At a Glance
- Tasks: Support M&A transactions from assessment to integration, working directly with senior management.
- Company: Dynamic international aviation MRO group with a focus on growth through acquisitions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Direct coaching from the Head of M&A and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in M&A and make a real impact on business growth.
- Qualifications: 1-3 years in financial due diligence or similar, strong analytical and organisational skills.
We are a highly acquisitive international aviation MRO group, targeting multiple acquisitions per year. We are looking for an ambitious M&A Associate to support transactions from initial assessment through due diligence, execution and post-acquisition integration. This is a hands-on role with direct exposure to senior management, acquired businesses and multiple live deals. The role is based in London 2–3 days per week and involves regular international travel, typically 1–2 weeks per month.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess acquisition opportunities, strategic fit, risks and value-creation potential.
- Build financial models, valuations, forecasts and investment cases.
- Analyse revenue, margins, earnings quality, working capital, net debt, capex and cash conversion.
- Coordinate advisers, internal stakeholders, data rooms, diligence trackers and transaction timetables.
- Translate diligence findings into valuation, deal terms, completion actions and integration priorities.
- Support offers, approval papers, negotiations and completion planning.
- Work directly with the Head of M&A across multiple live transactions at the same time.
- Support longer-term integration plans across finance, operations, commercial and IT.
- Coordinate workstreams between acquired management teams and group functions.
- Track integration milestones, risks, business plans and corrective actions.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and monthly performance reviews.
- Help strengthen financial controls, processes and operational performance.
- Identify opportunities to improve growth, profitability and cash generation.
- Take increasing ownership of integration and performance-improvement workstreams.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a proactive, commercially minded candidate with 1–3 years’ experience in financial due diligence, transaction services, operational consulting or a similar environment. You will be:
- Analytically strong and comfortable working with financial and operational data.
- Highly organised and able to manage multiple workstreams.
- Commercial, curious and willing to challenge assumptions.
- A clear communicator with strong attention to detail.
- Comfortable in a fast-moving, hands-on environment.
Prior experience leading transactions or integrations is not required. This job is for someone looking for direct coaching from the Head of M&A, with responsibility increasing as your experience develops.
You may have experience of the following: M&A Associate, Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Finance, Transaction Services, Financial Due Diligence, Commercial Due Diligence, Investment Analysis, Financial Modelling, Valuation, Business Valuation, Investment Appraisal, Deal Execution, Deal Origination, Acquisitions, Buy and Build, Private Equity, PE-backed, Investment Banking, Corporate Development.
M&A Associate employer: SK Aero Safety
As a leading international aviation MRO group, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and development. Our London-based M&A Associate role offers the unique opportunity to engage directly with senior management and participate in high-stakes transactions, all while enjoying a competitive salary and bonus structure. With regular international travel and a culture that values ambition and collaboration, we are committed to empowering our employees to excel in their careers and make a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land M&A Associate
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like SK Aero Safety. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace M&A Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to SK Aero Safety.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on SK Aero Safety's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SK Aero Safety
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with SK Aero Safety.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at SK Aero Safety will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former SK Aero Safety employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
