Mergers and Acquisitions Associate

A high-growth, private equity-backed professional services business is seeking an ambitious Associate to join its M&A & Corporate Development team.This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly acquisitive organisation with an active deal pipeline and significant strategic growth ambitions. The role offers exposure to senior executives, investors and a wide range of stakeholders, whilst providing hands-on involvement across the full M&A lifecycle.The OpportunityWorking as part of a lean and dynamic corporate development team, you will support the identification, assessment and execution of acquisitions, whilst also contributing to broader strategic initiatives and investor reporting activities.The successful candidate will gain exposure to all stages of the deal process, from origination and target assessment through to due diligence, execution and integration.Key ResponsibilitiesEvaluate potential acquisition targets and strategic growth opportunities.Build and maintain financial models, valuation analyses and investment materials.Support end-to-end M&A execution through to completion.Coordinate with external advisers including corporate finance, legal and due diligence providers.Work alongside internal stakeholders across finance, legal, technology, risk, compliance and HR functions.Maintain and develop the acquisition target pipeline.Prepare board, management and investor reporting materials.Support wider corporate development and strategic growth initiatives.Candidate ProfileWe are interested in speaking with candidates who have:ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent professional qualification (preferred).2+ years of relevant experience within M&A, Corporate Finance, Lead Advisory, Transaction Services or Corporate Development.Strong financial modelling and analytical capabilities.Excellent PowerPoint and Excel skills.Strong commercial judgement and stakeholder management skills.Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.A proactive, self-motivated approach and desire to work within a fast-paced environment.