Assistant Finance Analyst

CVS Group plc is an AIM listed, international integrated veterinary services provider which delivers to clients through four business areas; our veterinary practices, diagnostic laboratories, pet crematoria and e-commerce division. Our success is derived from the passion our people have for animals and for making pets a priority, it's what is at the heart of our work, every day.

The Group generates revenue of more than £600m from 450 practices across the UK and Australia, with more than 8,500 employees across vets, nurses, other clinical employees and within our support office. In a growing pet market, we are well positioned for both organic and acquisitive growth, and significant investment projects are in progress to enhance our infrastructure and central support for the Group.

The leadership team of CVS carry the attributes of the animal caring focus throughout the Group. Employees are supported to learn and grow, internal promotions are encouraged and the dynamic environment provides opportunities to really make a difference.

Summary of role:

We are seeking a motivated and detail-orientated Assistant Finance Analyst to support our growing acquisition pipeline. Please note that internally this role is titled ‘Assistant Acquisition Analyst'.

As an Assistant Finance Analyst, you will play a critical role in supporting senior analysts and Acquisition Directors with the financial modelling and financial evaluation of target businesses, to support the Group value and make decisions on potential business acquisitions.

You will collaborate closely with the Acquisition Directors on each deal, senior leadership and external stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of the acquisition deal.

This is a hybrid position and therefore you will have the opportunity to work part of your week from home.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist and support the Acquisition Analyst with following tasks:

Full training will be provided on all aspects 

• Financial analysis of potential acquisition targets (including reviewing financial statements and analysing revenue, cost & profitability trends)
• Preparation of financial forecasts and business valuations
• Collating & organising relevant data and information about target businesses for valuation & due diligence
• Preparation of presentations & proposals, including supporting in presenting proposals to key internal stakeholders
• Review of financial due diligence reports
• Compilation of target list, including monitoring merger & acquisition activity in industry and market changes that could impact acquisition opportunities
• Monitoring of performance of existing acquisitions, helping to identify areas for improvement & ensuring targets are met for former owners to receive sale proceeds
• Administrative tasks such as maintaining a pipeline of deals & their status, & support senior management with deal project management
• Development & maintaining databases of financial models, historical transaction data, acquisition performance metrics etc

Working closely with cross functional teams such as the wider Finance team, Tax, Legal and Operations to ensure smooth execution of acquisition strategies & seamless on-boarding of acquisitions (nb. not responsible for integration of acquired businesses).

• Will be involved in ad hoc finance projects from time to time.
• Will be involved in supporting on continuous process improvement, and helping to mitigate risks and manage audit requests

Experience and Key Skills Required:

• Part-qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)
• Min 2 years' experience in finance role.  
• Experience in acquisitions/M&A or in financial modelling is not necessary, full training will be provided
• Strong Excel skills, with experience at handling large volumes of data
• Capable PowerPoint user
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication (verbal & written) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with various teams and stakeholders
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Good organisation skills
• An excellent team player within a large organisation to satisfy a variety of needs from different  stakeholders
• Ability to communicate finance issues to non-finance professionals

Alongside a competitive salary, we are offering benefits including;

• Study packages
• 6 weeks holiday and a buy/sell holiday scheme
• Pension matched up to 6%
• Health cash plan – save on everyday health care
• 1 day extra holiday per year up to 5 years
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave
• Generous staff discount on pet care and products
• Gym flex – save on gym memberships
• Cycle to work scheme

CVS is committed to being a fully inclusive place to work where all our colleagues are encouraged and supported to be themselves, where difference is celebrated and where everyone feels able to deliver their best. We are also determined to build a workforce that is more representative of our diverse communities and the people we provide our services to.