Structured Acquisition Specialist - Gauteng & Cape at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• Identifies, evaluates, and executes acquisitions thelp the Group grow or expand its market reach.  Tidentify and engage with new-to-bank Segment Qualifying clients that dnot have an existing banking relationship with Absa; main focus tacquire these clients’ banking business from competitor banks through selling the Bank’s segment value proposition and the secondary ongoing relationship thereafter.
• The role involves a combination of; 
• strategic thinking, 
• financial analysis, 
• due diligence, and 
• negotiation skills
• It is a dynamic position that requires the ability tassess complex financial and business transactions, manage relationships with multiple stakeholders, and oversee the execution of deals ultimately driving business growth through strategic acquisitions and investments

Job Description

Sourcing Acquisition Opportunities:

• Actively seek and identify acquisition targets, which could be non-banked segmented clients with the intention tsecure a primacy relationship that aligns with the organization’s strategic goals.
• Use various methods tsource opportunities, such as industry networking, financial databases, market research, and investment brokers.
• Identified potential clients are tbe called and appointments scheduled tengage and win over these clients’ banking business through proper understanding of client’s business operations, and subsequent provision of suitable banking products and services like transactional banking, working capital & debt, global markets and Retail & Business Banking add-on products and services.

Deal Project Management

• Use a Client Service Team (CST) process tappropriately solution the client, i.e. position potential new clients with internal stakeholders like CREDIT, Product Partners, and Support & Operational Services tdemonstrate value and potential revenue benefits that target new clients can bring tAbsa. This will require a deep understanding of the client’s business, and the identification of short and long term value that can be derived from the potential new client.
• Manage all live and active transactions originated with the “banker triteam” by working in or coordinating Client Service Teams (CST) tensure objectives are met and the product / service / solution is of a high quality and is delivered.
• Prepare credit applications and seek approval for facilities
• Executing and implementing approved borrowing facilities, products and services

Due Diligence:

• Conduct thorough due diligence on potential acquisitions, including reviewing financials, legal documents, operational performance, and market position.
• Work with internal teams (legal, financial, tax, etc.) and external advisors (where applicable) tassess risks, opportunities, and synergies in the target company.
• Evaluate potential threats, such as operational inefficiencies or regulatory risks.

Financial Analysis & Valuation:

• Perform detailed financial analysis, including financial modelling, projections, and valuations of the target company or asset.

Deal Structuring:

• Help structure the terms of the acquisition, including the method of payment (cash, stock, debt, or a combination).
• Negotiate the deal structure, ensuring that it aligns with the company's financial and strategic objectives.

Negotiation:

• Negotiate with the target company’s management or owners tsecure favorable terms for the acquisition.
• Work with legal teams tensure that all terms, conditions, and agreements are in place for a smooth transaction.

Risk Management

• Ensure adherence tAbsa-wide compliance and risk policy procedures
• Operate in accordance with Absa’s risk appetite and lending procedures
• Take full ownership in conjunction with the “CA team” of the credit process tenable the    approval of all borrowing facilities sought
• Operations and Compliance
• Actively keep up tdate with all relevant knowledge, legislation and developments within the business unit and banking industry that may have an impact on the effective delivery on the role

Preferred Education 

• A bachelor’s degree in finance, with a major in Financial Accounting.
• A professional qualification i.e. CA(SA), CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CIMA will be an added advantage

Preferred Experience

• Typically, 3–7 years of experience in Debt Structuring, Corporate Finance, Business & Investment banking.
• Experience in financial analysis, due diligence, and deal negotiation is crucial.
• A background in a specific industry (e.g., Commercial and Agricultural) can be helpful, depending on the focus of the acquisitions.
• Deep understanding of all business banking products with Risk & Credit experience
• General understanding of financial markets, banking, and relevant banking regulations

Knowledge and Skills 

• Self-starter, can work with minimum supervision and has the ability tengage clients at senior levels
• Strong networking skills with ability tpositively influence both internal and external stakeholders
• Entrepreneurial and commercial mind-set
• Confident, enthusiastic, and self-driven
• Negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Innovative, adaptive and completer-finisher approach tproject management

Education

• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)