Research Analyst (Corporate Finance)
Join a growing corporate finance advisory firm supporting UK SMEs with M&A and succession planning.
Remote (Cape Town-based with potential future office requirement) | R25 000 - R30 000 per month + discretionary bonus | 9:00 - 17:30
About Our Client
Our client is a specialist corporate finance and M&A advisory firm working with UK-based SMEs. Their mission is to support entrepreneurs and business owners at every stage of their growth and exit journey, from unlocking value to succession planning. With a collaborative and relationship-driven culture, they combine deep sector expertise with a practical, commercially focused approach to deliver long-term value for clients.
The Role: Research Analyst (Corporate Finance)
As a Research Analyst, you will play a central role in the Origination & Deal Support team. This is a unique opportunity to combine origination research, financial analysis, and presentation drafting in one position. You will support Advisors and Partners by building data-driven insights, developing research packs, and contributing to live M&A mandates. This role is ideal for a motivated, detail-oriented professional eager to build a career in corporate finance while gaining exposure to both origination and transactions.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct origination research, building structured datasets of UK SMEs and business owners (turnover £3m -£20m, EBITDA £500k -£3m).
- Use tools such as Companies House, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and market intelligence platforms to source and validate data.
- Draft clear, professional research reports, company profiles, and sector presentations.
- Support M&A mandates with financial and cashflow modelling, buyer list creation, and acquisition target research.
- Collaborate with Advisors, Partners, Marketing, and Business Development to ensure research outputs are accurate, client-ready, and aligned with firm strategy.
- Maintain databases (HubSpot, deal trackers) and contribute to weekly origination meetings and monthly reporting.
- Ensure high standards of accuracy, quality control, and presentation in all deliverables.
About You
- 2+ years experience in research, analysis, or financial modelling, ideally within corporate finance, consulting, or professional services.
- Strong research and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets (financial and cashflow modelling, data analysis).
- Experience with data/research tools such as Companies House, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Orbis, Beauhurst, or PitchBook.
- Ability to draft clear, structured reports and presentations (PowerPoint/Google Slides).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to turn data into compelling insights.
- Highly organised, methodical, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
- Desirable: exposure to valuation methodologies, due diligence, and SME market dynamics; familiarity with HubSpot or similar CRM systems; experience working with designers/marketing teams on client-facing materials.
