Associate Director-Government & Infrastructure-Strategy and Transactions-Belfast

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The publication of Project Ireland 2040 by the Irish Government publicly stated its commitment to develop Ireland over the period to 2040. This was followed by the National Development Plan and the National Planning Framework and more recently the Government's Climate Action Plan. These ambitious but challenging strategy documents outline the Government's key areas of focus and its €165 billion capital expenditure plan to make Ireland a better country for all. Northern Ireland Infrastructure 2050 outlines the future likely direction for the development of infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

EY's Government and Infrastructure team is looking to further expand to capture the opportunities these investment plans provide and assist our clients deliver upon them. Our team advises on all aspects of the development, structuring and financing of infrastructure and real estate projects. We help clients understand the business, investment and public policy opportunities arising from increased investment in infrastructure and offer a coordinated approach to procuring, structuring, executing and managing major infrastructure, real estate and complex service projects and transactions. Our professionals are drawn from finance, investment banking, government, economics, construction, funds management and industry.

The opportunity

Join our Government and Infrastructure Advisory (G&IA) team and you join a team of experienced professionals who bring to clients excellence in the planning, procurement and delivery of infrastructure. You will advise both public and private sector organisations that require support in developing and managing large scale infrastructure projects across a range of sectors. You will also advise on the long-term operation of assets and the creation of high performing organisations.

Your key responsibilities

• Working effectively as a senior member of the team under the supervision of Partners within SaT G&IA as well as other EY departments in both Ireland and internationally on various assignments.
• Providing strategic advice relating to various matters which vary considerably from client to client.
• Business planning & business case advice.
• Procurement advising public and private clients in relation to the procurement of infrastructure assets through different forms of contracting and procurement models.
• Mergers, buyouts and disposals – buying and selling businesses and assets in the infrastructure sector.
• Advising public and private clients in relation to the procurement and funding of infrastructure assets through PPP.
• Understanding client requirements, co-developing our approach with the client and providing value through insights, factual conclusions and advice.
• Developing and maintaining business relationships and market profile with a view to winning business for the practice.
• Leading and managing a challenging and varied client portfolio on both public and private sides.
• Developing and maintaining new products and service offerings.
• Leading both internal and external projects.
• Responsible for client engagement on assignments on a day-to-day basis; updating clients on project progress; discussing tasks to be completed and deliverables to be provided.
• Actively managing project financials and administration including client take-on process, WIP control, billing etc.
• Anticipating and identifying risks that require escalation and subsequently escalating these risks to more senior staff as appropriate.
• Working closely with colleagues to ensure that work is properly executed, documented and concluded in compliance with our Quality & Risk Management guidelines.
• Establishing, maintaining and strengthening internal and external relationships.
• Creating a positive learning culture and mentoring junior members of staff.
• Maintaining and constantly upgrading technical knowledge and personal skills.

Skills and attributes for success

• Ideally, you will have an accounting qualification (Chartered Accountant or equivalent); a sound grasp of Irish Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and/or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and financial accounting.
• High level of business awareness and a strong understanding of the factors that drive financial performance.
• Highly numerate with a sound grasp of Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• A track record in infrastructure advisory and/or corporate finance advisory experience in a professional services environment and exposure to high-profile transactions would be a distinct advantage.
• Familiarity with the development or formal review of financial models is a pre-requisite.
• Strong leadership skills, willingness to learn and a positive attitude.

To qualify for the role you must have

• Qualified with ACA, ACCA or equivalent qualification with proven relevant and transferable work experience.
• Relevant degree in numeric subjects preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and client focus are important as well as attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

What we look for

The Government and Infrastructure Advisory (G&IA) team works with all levels of Government leveraging sector insights and delivering tangible measurable business benefits. Our senior practitioners come from across all disciplines across the Firm and form long-term trusted relationships with our Government clients supporting them with highly informed strategic advice to resolve their most pressing business issues.

What working at EY offers

We offer a competitive remuneration package where you’ll be rewarded for your individual and team performance. Our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes support for flexible working and career development. With FlexEY, you can select benefits that suit your needs covering holidays, health and well-being, insurance, savings and a wide range of discounts, offers and promotions.

Plus we offer support, coaching and feedback from some of the most engaging colleagues around, opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career, and the freedom and flexibility to handle your role in a way that’s right for you.

About EY

As a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, we’re using the finance products, expertise and systems we’ve developed to build a better working world. That starts with a culture that believes in giving you the training opportunities and creative freedom to make things better. Wherever you join, however long you stay, the exceptional EY experience lasts a lifetime.

If you can confidently demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible. Make your mark. Apply now.

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet while building trust in capital markets. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.