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 Finance Analyst to support our growing acquisition pipeline. Please note that internally this role is titled ‘Acquisition Analyst'.

As a Finance Analyst you will play a critical role in supporting the acquisitions activities of the Group by analysing financial performance of target businesses, evaluating overall risks and rewards of target opportunities and preparing valuations.

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:

• Conduct thorough financial analysis of potential acquisition targets, including analysing financial information, operational and market data.
• Perform financial forecasting, sensitivity analysis, and prepare business valuation models to determine acquisition values, returns & risks.
• Presenting key financial information, & recommendations (eg. on pricing, deal structure & terms) to senior leadership, and contribute to decision making
• Preparation of presentations & proposals, including board presentations and management reports
• Support senior leadership present proposals to key internal stakeholders
• Review & evaluate reports, including financial and legal due diligence reports. Including liaising with external advisors
• Conducting thorough analysis of market data, including calculating and monitoring of market shares
• Assist in compilation of target list, including monitoring merger & acquisition activity in industry and market changes that could impact acquisition opportunities
• Monitor and track the performance of existing acquisitions, in context of post investment appraisal analysis & ensuring targets are met for deferred consideration payments
• Monitor deal pipeline, & support senior management with deal project management
• Develop & maintain databases of financial models, historical transaction data, acquisition performance metrics etc
• Work closely with cross functional teams including wider Acquisition team, 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)
• Be involved in ad hoc finance projects from time to time
• Be involved in supporting on continuous process improvement and helping to mitigate risks and manage audit requests

Experience and Key Skills Required:

• Qualified/part-qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)
• Min 2 years' experience in finance role.  Experience in acquisitions/M&A is desirable but not necessary as training will be provided
• Competent at financial modelling & forecasting
• Strong Excel skills, with experience at handling large volumes of data
• Strong PowerPoint skills and experienced in preparing presentations
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication (verbal and 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 with good organisation skills
• Commercially aware, with appetite to gain understanding of market trends & industry dynamics
• 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.