Strategy and Transactions - Transaction Diligence Senior - Sale and Purchase Agreement(SPA) Chicago

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​Negotiations around M&A pricing mechanisms and the sale and purchase agreement ("SPA") are becoming increasingly complex, and buyers and sellers can benefit significantly from professional support in these areas. EY's SPA Center of Excellence ("CoE") provides expert support to clients, investment banks, lawyers and deal teams on M&A pricing mechanisms and the accounting aspects of SPAs, including support around any post deal Completion Accounts.

The opportunity

The role involves the identification and articulation of value issues related to deal completion mechanics to assist clients in their negotiations of M&A pricing and the SPA. You will interact with deal teams and clients across all stages of the deal continuum including planning, negotiation, signing, closing and post-closing. The role will enable you to:

• Develop a specialized skill-set in a high value-add area for corporate and private equity clients
• Gain experience on a wide range of transactions (on both the buy-side and the sell-side) in different sectors and markets
• Improve analytical and negotiation techniques
• Gain insight into key value levers for clients in negotiating SPAs
• Work closely with due diligence teams to identify and mitigate risk for clients
• Work across borders with our global network of deal professionals
• Develop a strong internal and external network

Your key responsibilities

Working closely with clients, their bankers and legal advisers, transaction diligence teams and other SPA CoE team members to manage and deliver advice around the price adjustment mechanisms on M&A transactions, including (i) analysis of cash, debt and working capital adjustments; (ii) preparation of pricing schedules; (iii) reviewing and commenting on the financial aspects of the SPA; (iv) assisting the client with their preparation or review of Completion Accounts; and (v) performing Leakage reviews (on locked box transactions).Your key responsibilities will include:

• Working with your peers to provide insightful, deal-relevant points of view and recommendations to the client
• Supporting client negotiations with the counterparty on transactions
• Drafting detailed and compelling outputs for clients
• Taking ownership for Quality and Risk Management (Q&RM) to ensure client work is delivered consistently and in compliance with EY's quality standards
• Building valued relationships with external clients and internal peers to develop a portfolio of projects by focusing on high-value opportunities
• Communicating with partners and senior managers in a flat team structure
• Travel associated with this role is minimal

Skills and attributes for success

• Confident interpersonal skills and a positive attitude
• Comfortable working both independently or in a team
• Desire to develop strong internal and external networks
• Strong communication skills
• Critical thinker with very good attention to detail
• Ability to work to tight project deadlines
• Ability to simultaneously handle diverse and pressing assignments and sensitive and adversarial situations

To qualify for the role you must have

• A bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance and 2 years of related work experience; or a graduate degree and approximately 18 months of related work experience supported by an active CPA certification
• Strong skills in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Excellent analytical skills and the confidence to translate complex data into meaningful insights
• The ability to prioritize effectively on projects and the skills to adapt quickly to new challenges and concepts
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A team-oriented mindset

Ideally, you'll also have

• Experience working on M&A transactions a strong advantage
• Project management skills

What we look for

We are looking for an individual who is hands-on and rigorous in their working style and a highly motivated team player, capable of working in a fast-paced environment. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to communicate clearly to both clients and other advisors. For the right candidate, this opportunity will provide stimulation and challenge and the prospect of career development in a key specialism within the firm.

What we offer

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. In addition, our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and a wide range of paid time off options. Under our flexible vacation policy, you’ll decide how much vacation time you need based on your own personal circumstances. You’ll also be granted time off for designated EY Paid Holidays, Winter/Summer breaks, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence when needed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being.

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.

If you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.

The exceptional EY experience. It’s yours to build.

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