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.