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 Africa’s 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
✅ Advanced Financial Modeling (3-statement, LBO, M&A)
✅ Valuation Methods (DCF, public comps, precedent transactions)
✅ Data Analysis Tools (Power BI, Tableau, SQL)
✅ Deal Execution (term sheets, SPA negotiation)
✅ Sector Expertise (mining, financial services, healthcare)
Soft Skills
✔ Analytical Rigor – Strong quantitative abilities
✔ Commercial Acumen – Understanding business drivers
✔ Communication – Presenting to senior partners
✔ 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)