At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial due diligence and support acquisitions from start to finish.
- Company: Dynamic financial services firm focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid work, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive culture with a strong focus on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in M&A and make impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 2-3 years' experience in Transaction Services or Audit.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 ÂŁ per year.
Finance Business Partner (FCA-regulated) £60,000 to £70,000 depending on experience + 10% bonus + benefits | hybrid | Permanent Location hybrid (3 days in office) – M4 corridor, Bristol/Swindon
About the Role
We are supporting a key Financial Services client with the appointment of an Acquisitions Accountant to play a key role in the Group’s ongoing growth strategy. This is a high-impact role, supporting acquisitions and disposals end-to-end — from financial due diligence through to IFRS accounting and post-deal integration. You will work closely with senior stakeholders across finance, legal and the wider business, helping drive confident decision‑making and value creation. The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, ICAS or equivalent).
Purpose of the Role
- Support and lead buy‑side financial due diligence activities
- Own and support transaction accounting under IFRS for acquisitions and disposals
- Play an active role in post‑acquisition finance integration
- Provide clear technical accounting judgement and recommendations on complex transactions
What Makes This Role Attractive
- Genuine exposure to end‑to‑end acquisitions and integration activity
- Opportunity to transition from practice into a high‑impact industry role
- Strong learning curve with senior stakeholder exposure
- Supportive culture with investment in development and long‑term progression
Key Responsibilities
- Perform buy‑side financial due diligence including quality of earnings, working capital and net debt analysis
- Identify accounting, balance sheet, tax and control risks within target businesses
- Review target accounting policies and assess alignment with IFRS and Group policy
- Support SPA accounting inputs including completion accounts and earn‑outs
- Prepare acquisition accounting under IFRS, including goodwill and purchase price allocation
- Draft clear technical accounting papers to support judgements and conclusions
- Account for deferred and contingent consideration arrangements
- Support the finance integration of acquired businesses into Group reporting
- Assist with audit processes and transaction‑related disclosures
Ideal Candidate Profile
This role will suit a recently qualified accountant with around 2–3 years’ post‑qualification experience who is keen to build a long‑term career in M&A and acquisitions within industry. You are likely to come from a Transaction Services, Deals or Audit background within a large firm (Big 4 / Top 6), where you have developed strong technical accounting, analytical and due diligence skills. Experience supporting acquisitions within an industry role is also highly attractive, particularly where you have been involved in post‑deal finance integration activities. Just as importantly, you will be a self‑starter — someone who takes ownership, picks up tasks proactively, and comes with solutions rather than problems. This role requires confidence, curiosity and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with senior stakeholders.
Experience & Qualifications Required
- Background in Transaction Services, Deals, Audit or an acquisitive organisation
- Strong IFRS knowledge, particularly IFRS 3 and acquisition accounting
- Strong Excel and analytical skills
- Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
- Financial Services or FCA‑regulated experience
- Prior industry experience supporting acquisitions or integrations
- Exposure to purchase price allocation or intangible asset valuation
Mergers and Acquisitions Manager in Bristol employer: The Engage Partnership Recruitment
Contact Detail:
The Engage Partnership Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mergers and Acquisitions Manager in Bristol
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the M&A space! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with folks already working in M&A or finance roles. This is your chance to learn about their experiences and get tips on how to stand out. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the field!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your technical accounting skills and any relevant experience you have with IFRS. Bring examples of your work or projects that demonstrate your analytical prowess.
✨Apply Through Us!
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings in M&A. Applying through us not only gives you access to exclusive roles but also puts you in touch with a supportive community ready to help you land that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Mergers and Acquisitions Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mergers and Acquisitions Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial due diligence, IFRS accounting, and any previous work with acquisitions or disposals. We want to see how your background aligns 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 M&A and how your skills can contribute to our growth strategy. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to support senior stakeholders and drive value creation.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires strong technical accounting knowledge, make sure to highlight your expertise in IFRS, particularly IFRS 3 and acquisition accounting. We love seeing candidates who can clearly articulate their understanding of complex transactions and accounting principles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Engage Partnership Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial due diligence skills and be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience. Make sure you can explain how you've handled quality of earnings analysis or net debt assessments in past roles.
✨Master IFRS Accounting
Since this role heavily involves IFRS accounting, particularly IFRS 3, ensure you understand the nuances of acquisition accounting. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these standards in previous positions, especially in relation to goodwill and purchase price allocation.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This position requires strong communication and stakeholder management abilities. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with senior stakeholders and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
✨Be a Problem Solver
Demonstrate your proactive approach by preparing solutions for potential challenges in M&A processes. Think about common issues that arise during post-deal integration and how you would address them, showcasing your self-starter attitude.