Job Description

The Private Equity Associate plays a critical role in sourcing, evaluating, and executing investment opportunities while managing portfolio companies. This position requires strong financial modeling skills, deal execution expertise, and the ability to leverage cutting-edge investment technologies to drive value creation in South Africas growing private markets.
Key Responsibilities
1. Deal Sourcing & Due Diligence

• Identify and evaluate investment opportunities across sectors (mining, fintech, renewable energy)
• Conduct industry research and competitive landscape analysis
• Perform commercial due diligence (market sizing, growth potential)

2. Financial Analysis & Modeling

• Build LBO (Leveraged Buyout), DCF, and merger models
• Analyze historical and projected financial statements
• Assess investment returns (IRR, MOIC, cash-on-cash)

3. Transaction Execution

• Prepare investment memoranda for Investment Committee
• Coordinate legal due diligence with external counsel
• Assist with deal structuring (equity/debt instruments)

4. Portfolio Management

• Monitor portfolio company performance (KPIs, EBITDA growth)
• Support value creation initiatives (operational improvements, add-on acquisitions)
• Prepare quarterly performance reports for investors

5. Investor Relations & Fundraising

• Assist with fund marketing materials (PPM, DDQs)
• Prepare performance analytics for LPs (pension funds, DFIs)

6. Technology & Data Analytics

• Utilize DealRoom, Datasite for virtual data rooms
• Leverage Capital IQ, PitchBook, Preqin for market intelligence
• Apply Python/R for advanced investment analytics

Required Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills
xe2x9cx85 Advanced Financial Modeling (3-statement, LBO, M&A)
xe2x9cx85 Valuation Methods (DCF, public comps, precedent transactions)
xe2x9cx85 Data Analysis Tools (Power BI, Tableau, SQL)
xe2x9cx85 Deal Execution (term sheets, SPA negotiation)
xe2x9cx85 Sector Expertise (mining, financial services, healthcare)
Soft Skills
xe2x9cx94 Analytical Rigor Strong quantitative abilities
xe2x9cx94 Commercial Acumen Understanding business drivers
xe2x9cx94 Communication Presenting to senior partners
xe2x9cx94 Resilience Managing complex deals under pressure
Qualifications & Certifications
Mandatory:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting (Hons preferred)
• 2-4 years in investment banking, management consulting, or Big 4

Preferred:

• CFA (Level II+) or CA(SA)