Investment Associate

About the position

A leading Funds-focused organisation is seeking an Investment Associate to join their growing Investments division reporting directly into the Regional Manager. The hiring team is seeking a candidate with excellent potential and qualifications that demonstrate a genuine interest in building their career centered around investments.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Performing eligibility screening of new applications for funding in terms of company criteria and mandate.
• Perform commercial screening of applications in terms of company commercial assessment, framework, and generate reports for assessed application, with recommendations on whether the applications should be accepted or rejected.
• Prepare financial analysis as part of the commercial screening process of new applications.
• Call applicants to request information and meet as well as advice applicants where applicable.
• Perform desk top research using search engines such as Google, INet Bridge, etc. to obtain industry information required in the assessment of applications.
• Identify risks on applications and make recommendations to Regional Manager in respect of way forward.
• Build networks in Kwa-Zulu Natal and source good deal flow for the organisation.
• Attend conferences and seminars that are part of the Pre-Investment Business Support.
• Resolve complaints that cannot be resolved by Product Advisor and provide Pre-Investment mentorship to applicants where necessary.
• Perform business valuations for applicants.
• Conduct post investment due diligence and monitoring of all investments in the regional office portfolio.
• Conduct due diligence on applications from existing investees for further funding and obtain approval from the relevant committees per the DOA.
• Provide and facilitate technical assistance and mentorship to all investees in conjunction with the POIU
• Conduct effective portfolio management to reduce the portfolio risk of the company in conjunction with the POIU.
• Maintain CRM (Customer relationship management) with all existing investees

Experience / Skills Required

• 3 years’ experience on 2 or more of the following areas: SME funding/deal making/ investment environment, business banking, venture capital environment and/or development finance
• 3 years’ experience in managing an SME portfolio.
• Good understanding of the investment process especially as it relates to SME funding.
• Basic understanding of the various investment instruments and deal structures applicable to a SME portfolio.
• Good working knowledge of key commercial statutes and regulations (e.g. Tax, Companies Act and BEE legislative environment).
• Ability to perform desktop analysis and risk assessments on applications and put forward compelling written recommendations for consideration.
• Ability to analyse and interpret financial statements.
• Working experience in due diligence appraisals.
• Ability to generate deal flow through own networks.

Qualifications:

• B Com Degree (Finance, Accounting, Financial Management, Management Accounting) 
• Postgraduate Commerce Degree will be a distinct advantage

Desired Skills:

• Good Presentation Skills
• Strong negotiating skills
• Strong credit control / collections skills