Associate - Mergers & Acquisitions - BFSI

Designation: Associate - Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Investments & Investor Relations Experience: 3 - 4 years Function: Corporate Finance / Strategy / Investments Role Overview: We are looking for a hands-on, analytically strong professional to support the organisation's Mergers & Acquisitions, investment analysis, financial modelling, due diligence and Investor Relations (IR) activities. The role will involve working closely with senior leadership on investment opportunities, strategic transactions, financial analysis and investor-related deliverables. The ideal candidate should possess a strong foundation in financial analysis, investment research, financial modelling and preparation of Investment Committee (IC) notes, along with the ability to coordinate due diligence processes and manage multiple workstreams independently. The candidate should also be comfortable leveraging traditional financial tools as well as emerging AI-powered tools to enhance research, analysis and execution efficiency. Key Responsibilities: 1. M&A and Investment Analysis: - Support the evaluation of potential M&A opportunities, strategic investments, acquisitions and other corporate finance initiatives. - Conduct industry, sector and company-level research to identify investment opportunities and assess business fundamentals. - Analyse financial statements, business performance, growth drivers, risks and investment viability. - Assist in valuation exercises using methodologies such as DCF, comparable company analysis and precedent transactions. - Prepare investment teasers, opportunity assessments and preliminary investment evaluation reports. 2. Financial Modelling and Investment Committee (IC) Notes: - Develop, maintain and update financial models, valuation models, business forecasts and scenario analyses. - Prepare detailed Investment Committee notes, investment memos, presentations and decision-support documents. - Translate complex financial and business information into clear, concise and actionable insights for senior management. - Conduct sensitivity analysis, assess key investment assumptions and evaluate potential returns and risks. - Support the preparation of financial projections, transaction analysis and investment recommendations. 3. Due Diligence and Transaction Coordination: - Coordinate financial, commercial, legal and operational due diligence with internal teams and external advisors. - Manage data rooms, maintain due diligence trackers and follow up on information requirements and transaction milestones. - Consolidate findings from multiple stakeholders, identify key risks and highlight material observations. - Assist in preparing transaction documentation, management presentations and other deal-related materials. - Track action items, timelines and deliverables to ensure the smooth execution of transaction workstreams. 4. Investor Relations (IR) and Management Support: - Support the preparation of investor presentations, performance updates, financial summaries and other investor-facing materials. - Assist in developing management reports, business updates and strategic presentations for investors and other stakeholders. - Conduct market, peer and competitor benchmarking to support investor communication and strategic decision-making. - Ensure accuracy, consistency and timely collation of financial and business information used in investor-related deliverables. - Provide analytical and execution support to senior leadership on ad hoc strategic, financial and business initiatives. 5. Research, Analytics and AI-Enabled Productivity: - Leverage traditional research platforms, financial databases and analytical tools to support investment evaluation and decision-making. - Use AI-powered tools to accelerate research, information synthesis, financial analysis, document review and presentation development. - Explore and implement efficient workflows using AI tools while ensuring data confidentiality, source validation and analytical accuracy. - Stay updated on industry developments, transaction trends, valuation benchmarks and emerging investment themes. Desired Candidate Profile: - 3 - 4 years of relevant experience in M&A, investment banking, corporate finance, transaction advisory, private equity, investment analysis or a similar role. - Strong hands-on experience in financial modelling, valuation, investment analysis and preparation of IC notes or investment memos. - Exposure to due diligence coordination and transaction execution is highly desirable. - Working knowledge of Investor Relations, investor presentations or management reporting would be an advantage. - Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to build financial models and develop high-quality presentations. - Familiarity with financial research platforms and AI tools for research, analysis and productivity. - Strong analytical, quantitative and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly. - A proactive, execution-oriented approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment. Educational Qualifications: - CA, MBA (Finance), CFA, or a postgraduate qualification in Finance, Economics or a related discipline. - Candidates with a strong finance and analytical foundation, relevant transaction exposure and demonstrable modelling skills will be preferred. Key Competencies: - Financial and investment acumen - Financial modelling and valuation - Research and analytical rigour - Transaction and stakeholder coordination - Business writing and presentation skills - AI-enabled research and productivity - Ownership, agility and attention to detail