Strategy & Transaction Manager - Financial Services

EY is the only major professional services firm with a dedicated financial services practice (EY FSO) integrated in the EMEIA region. An international team of over 15,000 professionals is working across borders for our clients in the financial sector: Banking, Insurance, Payment Institutions and Wealth & Asset Management, in all service lines: Consulting, Tax, Strategy & Transactions and Assurance. As we view our people as the heart of EY, we hire and develop the most passionate in their field to build a better working world. This starts with a culture that believes in giving you the training, opportunities and creative freedom to make things better. So that, whenever you join, however long you stay, the exceptional EY experience lasts a lifetime .

The opportunity

As a member of the Financial Services SaT team, you will lead, and take part in transaction-related engagements within the financial services industry, ranging from due diligences (financial, commercial and operational) to M&A and valuation to purchase price allocations.

You will analyze the financial results of financial institutions, in order to identify potential risks within financial institutions’ balance sheets and identify growth and revenue drivers of these companies. You will support buyers and sellers across the entire transaction process and will be involved in clients' considerations and discussions regarding the contemplated transaction.

You will work effectively as a team member and demonstrate commitment to quality. You will help to create a positive learning culture, will coach and counsel junior colleagues and contribute to bring a positive atmosphere to a small but multidisciplinary team. 

 
Key responsibilities

•    You lead due diligence projects, often with multidisciplinary teams where each member brings their own expertise, relating to the sale and purchase of companies and businesses, identifying issues that may be of relevance and assessing the impact thereof on the transaction.
•    You help clients think through where to best deploy their capital to manage their portfolio of businesses, drive competitive advantage and increase returns, e.g., by performing market studies and, strategic reviews, or assessing growth or divestment opportunities.
•    You help buyers or sellers manage their M&A process, from deal sourcing to negotiations, regulatory approvals and preparation of post-acquisition integration.
•    You work on financial modelling and model reviews, for instance in the context of advisory valuations, capital optimization, purchase price allocation, or audit support.
•    You act as a first-line contact for a variety of top-class financial services clients and maintain excellent relationships with our clients and various stakeholders.
•    You coach and guide other team members, share your technical expertise and other knowledge with your team and the department and you draw upon previous experience.

Skills and attributes for success

We are looking for motivated individuals with a track record of achievement as an advisor in a professional services and/or financial industry environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in the financial services sector and will combine some of the following attributes:
 
•    5-8 years of experience as an auditor for financial institutions or within corporate finance and M&A
•    A strong understanding of financial services (insurance, banking, asset management) and relevant accounting and prudential issues
•    Fluent in Dutch/French and English
•    Strong academic record, including a degree in a relevant field; CFA certification is a plus
•    Excellent analytical skills and interpersonal abilities
•    Ability to work well within a team and, as needed, to lead a group of high performing professionals
•    Resistance to stress and ability to deliver under tight deadlines
•    Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills
•    Problem solver, able to work autonomously
•    Strong sense of initiative and open to new challenges and ideas
 
Most of all, it’s the attitude that matters! Enthusiasm for financial services is a must. We are looking for entrepreneurial people, who thrive in international teams and who have a global mindset!
 

What working at EY offers

•    You will be part of the leading transaction advisory team for the financial services industry in Belgium and across Europe.
•    You will be part of the EY family where everyone is willing to offer support and senior management is very accessible. 
•    You will join a dynamic and growing team with a great mix of young and experienced professionals focusing on financial services.
•    You will get extensive training on technical matters, as well as soft skills and project management, and you will have access to new technologies and innovative equipment.
•    We are proud of our flexible working arrangements, and we will support you to build a successful career and deliver excellent client service, without sacrificing your personal priorities. 
•    While our client-facing profession might require part-time working at client site and business travel at times, we are committed to helping you achieve a lifestyle balance.