Associate - M&A Origination & Advisory

About the Role:

We are looking for a high-calibre finance professional to join our M&A team as an Associate - M&A Origination & Advisory.

This is a front-end role combining M&A origination, financial analysis, business evaluation and senior-level client engagement. You will work closely with promoters, founders, CXOs, investors and business owners to identify and develop potential M&A and strategic transaction opportunities.

The role is particularly suited to professionals from Investment Banking, Big 4 Deals / Transaction Advisory, Corporate Finance, Private Equity, Equity Research or Financial Services who want greater exposure to the front end of M&A.

Key Responsibilities:

M&A Origination:

• Identify and develop potential M&A, acquisition, divestment and strategic investment opportunities.
• Build and manage a high-quality pipeline of potential companies and transactions.
• Identify companies and sectors aligned with the firm's target profile and transaction mandate.
• Develop proprietary opportunities through research, networking and direct promoter engagement.

Financial & Business Analysis:

• Analyze P&L, balance sheet, cash flows and key financial metrics.
• Understand business models, growth drivers, profitability, capital structure and industry dynamics.
• Assess the initial financial and strategic attractiveness of potential opportunities.
• Conduct company, sector and comparable transaction research.

Promoter & Client Engagement:

• Build relationships with promoters, founders, CXOs, investors and senior decision-makers.
• Conduct meaningful discussions around business strategy, growth, capital requirements, acquisitions, succession and potential exits.
• Identify transaction triggers and convert relevant conversations into qualified opportunities.
• Develop long-term relationships with business owners and decision-makers.

Opportunity & Transaction Support:

• Qualify opportunities based on strategic fit, financial profile and transaction rationale.
• Prepare company profiles, opportunity notes, transaction teasers and preliminary assessments.
• Work with senior team members to progress qualified opportunities towards mandates and transactions.
• Track and manage the M&A pipeline and stakeholder relationships.

Ideal Candidate:

We are looking for professionals who combine strong financial acumen with excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Preferred background:

• CA / CFA / MBA (Finance) or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in Investment Banking, M&A, Big 4 Transaction Advisory / Deals, Corporate Finance, Transaction Services, Private Equity, Equity Research or related fields.
• Strong ability to read and interpret financial statements.
• Excellent communication and executive presence.
• Comfortable interacting with promoters, founders and CXOs.
• Strong analytical, commercial and research skills.
• Ability to connect financial performance with business strategy.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, ownership orientation and strong follow-through.