Associate Principal: Corporate Finance - Commercial Banking

Job Purpose

The Associate Principal in Corporate Finance is a senior role within the advisory team, responsible for leading complex deal execution, originating new ideas, managing client relationships and contributing to the strategic development of the business. The role requires a strong understanding of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital raising, valuations, and other strategic financial advisory services.

Job Responsibilities

1. Transaction Leadership

•    Lead the end-to-end execution of M&A, capital raising and advisory transactions.

•    Conduct financial, company or sector related research and analysis on potential investments in order to provide input into the client decision-making process

•    Prepare, review, and present financial models, valuation outputs (DCF, comparables, precedent transactions), pitchbooks, committee packs and any relevant materials for both internal and external meetings

•    Analyse and assess potential deal opportunities, including preparing and presenting proposals to potential clients.

•    Manage key stakeholders, understanding their objectives and tailoring solutions to meet their needs

•    Coordinate due diligence processes including legal, financial, tax and operational workstreams

•    Drive negotiations on transaction terms in collaboration with legal and regulatory advisors

•    Ensure compliance with relevant JSE Listings Requirements, Companies Act, and Takeover Regulation Panel guidelines

2. Client Management

•    Serve as the primary point of contact for senior client stakeholders including CEOs, CFOs, board members, business development teams, etc.

•    Develop strategic relationships with clients, understanding their corporate objectives and aligning services accordingly

•    Provide insightful, value-adding advice to clients on transaction strategy and capital structuring

3. Team Leadership & Development

•    Supervise and mentor Graduates, Analysts, Associates and Senior Associates

•    Review and enhance junior team members’ outputs to ensure accuracy, consistency, and analytical integrity

•    Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture aligned with corporate values

4. Origination Support

•    Support business development efforts including the identification of deal opportunities and preparation of client pitches

•    Contribute to internal thought leadership, sector insights and market intelligence to support client conversations

•    Build and maintain a network of relationships with private equity firms, mid-market corporates, legal advisors, etc.

Key Activities

• Conduct and oversee complex financial modelling, scenario analysis and valuations
• Draft and analyse key transaction documentation including term sheets, NDAs, mandate letters, marketing materials, internal/external documents, etc.
• Lead deal team meetings and manage stakeholder communications
• Monitor deal pipeline progress and address bottlenecks in execution
• Engage in strategic planning and budgeting for the Corporate Finance – Commercial Banking division
• Attend industry forums, conferences, and networking events to promote the firm’s capabilities

Essential Qualifications - NQF Level

Preferred Qualification

• Post graduate qualification/CA(SA)/CFA /Business Sciences/BSc Engineering/Actuarial Science

Preferred Certifications

• Exceptional financial modelling and analytical skills (advanced Excel skills).
• Strong leadership and interpersonal abilities.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills.
• Commercial acumen and ability to work under pressure.
• Integrity, discretion and sound judgment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior experience in corporate finance, investment banking, or financial advisory is advantageous

Minimum Experience Level

• 4–8 years of experience in investment banking, corporate finance advisory or private equity
• Demonstrable track record of successful transaction execution (buy-side, sell-side, capital raises, etc.)
• Deep knowledge of local and cross-border M&A landscape in South Africa and broader Sub-Saharan Africa.

Technical / Professional Knowledge

Behavioural Competencies