Cape Town City Centre: Research Analyst (Corporate Finance)

Research Analyst (Corporate Finance) Join a growing corporate finance advisory firm supporting UK SMEs with M&A and succession planning. Remote (Cape Town-based with potential future office requirement) | R25 000 – R30 000 per month discretionary bonus | 9:00 – 17:30 About Our Client Our client is a specialist corporate finance and M&A advisory firm working with UK-based SMEs. Their mission is to support entrepreneurs and business owners at every stage of their growth and exit journey, from unlocking value to succession planning. With a collaborative and relationship-driven culture, they combine deep sector expertise with a practical, commercially focused approach to deliver long-term value for clients. The Role: Research Analyst (Corporate Finance) As a Research Analyst, you will play a central role in the Origination & Deal Support team. This is a unique opportunity to combine origination research, financial analysis, and presentation drafting in one position. You will support Advisors and Partners by building data-driven insights, developing research packs, and contributing to live M&A mandates. This role is ideal for a motivated, detail-oriented professional eager to build a career in corporate finance while gaining exposure to both origination and transactions. Key Responsibilities Conduct origination research, building structured datasets of UK SMEs and business owners (turnover £3m -£20m, EBITDA £500k -£3m). Use tools such as Companies House, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and market intelligence platforms to source and validate data. Draft clear, professional research reports, company profiles, and sector presentations. Support M&A mandates with financial and cashflow modelling, buyer list creation, and acquisition target research. Collaborate with Advisors, Partners, Marketing, and Business Development to ensure research outputs are accurate, client-ready, and aligned with firm strategy. Maintain databases (HubSpot, deal trackers) and contribute to weekly origination meetings and monthly reporting. Ensure high standards of accuracy, quality control, and presentation in all deliverables. About You 2 years experience in research, analysis, or financial modelling, ideally within corporate finance, consulting, or professional services. Strong research and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail. Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets (financial and cashflow modelling, data analysis). Experience with data/research tools such as Companies House, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Orbis, Beauhurst, or PitchBook. Ability to draft clear, structured reports and presentations (PowerPoint/Google Slides). Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to turn data into compelling insights. Highly organised, methodical, and comfortable managing multiple priorities. Desirable: exposure to valuation methodologies, due diligence, and SME market dynamics; familiarity with HubSpot or similar CRM systems; experience working with designers/marketing teams on client-facing materials.