Senior Mergers & Acquisitions Analyst

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Significant bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, seeks a highly analytical Senior M&A Analyst to join its corporate finance team. You will drive complex deal execution from origination to closing, building financial models (LBO, DCF) and supporting client engagements with senior bankers and advisors.

The ideal candidate holds a finance-related degree (MBA or CFA preferred) with at least 5 years in investment banking, corporate finance or private equity, and excellent communication and deadline management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business or related field.
• MBA or CFA designation highly desirable.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant investment banking or corporate finance experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist in identifying target opportunities and strategic options.
• Develop detailed financial models (LBO, DCF, accretion/dilution).
• Conduct company valuations and market research.
• Coordinate due diligence with legal, accounting and advisors.
• Prepare client presentations and transaction materials.
• Support negotiation and structuring of M&A deals.

Skills

Financial modeling

Valuation

Due diligence

Accounting analysis

Excel

PowerPoint

Bloomberg

Refinitiv Eikon

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/ Economics/ Business

MBA or CFA designation

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Bloomberg

Refinitiv Eikon

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished investment banking firm in **Sandton, Gauteng**, is seeking a highly analytical and driven Senior Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Analyst to join their corporate finance division. This role is central to executing complex M&A transactions, providing critical support throughout the deal lifecycle from origination to closing. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in financial modeling, valuation, due diligence, and transaction structuring. You will work closely with senior bankers, clients, and other advisors, playing an integral part in identifying strategic opportunities and facilitating successful outcomes. This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented professional to gain significant experience in high-profile deals within the dynamic **Sandton, Gauteng** financial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in identifying potential M&A targets and strategic opportunities for clients.
• Develop detailed financial models, including LBO, DCF, and accretion/dilution analyses.
• Conduct comprehensive company valuations and market research.
• Participate actively in due diligence processes, coordinating with legal, accounting, and other advisors.
• Prepare client presentations, pitch books, and transaction marketing materials.
• Support the negotiation and structuring of M&A transactions.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables effectively.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and industry participants.
• Stay informed about market trends, industry developments, and regulatory changes impacting M&A.
• Contribute to the overall deal team effort and support senior bankers in client engagements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field.
• An MBA or CFA designation is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in investment banking, corporate finance, private equity, or transaction advisory services.
• Proven expertise in financial modeling, valuation methodologies, and transaction execution.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial statement analysis.
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet demanding deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and financial databases (e.g., Bloomberg, Refinitiv Eikon).
• Prior experience within the **Sandton, Gauteng** **Banking & Finance** ecosystem is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a significant bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits program. This role provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, exposure to a wide range of transactions, and career advancement within a leading investment banking firm. Working in **Sandton, Gauteng** means being at the heart of South Africa's financial industry. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and high-achieving work culture. Join our dynamic team and contribute to shaping the future of corporate finance.