Location Chesterfield (can be some flexibility with also working at our other offices for example in Sheffield, Leeds etc)
Reports to Corporate Finance Director
Department Corporate Finance
Contract type Permanent, Full time
About us
The SMH Group offers a comprehensive suite of financial services to our clients including Accountancy, Financial Services, Wills & Probate, Commercial Finance, Residential Mortgages and Corporate Finance. We have over 220 employees across our 11 offices throughout the Yorkshire/Derbyshire region.
At SMH Group we truly believe our people are our greatest strength which is why we want to give them the confidence to grow and shape their future . As we continue to grow as a business we strive to be guided by our core behaviours – Client Centric , acting as One Firm , and Caring by doing the right thing for our people, clients and communities . As clients and our people at the fore front of everything we do, we leave no stone unturned to deliver consistent and impactful results. We foster a culture of respect, support, and inclusion within our teams.
If you’re looking to be part of a purpose-driven team we’d love to hear from you.
What will you be doing in the role?
To manage the delivery of corporate finance transactions and advisory engagements for SME and lower mid-market clients (typically enterprise values c.£1m–£50m), taking day-to-day responsibility for deal execution, client relationships, and the development of junior team members, while actively supporting the firm’s growth strategy through business development and cross-referral with other service lines (audit, tax, wealth management).
The successful candidate will need to be comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where processes and infrastructure are still evolving, and where individual contribution has a direct and visible impact on the firm’s trajectory.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day management of a portfolio of SME and lower mid-market corporate finance transactions, including business sales and disposals, MBOs/MBIs, acquisitions, fundraising (debt and equity), and shareholder exits
- Project manage deal teams, timetables, and workstreams to ensure timely and high-quality delivery, often working directly with owner-managers and founders for whom this may be a first and only transaction
- Prepare and review financial models, valuations, and financial analysis appropriate to owner-managed and privately-held businesses
- Draft and review key transaction documents including Information Memoranda, management presentations, and Heads of Terms
- Coordinate due diligence processes and liaise with legal, tax, and other advisers, including in-house tax, wealth planning, and restructuring colleagues
- Manage client negotiations and act as a key, trusted point of contact throughout the transaction.
- Identify opportunities to introduce complementary services from across the group (tax planning, wealth management, audit etc.) as part of a joined-up client offering
Client & Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients, intermediaries (accountants, lawyers, wealth managers), and referral sources across the local/regional SME market
- Act as a trusted adviser to business owners, understanding their personal and commercial objectives (often including succession, retirement, or lifestyle considerations) and providing commercially sound, empathetic advice
Business Development
- Develop and maintain a personal network of intermediaries, referral sources, and prospective clients within the local SME community
- Support Partners/Directors in identifying and originating new business opportunities, including from the group’s existing audit and tax client base
- Prepare pitch materials, proposals, and credentials documents
- Represent the firm at networking events, industry functions, and client meetings
People Management & Development
- Manage, coach, and develop Executives and Analysts within the team
- Review junior team members’ work, providing constructive feedback
- Support recruitment, appraisals, and performance management processes
- Ensure engagements are conducted in line with the firm’s risk management, quality control, and regulatory procedures
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory bodies and professional standards
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of AML, KYC, and other compliance requirements relevant to transactions
Who are we looking for?
Experience
- Minimum 3 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in corporate finance, transaction services, or a related advisory field
- Demonstrable track record of executing and closing SME/lower mid-market transactions (e.g., business sales, MBOs, acquisitions, fundraising)
- Comfortable advising owner-managed and family-owned businesses, not just PE-backed or corporate clients
- Prior experience managing or supervising junior staff
Technical Skills
- Strong financial modelling and valuation skills
- Sound understanding of accounting principles (UK GAAP/IFRS) and their application to transactions
- Working knowledge of transaction structuring, tax implications, and legal documentation
Behavioural / Soft Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients at all levels
- Strong commercial acumen and problem-solving ability
- High attention to detail combined with the ability to see the bigger picture
- Ability to manage multiple engagements and deadlines under pressure
- Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work autonomously
- Leadership and people management capability
- Collaborative team player who contributes to a positive team culture and works effectively across service lines
- Enthusiasm for business development and building a personal network, rather than viewing this as a purely execution-focused role
What qualifications do you need?
- ACA or ACCA qualified, or equivalent professional qualification (essential)
- Degree educated (2:1 or above), or equivalent professional experience
Other requirements
- Willingness to travel to clients/other offices as and when required
- Flexibility will occasionally be required to work extended hours during live transaction periods
Our benefits and perks
- Study support for professional qualifications
- 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays (with the ability to purchase up to 5 more)
- Life Assurance 4x salary
- Eye tests
- Social events
- Volunteering opportunities
- Staff discounts on Wills, LPAs and residential mortgage
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