Investment Associate

Nefcorp; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Investment Associate to join their dynamic team in Cape Town. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for screening and processing regional applications, ensuring compliance with policies, and conducting thorough financial analyses. Your expertise in SME funding and strong networking abilities will be crucial in sourcing promising investment opportunities. This role offers a unique chance to contribute to impactful projects while working alongside dedicated professionals in a supportive environment. If you're passionate about investment and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience in SME funding, deal making, or investment environments.
• Postgraduate degree preferred, strong financial analysis skills required.

Responsibilities

• Screen and process regional applications according to NEF policies.
• Conduct financial analysis and prepare reports with recommendations.
• Build networks and source good deal flow for the NEF.

Skills

SME funding

Investment environment

Business banking

Venture capital

Financial analysis

Risk assessment

Networking

Presentation skills

Credit control

Education

Postgraduate Commerce Degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

CRM systems

Job description

Job category: Banking, Finance, Insurance.

Location: Cape Town
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes

Introduction: As an Investment Associate in our Western Cape Regional Office, you will have the responsibility to screen and process regional applications in accordance with the NEF policies and procedures.

Additionally, you will process and refer applications that meet requirements to the Funds for further consideration and monitor the NEF investment portfolio within the Regional Office.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Perform eligibility screening of new applications for funding in terms of NEF's criteria and mandate.
2. Perform commercial screening of applications in terms of NEF's commercial assessment framework, and generate reports for assessed applications, with recommendations on whether the applications should be accepted or rejected.
3. Prepare financial analysis as part of the commercial screening process of new applications.
4. Call applicants to request information and meet as well as advise applicants where applicable.
5. Perform desktop research using search engines to obtain industry information required in the assessment of applications.
6. Identify risks on applications and make recommendations to the Regional Manager in respect of the way forward.
7. Build networks in Western Cape and source good deal flow for the NEF.
8. Attend conferences and seminars that are part of the Pre-Investment Business Support.
9. Resolve complaints that cannot be resolved by Product Advisor and provide Pre-Investment mentorship to applicants where necessary.
10. Perform business valuations for applicants.
11. Conduct post-investment due diligence and monitoring of all investments in the NEF iMbewu portfolio.
12. Conduct due diligence on applications from existing investees for further funding and obtain approval from the relevant committees per the DOA.
13. Provide and facilitate technical assistance and mentorship to all investees in conjunction with the POIU.
14. Conduct effective portfolio management to reduce the portfolio risk of the NEF in conjunction with the POIU.
15. Maintain CRM (customer relationship management) with all existing investees.

Qualification Requirements:

Postgraduate Commerce Degree will be a distinct advantage.

Experience / Skills Required:

1. 3 years' experience in 2 or more of the following areas: SME funding / deal making / investment environment, business banking, venture capital environment, and/or development finance.
2. 3 years' experience in managing an SME portfolio.
3. Good understanding of the investment process especially as it relates to SME funding.
4. Basic understanding of the various investment instruments and deal structures applicable to an SME portfolio.
5. Good working knowledge of key commercial statutes and regulations (e.g., Tax, Companies Act, and BEE legislative environment).
6. Ability to perform desktop analysis and risk assessments on applications and put forward compelling written recommendations for consideration.
7. Ability to analyse and interpret financial statements.
8. Ability to generate deal flow through own networks.
9. PC literacy and competency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
10. Good presentation skills and ability to communicate at all levels.
11. Strong credit control / collections skills.

Personal Attributes / Behaviours / Attitudes:

1. Ability to maintain good relationships with clients.
2. Ability to work in a team.
3. Must be self-motivated.
4. Ability to take initiative and make decisions.
5. Interpersonal skills.
6. Result-oriented and deadline-driven.
7. Exceptionally professional with outstanding business ethics.