SPA Advisory, Associate Director

Location: Reading

Alternatively, Grant Thornton

At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance. A true alternative.

With over 5,000 people in the UK, and a presence in 150 global markets, we're on an ambitious journey, from great to exceptional, and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential. And with that comes the opportunity to help redefine what our industry looks like, and what you want from your career.

Job Description:

Do you have Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) experience? Our market leading SPA team at Grant Thornton is hiring at all grades to continue our rapid growth! We work with corporates, private equity houses and other investors across a wide range of sectors, advising on the financial aspects of acquisitions and disposals, from completion mechanisms and price adjustments through to sale and purchase agreement (SPA) negotiations. We are seeking ADs with the technical and commercial skills who enjoy protecting value for clients undertaking acquisitions and disposals. Successful candidates should have transactions experience, a good understanding of completion mechanisms, enterprise to equity value bridges and the financial aspects of SPAs. Candidate will ideally have 3-5 years’ transaction and/or SPA advisory experience and be ACA (or equivalent) qualified.

A look into the role

As a SPA Associate Director within our team, you will:

· Take responsibility and ownership of the client relationship at the appropriate level in the client's organisation at board level.

· Consult effectively with specialists within the firm when faced with complex risk management.

· Oversee and manage letters of engagement internally and with the client.

· Develop solutions to complex technical issues.

· Interpret and analyse complex information, identifying business issues and applying technical knowledge appropriately.

· Oversee the preparation of deliverables to client, such as financial analysis, ensuring quality output is produced which is relevant to the transaction.

· Lead on completion mechanism matters, including net debt, working capital and other price adjustment calculations, ensuring analysis is robust and well supported.

· Review final drafts of our output.

· Manage all aspects of the transaction competently, including managing any junior team members involved on the project on technical aspects of the transaction.

· Set the fee estimate and oversees the drafting of the engagement letter.

· Lead the presentation of conclusions and recommendations to the client and discuss the implications and action points.

· Proactively seek out business development opportunities.

· Suggest innovative selling solutions whilst pro-actively identifying cross-selling opportunity.

· Review and participate in negotiations on the financial aspects of SPAs, including warranties, indemnities and disclosure letters, working closely with legal advisers.

· Lead, motivate and coach managers by inducting effectively, giving regular feedback and timely performance reviews.

· Prepare fee estimates and budgets for client assignments and manage client expectations about changes and overruns.

Knowing you’re right for us

Joining us as a SPA AD, the minimum criteria you’ll need is a professional qualification (ACA, ICAS, CA, ACCA or CIPFA) with post qualification transaction advisory experience (ideally 3-5 years, gained within a transaction services, corporate finance or SPA advisory environment), and to be confident managing a portfolio of SPA advisory engagements.

It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we’ll help you develop along the way:

· Some years experience in transactions/deals including experience of advising on financial aspects of SPAs

· Strong technical understanding of completion mechanisms, including locked box and completion accounts structures, and net debt and working capital adjustments.

· Experience reviewing and negotiating the financial aspects of SPAs, including warranties and indemnities.

· A level of business development experience, including converting sales opportunities and building long-term client relationships.

· Experience managing and developing junior team members across multiple, concurrent engagements.

· Strong report writing and communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial analysis clearly to clients and other stakeholders.

Knowing we’re right for you

The culture at Grant Thornton is what sets us apart, we’re known for our inclusive culture and creating environments where all our people can flourish. The things that set you apart, we value them, and this helps us all to perform at our best.

Our values are the unwavering principles that shape our daily behaviours and decisions, alongside our drive to do the right thing. We’re looking for people who align with our values and are purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind. You can learn more about our values in practice here.

It’s not just about our culture and values, in addition to a competitive salary and reward package, us you’ll also get:

Tailored development programmes and access to coaching

Flexible bank holidays – allowing you to celebrate the days that are important to you

Benefits including pension, life assurance and private medical, additional holiday purchasing and health benefits

Anytime benefits giving you access to shopping discounts, gym memberships, financial advice

And more. Visit our benefits section to read more.

How we work

We have a trust-based way of working, driven by responsible people who have the best interests of our firm and our clients at heart. Our how we work framework gives flexibility in where, how, and when we work to deliver the best results for our clients, whilst helping you keep a balance between work and life. Life is more than work, the things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles. That is how it should be.

We’re looking for people who can help drive the business forward, who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves. It’s how it should be.