SPA Advisory, Associate Director

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.