structures between vendor and purchaser.
• Liaise with the Transactions Director on negotiations and project developments.
• Maintain detailed records and update CRM diligently after discussions or meetings.
• Possess technical and practical knowledge of M&A transactions (preferred).
• Demonstrate strong commercial acumen, negotiation, influencing, and persuasion skills.
• Be highly computer literate, with experience in Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
• Apply creative problem-solving approaches.
• Have good numeracy skills to analyze and interpret financial data.
• Exhibit excellent telephone manner and relationship-building abilities.
• Be self-motivated, able to prioritize workload.
• Work well under pressure, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Display strong teamwork and communication skills, motivating others effectively.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work in a rapidly growing business in South Africa, Africa, and internationally, with exposure to high-level M&A activity and valuable experience.
• Clear progression opportunities for the right candidate.
• A fun, challenging, and driven working environment.
• Competitive salary, negotiable based on experience.
• In-office role.

Due to high application volume, we cannot respond to every applicant. If you do not hear within 14 days, please assume your application was not successful.