Investment Manager – SME Lending / Deal Maker

Network Finance; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking a skilled professional to identify and structure funding opportunities for SMEs in South Africa. You will conduct due diligence, evaluate business viability and develop investment proposals to secure financing deals.

Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills are essential to engage with business owners and stakeholders. The role requires a BCom in Accounting/Finance with at least four years in business investment or SME lending, plus proficiency in financial

Qualifications

• BCom degree in Accounting, Finance or related field with at least Financial Accounting 2 or equivalent.
• Minimum 4 years' experience in business investment, SME lending or a business finance-related role.
• Experience in credit analysis, commercial banking, financial analysis, deal-making or investment management would be advantageous.
• Strong financial analysis and commercial assessment skills.
• Experience assessing business viability, financial risk and funding requirements.
• Strong negotiation, networking and relationship-building abilities.
• Commercially minded, results-driven and comfortable engaging with business owners.

Responsibilities

• Identify potential SME clients and new investment opportunities through market research, networking and relationship building.
• Engage with business owners to understand their funding requirements and business objectives.
• Conduct financial assessments and due diligence to evaluate the viability of businesses seeking funding.
• Analyse financial statements, cash flows, business performance and potential investment risks.
• Prepare financial models, forecasts and investment proposals to support funding decisions.
• Structure and negotiate financing deals that balance client needs with acceptable investment returns and risk.
• Compile investment reports outlining the financial position, risks and potential returns of proposed deals.
• Build and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs and key stakeholders within the SME market.
• Monitor funded businesses and assess the performance of existing investment portfolios.
• Keep up to date with market trends, economic developments and industry regulations.

Skills

Financial analysis

Negotiation

Relationship building

Market research

Education

BCom in Accounting/Finance

Job description

If you enjoy working with people, analysing financial information and turning viable business opportunities into funding deals, this could be the right opportunity for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify potential SME clients and new investment opportunities through market research, networking and relationship building.
• Engage with business owners to understand their funding requirements and business objectives.
• Conduct financial assessments and due diligence to evaluate the viability of businesses seeking funding.
• Analyse financial statements, cash flows, business performance and potential investment risks.
• Prepare financial models, forecasts and investment proposals to support funding decisions.
• Structure and negotiate financing deals that balance client needs with acceptable investment returns and risk.
• Compile investment reports outlining the financial position, risks and potential returns of proposed deals.
• Build and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs and key stakeholders within the SME market.
• Monitor funded businesses and assess the performance of existing investment portfolios.
• Keep up to date with market trends, economic developments and industry regulations.

Job Experience and Skills Required

• BCom degree in Accounting, Finance or another business-related field, including at least Financial Accounting 2 or equivalent.
• Minimum of 4 years' experience in business investment, SME lending or a business finance-related role.
• Experience in credit analysis, commercial banking, financial analysis, deal‑making or investment management would be advantageous.
• Strong financial analysis and commercial assessment skills.
• Experience assessing business viability, financial risk and funding requirements.
• Strong negotiation, networking and relationship‑building abilities.
• Commercially minded, results‑driven and comfortable engaging with business owners.
• Ability to evaluate opportunities, make informed recommendations and structure viable financing solutions.