At a Glance
- Tasks: Support M&A activities, manage transactions, and assist with integration of acquired businesses.
- Company: Join Ipsum, a dynamic, Private Equity-backed organisation focused on growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, pension plan, mental health support, and discounts on everyday expenses.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and professional qualifications in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in finance while making a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: ACA or ACCA qualified accountant with strong communication and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Chorley with National Business Travel
Employment type: Full Time, Permanent
Working Hours: Monday to Friday
What’s in it for you… We believe in looking after our people, and it shows. When you join Ipsum, you’re not just taking a job — you’re starting a career with real support behind it.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Option to buy up to 5 additional holidays
- Group Personal Pension Plan
- Career development & progression with the opportunity to earn professional qualifications
- 24/7 access to a virtual GP and Mental health support & counselling services
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discount club - supermarkets, phone bills, gyms & more
- Life assurance cover
- Long service recognition
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
- Paid volunteering opportunities in your community
About the role… This is an excellent development opportunity for a technically strong, qualified accountant to broaden their experience into M&A within a fast-paced, Private Equity-backed, acquisitive organisation. You will gain hands-on exposure across the full deal lifecycle, including origination, company valuation, live transactions, due diligence, and post-acquisition integration.
Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will support the assessment of acquisition targets, contribute to deal execution, and help ensure the successful integration of newly acquired businesses. This role offers strong commercial exposure and the chance to develop within a high-growth, dynamic environment. Regular UK-wide travel will be required to support acquisition activity and post-completion integration across operational sites.
As a Finance Analyst you will…
- Support end-to-end transaction activity, including coordinating virtual data rooms, managing information requests, and assisting with due diligence workstreams and project timelines
- Contribute to acquisition pipeline management, market research, and the preparation of presentations, briefing papers, and screening materials
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, confidently coordinating across buyers, sellers, and advisors
- Apply strong project management skills to support efficient deal execution while ensuring sensitive information is handled with the utmost professionalism
- Assist with the integration of newly acquired businesses, including transitioning into group reporting structures, processes, and systems
- Support system migrations and contribute to a range of ad hoc projects and integration initiatives
About you… You will be an ACA or ACCA qualified accountant with a strong grounding in UK GAAP and financial reporting, ideally gained in an audit, practice, or financial reporting environment. You are confident applying your technical knowledge in a commercial context, and while exposure to transactions, due diligence, or corporate finance is advantageous, it is not essential.
You are a proactive and collaborative individual with excellent communication skills and the confidence to build strong stakeholder relationships. Highly organised, with strong project and time management capabilities, you thrive in a fast-paced environment and can effectively prioritise competing demands. You bring a positive, methodical approach to problem-solving, along with strong IT skills, including advanced Excel.
Our commitment to Equal Opportunities... We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences, and we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Next steps... If you’re interested in this opportunity, please apply or reach out to the Talent Team for more info.
Finance Analyst - Acquisitions & Integrations in Preston employer: Ipsum
At Ipsum, we prioritise the well-being and development of our employees, offering a supportive work culture that fosters career growth and professional qualifications. Located in Chorley, our dynamic environment provides ample opportunities for meaningful engagement through national business travel, competitive benefits like enhanced maternity pay, and a commitment to community involvement through paid volunteering. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Analyst - Acquisitions & Integrations in Preston
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance world! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and understanding their recent acquisitions. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in M&A. Practice common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show your interest!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your achievements and projects related to finance and acquisitions. This can set you apart from other candidates and give you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Ipsum.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Analyst - Acquisitions & Integrations in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Analyst role. Highlight your experience with M&A, financial reporting, and any relevant projects. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your project management and communication skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple tasks and build strong relationships, so make that clear!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ipsum
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Analyst, you’ll need to be comfortable with financial data. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how they relate to acquisitions and integrations. This shows you’re not just a numbers person but also understand their strategic importance.
✨Research the Company
Dive deep into the company’s recent acquisitions and market position. Understanding their business model and recent activities will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest in the role. Plus, it gives you great talking points during the interview!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and project management abilities. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed a project or resolved a complex issue. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since building relationships with stakeholders is key in this role, be prepared to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated complex information in the past. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the team.
