At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of Secondaries in exciting transactions and client management.
- Company: Join Acanthus, a leading private markets intermediary with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Gain on-the-job training and significant exposure from day one.
- Why this job: Be part of a rapidly growing market and develop your career in Secondaries Advisory.
- Qualifications: 2-6 years in Secondaries Advisory, strong financial skills, and a desire to learn.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Acanthus is a well-established private markets intermediary with a focus on private equity fundraising and secondary market advisory within the lower and mid-market buyout space in Europe. The business was founded in 1998 and has since built its reputation as a leading and trusted advisor.
The role sits within the growing Secondaries Advisory division, which facilitates both vanilla LP portfolio sales and more complex GP-led transactions. This is an exciting opportunity to join the division at its inflexion point in what is a rapidly growing and evolving market. The successful candidate will benefit from on-the-job training and will become an integral part of the business, gaining significant exposure from day one.
We are seeking a hardworking, professional and commercially astute individual to join a growing and dynamic team. You will support the Head of Secondaries and will gain direct exposure to all aspects of the transactions that we work on, and will take on responsibilities that you may otherwise not at a larger firm.
Key attributes
- 2-6 years of complementary experience in a Secondaries Advisory or Placement
- Enthusiastic, organised and diligent individual with a desire to develop a career in Secondaries Advisory
- The successful candidate will be well presented, personable and have an entrepreneurial streak
- Ability to multi-task, develop new relationships and thrive under pressure
- Highly numerate, have a solid understanding of financial markets and strong research skills
- High level of verbal and written English - fluency in an additional language would be advantageous
- Highly proficient in Excel, PowerPoint and Word
- Ability to work within a team and also independently
- Strong quantitative, financial modelling and problem-solving skills
- A resilient and motivated self-starter
Key responsibilities
- Direct support to the Head of Secondaries across all aspects of the business and transactions that we work on
- Assist with origination, helping to identify prospective clients whilst further developing existing relationships
- Prepare pitch books and marketing materials to a very high standard
- Support senior colleagues with client management on a day-to-day basis and at conferences/on marketing trips
- Redact confidential documentation and manage VDRs
- Maintain and update the CRM system diligently
Minimum Qualifications
- A 2.1 Bachelor's degree from a reputable university in Finance, Economics, Business or other
Associate/Senior Associate employer: Acanthus Capital
Contact Detail:
Acanthus Capital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate/Senior Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks at Acanthus. You never know who might help you land that interview!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by doing your homework. Understand Acanthus's role in the private equity space and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in Secondaries Advisory and how it can benefit Acanthus. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate/Senior Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role at Acanthus. Highlight your relevant experience in Secondaries Advisory or Placement, and don’t forget to showcase your strong financial modelling skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Share specific examples of your past experiences that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We love seeing genuine passion!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! If you’re proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, mention specific projects where you used these tools effectively. We appreciate candidates who can back up their claims with real-world examples.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. Let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acanthus Capital
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the private equity landscape, especially in the lower and mid-market buyout space. Brush up on recent trends and key players in the industry. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with financial modelling and quantitative analysis. Prepare examples of how you've used these skills in past roles, particularly in a Secondaries Advisory context. This will help demonstrate your capability to thrive under pressure.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about Acanthus's approach to GP-led transactions or how they maintain client relationships. It shows you're engaged and genuinely interested in the company and the role.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with a friend or mentor. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your previous experiences. This will help you feel more at ease and present yourself as the professional candidate they’re looking for.