Graduate Corporate Development Analysis

We are working with a growing professional services firm in Canterbury who are looking for a Corporate Development Analyst to join their dedicated Growth team.

This is an exciting opportunity to gain exposure to the full transaction lifecycle, working closely with senior leadership, Partners and the wider Growth team. The business is also open to considering graduates who can demonstrate strong analytical ability, commercial awareness and a genuine interest in M&A.

Reporting to the Corporate Development and Integration Lead, you will support the delivery of the firm's inorganic growth strategy, helping to identify acquisition opportunities and supporting transactions from initial research through to post-deal integration.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting market mapping and identifying potential acquisition targets
  
• Researching and profiling businesses, including financials, ownership, services and client base
  
• Maintaining acquisition pipeline trackers and reporting on deal progress
  
• Supporting outreach to target businesses, brokers and external advisers
  
• Assisting with financial analysis, benchmarking and valuation
  
• Preparing investment papers, internal approvals and board materials
  
• Supporting due diligence across financial, legal, tax and operational workstreams
  
• Coordinating with internal teams and external advisers throughout transactions
  
• Preparing briefing materials for meetings and senior stakeholders
  
• Supporting post-acquisition integration planning and tracking
  
• Monitoring integration milestones, synergies and post-deal performance
  
• Producing pipeline reports and management updates
  
• Analysing market trends and competitor activity
  

We are looking for someone who is analytical, commercially minded and highly organised, with a genuine interest in M&A and the professional services sector.

You may have experience in:

• Corporate finance
  
• Transaction services
  
• Financial analysis
  
• Accountancy or professional services
  
• Project management
  
• Another analytical or commercially focused role
  

Graduates are also encouraged to apply, particularly those with a relevant degree and strong academic background who can demonstrate excellent analytical, communication and Excel skills.

You will ideally have:

• Strong financial analysis and Excel capability
  
• Excellent attention to detail
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
  
• The ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines
  
• A commercial mindset and interest in M&A
  
• The confidence to work with senior stakeholders and external advisers
  
• A proactive and organised approach
  

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to establish or develop a career in Corporate Development and M&A, with genuine exposure to live transactions and senior decision makers.

You will have the opportunity to develop experience across origination, financial analysis, valuation, due diligence, transaction execution and post-deal integration, giving you broad exposure to the acquisition process.

If you are a graduate looking to take your first step into corporate development, or an analyst with some existing finance or transaction experience looking for your next move, we'd be keen to hear from you.