Transaction Services - Value Creation Associate Director

At S&W, we help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths, and shaping solutions that make a difference. As one of the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing accountancy firms, we have been a trusted partner since 1881—helping businesses and individuals meet challenges and seize opportunities across generations. Built on expertise and driven by ambition, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including tax and accountancy, advisory and assurance, corporate finance, and restructuring. We are defined by our purpose—to help navigate challenges, unlock potential, and achieve the extraordinary.

We are seeking a talented Associate Director to join our new Value Creation team within Advisory Transaction Services. This is an exciting and key developmental role which is at the forefront of growth for M&A services within S&W. The team provides a range of services from pre-deal operational and technology due diligence and value creation reviews, through to post-deal integration/separation programmes and value realisation activities, working alongside other S&W colleagues and teams. The purpose of the role is to provide our Private Equity and Corporate clients with excellent service across all stages of the deal continuum, and support development of new M&A opportunities in this space.

Responsibilities

• Help lead value creation engagements across all stages of the deal continuum – from operational/technology due diligence through to post-merger integration/separation programmes.
• Taking ownership for project/programme management and client reporting on engagements.
• Day to day contact for the client during the assignment.
• Ensuring the completion of client risk management procedures.
• Drafting and agreeing scopes of work, budgets and fee negotiations with clients.
• Leading key aspects of the operational/technology/value creation reviews, managing team and their work, including of SME specialists for other lines of service.
• Reviewing/drafting and supporting the presentation of report and other client deliverables.
• Support the development of new client business opportunities, including new projects and wider initiatives such as introduction of AI tools into client engagements.

Team

• Delegation and oversight of work of more junior team members, reviewing and supporting client output delivery.
• Motivation and development of junior staff – “On the job” training on a one-to-one basis.
• Supporting team recruitment and expansion.

Business Development

• Preparing pitch documents, and driving the development and execution of business development initiatives, such as use of CRM tools.
• Developing expertise in niche industry sectors including building industry contacts and wider media awareness.
• Building external client networks and developing relationships.
• Maintain and nurture client relationships.
• Be a key influencer in winning new work for S&W.
• Cross-selling/service development with other lines of service.
• Working alongside colleagues from other S&W teams and develop and expand internal relationships.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Transaction Services/M&A Value Creation/Post-Merger Integration/Separation gained within a professional services or boutique practice, consultancy or corporate organisation.
• Experience of operational/technology due diligence or value creation, including a history of providing these in a range of sectors.
• Advanced Excel, Word and PowerPoint skills and understanding of business applications (Power BI etc).
• Experience of business development activities, including building and developing relationships, drafting and presenting proposals.
• An ability to generate contacts within the industry and a willingness to develop them.
• Degree level educated in Business, Finance or Technology.
• A relevant professional qualification, (for example MBA, Chartered Accountant or Corporate Finance Diploma or equivalent) is desirable.

Additional Information

As a colleague here at S&W you will have access to benefits that include:

• Competitive salary.
• Private medical insurance.
• Life assurance.
• Pension contribution.
• Hybrid working model (role dependent).
• Generous holiday package.
• Option to purchase additional holiday.
• Shared parental leave.
• Fully funded training towards professional qualifications.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Season ticket loan.
• Eye care support.

We are proud to value the differences that a diverse workforce brings, representative of society and our clients. At S&W we have a wide range of highly active employee resource groups and we’re delivering multiple diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation. It is our commitment to provide a workplace where all colleagues, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance, feel respected as individuals and feel that they can achieve their full potential and work in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments to accommodate for your needs throughout the application process. Please let your Recruiter know.