Investment Associate â Private Debt Cape Town (Observatory) OR Johannesburg (Melrose Arch)

Mint Kulca; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial firm in Johannesburg is looking for a professional to execute private debt transactions and conduct in-depth financial analyses. The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Finance or a related field, along with 3-5 years of relevant experience. Strong analytical skills, integrity, and the ability to thrive under pressure are essential. This role offers a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and development.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in private debt, corporate finance, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of credit metrics and risk assessment.
• Familiarity with company valuation methods and corporate accounting principles.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate financial modelling for investment decisions.
• Lead due diligence processes and mitigate potential risks.
• Support investment processes from origination to closing.
• Monitor portfolio investments and maintain performance dashboards.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Attention to Detail

Integrity

Initiative

Planning and Execution

Agility

Composure Under Pressure

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Investment Management

Tools

Financial Modelling

Excel

MS Word

PowerPoint

Job description

THE TOP PRIORITIES OF THE ROLE ARE :

• Deliver accurate and insightful financial modelling and analysis to support sound and informed investment decisions.
• Execute private debt transactions successfully , ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and strategic objectives.
• Lead and coordinate comprehensive due diligence processes , identifying and mitigating potential risks early.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with both internal teams and external stakeholders to foster collaboration and trust.
• Actively monitor and manage portfolio investments , swiftly identifying and addressing emerging issues to safeguard performance.

IF YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES, THEN THIS ROLE IS FOR YOU :

Sharp Analytical Thinking

You take a structured, multi-angle approach to complex problems and can confidently form sound opinions. This is vital for credit assessments, materiality judgments, and investment committee recommendations.

Impeccable Attention to Detail

You handle intricate data and documentation with accuracy and care, essential for modelling, due diligence, and flawless execution.

Integrity and Accountability

You operate with discretion and consistently uphold ethical standards, critical when working on sensitive, high-value transactions.

Initiative and Sound Judgement

You know when to act independently and when to escalate. Youre proactive in identifying gaps, proposing solutions, and pushing workstreams forward.

Strong Planning and Execution

You bring structure to chaos - managing deal timelines, diligence trackers, and internal workflows to ensure everything moves on time and to standard.

Agility and Adaptability

Youre comfortable navigating changing conditions, shifting priorities, and dynamic deal contexts without losing momentum or focus.

Composure Under Pressure

You perform reliably in high-stakes, fast-paced environments and dont crack under the weight of multiple deadlines or tight turnarounds.

Collaborative Spirit

You thrive in lean, high-performing teams and communicate effectively across functions, partners, and external stakeholders.

THE NON-NEGOTIABLE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ROLE ARE :

Education : Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Investment Management, or a related field.

Experience : 35 years of relevant experience in private debt, corporate finance, leveraged finance, investment banking, credit analysis, or a related field.

Technical Skills and Tools : Financial Modelling Strong Excel skills, including advanced financial modelling (DCF, covenant modelling, scenario analysis) and advanced knowledge of MS Word and PowerPoint.

Credit Analysis : Solid understanding of credit metrics, capital structures, and risk assessment in lending environments.

Valuation and Accounting : Familiarity with company valuation methods, financial statement analysis, and corporate accounting principles.

BENEFICIAL, THOUGH NOT ESSENTIAL, ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

Working knowledge of debt-related legal documentation (e.g. term sheets, loan agreements, security documents).

Honours or postgraduate degree

Progress toward or completion of relevant designations such as CFA, CAIA, CAI, AIMC, CA(SA), or FRM.

Certifications related to credit risk or investment analysis.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE :

Transaction Execution & Underwriting

Support all phases of the investment process, from deal origination through to closing.

Build robust financial models (including cash flow, covenant, and return analyses) and evaluate borrower creditworthiness.

Contribute to risk assessment, deal structuring, and the preparation of term sheets.

Due Diligence Coordination

Assist in the coordination of third-party due diligence efforts (legal, financial, tax, commercial).

Manage data rooms, diligence trackers, and internal workflows across multiple teams.

Investment Committee Preparation

Draft comprehensive investment memorandums and presentation materials for committee review.

Clearly synthesize key risks, mitigants, and return drivers for decision-making.

Market & Borrower Research

Conduct industry, sector, and borrower research to support deal origination and credit assessments.

Monitor market trends, peer activity, and economic indicators that influence credit risk.

Portfolio Management & Monitoring

Support post-investment monitoring, including borrower engagement, financial analysis, and covenant tracking.

Maintain performance dashboards and contribute to regular risk reviews and reporting.

Legal Documentation Support

Review and comment on key legal documents, including loan agreements, security packages, and intercreditor arrangements.

Work closely with legal counsel to ensure documentation accurately reflects commercial terms.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Liaise with legal, finance, and compliance teams throughout the investment lifecycle.

Contribute to internal process improvements and share insights across the team.