Acquisitions Analyst

About Attivo
Attivo are Lifestyle Financial Planners.  We’re a privately owned company. We prefer it that way. It means we’re free to do what we feel is best for our clients and our people. Our work is all about our clients. We pride ourselves on being completely transparent, open and honest – an approach that builds trust with our clients and inspires their financial confidence.   

Our experienced, highly qualified financial specialists and expert support teams are committed to delivering more for all our clients. Our independent status and unique approach to understanding our clients, their preferences and their motivation, sets us apart. We will build and provide ongoing support for a bespoke financial plan aimed at fulfilling our clients' lifestyle needs. Whether you’re a private client or a business accessing our corporate services, you can rely on a clear, consistent service from your Financial Planner and from our experienced teams.   

About the role  

As an Acquisition Analyst, you will support Attivo’s strategic growth plans by researching, assessing and progressing potential acquisition opportunities.  

You will provide high-quality financial analysis, due diligence support and clear recommendations to help the business evaluate potential acquisition targets, understand associated risks and strategic fit, and make informed decisions in line with Attivo’s acquisition objectives.
You will own the financial modelling process for newly introduced acquisitions and work collaboratively with colleagues and external professionals to support the effective progression and delivery of transactions.  

This role can be based at our Cheltenham, London or Reading office, with hybrid working available.

About you  

You will have a minimum of 2-3 years of experience working in a similar mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, transaction support or investment analysis role.  You will have a sound understanding of financial accounting principles, valuation techniques and financial modelling, together with strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret financial, commercial and operational information.  

You will be confident identifying key risks and opportunities, managing competing priorities and working to tight deadlines. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential, alongside the ability to communicate complex information clearly to different audiences. Experience of acquisitions within the IFA, financial planning or wealth management sector would be advantageous.   

Key Responsibilities Include  

• Research and analyse financial, commercial and operational information relating to potential acquisition targets, identifying value drivers, risks and areas requiring further investigation.  
• Support due diligence activity by collating, reviewing and interpreting relevant information.  
• Take ownership of the financial modelling process for newly introduced acquisitions.  
• Assist with deal negotiation activity where appropriate, including preparing information, tracking actions and supporting agreed next steps.  
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external professionals, including investment bankers, lawyers, accountants and vendors.  
• Maintain the deal pipeline tracker, ensuring information remains
  accurate and up to date.  
• Prepare, organise and maintain relevant transaction documentation.  
• Ensure confidential information is handled appropriately.  
• Work collaboratively with other Attivo departments to produce useful insights from historic acquisitions.  
• Prepare clear and concise recommendations to support senior management decision-making.  

Essential skills and experience  

• Minimum 2-3 years experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, transaction support, investment analysis or a similar role.  
• Good understanding of financial accounting principles, valuation techniques and financial modelling.  
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret financial, commercial and operational information.  
• Ability to identify key risks and opportunities.  
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and manage competing priorities.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  
• Strong attention to detail, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.  
• Appropriate professional knowledge or qualifications in accounting, business, financial planning, investments or a related discipline.

Desirable skills and experience  

• Minimum 5 GCSEs graded A-B (6), or equivalent, including Maths and English  
• Educated to Degree level  
• Experience of acquisitions within the IFA, financial planning or wealth management sector.  
• Strong business acumen and awareness of the commercial and regulatory environment in which Attivo operates  
• Confident relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders, colleagues, vendors and external advisers.  

Salary and benefits

Up to £40,000; negotiable depending on experience  

London Living Allowance if eligible  

Attivo also offers:  

• Non-contributory Pension Scheme (8%) 
• Private Medical Insurance  
• Cashplan 
• Income Protection  
• Critical Illness  
• Death in Service  
• Parking allowance  
• Generous holiday allowance, rising with length of service  
• Work from home and flexible working available  
• Excellent culture, promoting employee wellbeing and engagement.  

Recruitment Policy  
Attivo is committed to being an Equal Opportunities employer. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will endeavour to make the process as accessible and as fair as possible.  Please be aware that any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory completion of pre-employment vetting as outlined by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This may include but not limited to adverse financial history, criminal records, UK directorship and disqualifications check.