Advisory Associate, Investment Banking

Liberty, a prominent financial services group, is seeking a dedicated Advisory Associate to join its Investment Banking division in Johannesburg. This role is pivotal in managing and executing complex advisory transactions, requiring a blend of financial acumen, client engagement skills, and a deep understanding of corporate finance principles. The successful candidate will be instrumental in driving the growth of the Advisory business by delivering tailored client solutions within established risk and regulatory frameworks.

About the Role

This position is designed for an ambitious professional eager to develop comprehensive expertise across Liberty's Advisory product suite. You will oversee critical workstreams involved in originating, structuring, and executing a variety of advisory transactions. A key aspect of the role involves building and nurturing client relationships, understanding their unique business drivers, and crafting innovative financial solutions. You will also play a vital role in market outreach, preparing compelling presentations and proposals to secure new business. Collaboration with internal stakeholders across various departments, including Client Coverage, Product Lines, Risk, and Legal, will be essential for navigating internal processes and obtaining necessary approvals. Furthermore, staying abreast of macroeconomic trends, market developments, and industry shifts will be crucial for generating insightful recommendations.

The Advisory Associate will be responsible for a range of activities crucial to transaction success and business development:

• **Transaction Management:** Oversee and coordinate the origination, structuring, and execution phases of advisory transactions, ensuring the quality of all deliverables and managing internal and external stakeholders effectively.
• **Financial Modelling and Analysis:** Construct, review, and refine financial models to conduct valuations and perform detailed financial analysis, applying sound corporate finance theory.
• **Deal Structuring Support:** Contribute to the financial and capital structuring of transactions by preparing essential documentation, such as circulars, offering memorandums, engagement letters, term sheets, and legal agreements.
• **Risk and Due Diligence:** Assess and document the risk and regulatory aspects of transactions, conduct thorough due diligence, and ensure the ongoing feasibility of deals from inception to completion.
• **Project Timelines:** Develop and maintain deal execution timetables and project timelines, ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks and facilitating successful deal closure.
• **Client Relationship Management:** Cultivate client networks and maintain regular communication to understand their businesses and financial performance, enabling the provision of bespoke solutions.
• **Marketing and Presentations:** Organise and prepare marketing materials, pitch books, and client presentations, clearly communicating complex financial, regulatory, and market information.
• **Internal Collaboration:** Foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders across Corporate and Investment Banking, manage internal processes, and secure stakeholder buy-in.
• **Market Intelligence:** Continuously monitor macroeconomic, market, industry, and client developments, translating research and analysis into actionable insights and recommendations.
• **Compliance and Reporting:** Adhere to company policies and procedures, monitor financial performance, contribute to reporting requirements, and provide guidance to junior team members.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this role, candidates should possess a strong foundation in investment banking advisory and a proven track record in financial analysis and client engagement.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A tertiary qualification, such as a Bachelor's degree in Business Commerce or a related field.
• 3-4 years of experience specifically within Investment Banking Advisory.
• Proficiency in understanding key financial concepts, interpreting financial statements, calculating financial ratios, and building financial models.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting client-facing documentation, including presentation books, management presentations, board materials, and memoranda.
• A solid understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and industry codes of practice applicable to financial services in South Africa.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• **Analytical and Insightful Communication:** The ability to articulate complex information clearly and provide valuable insights.
• **Attention to Detail:** Meticulousness in examining information and producing accurate output.
• **Project Management:** Skill in managing tasks, meeting deadlines, and upholding standards.
• **Financial Expertise:** A strong grasp of corporate finance, valuation methodologies, and deal structuring.
• **Market Awareness:** Knowledge of international markets and specific industry sectors.
• **Client Focus:** An ability to develop client business cases and deliver client-centric solutions.
• **Negotiation and Risk Assessment:** Competence in deal negotiation and evaluating risk/reward profiles.

This role offers a significant opportunity for professional growth within a leading financial institution. In South Africa, an Investment Banking Advisory Associate typically earns a competitive salary, often supplemented by performance-based bonuses. Key employers in this sector include the major banking groups, specialised advisory firms, and private equity houses. Career progression can lead to senior advisory roles, deal origination leadership, or specialisation in specific industry sectors or transaction types.

Qualification: First Degree in Business Commerce

Experience Required
Investment Banking Advisory
3-4 years proficient understanding of key financial concepts, with experience in interpreting client financial statements, calculating financial ratios and building financial models for more experienced team member review. Experience in drafting client documentation (presentation books, management presentations, board materials, memoranda, and other presentation materials). An understanding of legislation, regulations and industry codes of practice.