Transaction Services Executive

Job description

We are on the lookout for motivated and committed individuals to join our independent award-winning M&A advisory firm.

Cortus Advisory Group helps buy, sell, fund, grow and fix businesses and operates across six UK offices in Leeds, Manchester, Preston, Nottingham, Birmingham and London. Comprising of 55+ professionals, our team brings together professionals at different stages of their careers, creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

The overall vision for Cortus is to create a truly collaborative and inclusive professional services business where everyone can have a varied, enjoyable, and successful career. A vehicle to facilitate positive social change and challenge the norms.

In just under five years, Cortus Advisory Group has become one of the fastest growing independent financial advisory boutiques in the UK. Group revenue has grown from zero to over £5.0m.

Cortus is founded on simple key values of Integrity, Collaboration and Expertise
, and we demonstrate them around our foundations of supporting Colleagues, Clients and Communities.

Our own working philosophy is particularly supportive, and you will have access to our market leading training and development programme, RISE, which focuses on technical skills, complex behavioural skills and coaching. As well as being mentored by our experienced team.

We are proud that many of our (repeat) clients put environmental concerns and ESG policies at the heart of their own business agenda. Cortus is forward-thinking, embracing innovation and technologies such as AI to enhance its services and deliver cutting‑edge solutions for clients.

We are seeking a highly motivated and analytically minded Transaction Services Executive to join our Financial Due Diligence (FDD) team. In this role, you will support buy‑side, sell‑side and refinancing transactions across a diverse range of sectors, helping clients understand the financial health, underlying performance, and key risks of target businesses.

• Perform detailed analysis of financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and working capital.
• Compilation and analysis of financial data including identification of trends, preforming sector and client research, attending meetings with clients and in general.
• Identify key trends in profitability, earnings quality, cash flow drivers, and business performance.
• Assess normalised EBITDA, run‑rate performance, and pro‑forma adjustments.
• Evaluate forecast assumptions, business plans, and historical trading patterns.
• Providing Financial Due Diligence services to investors, corporate and entrepreneurs looking to buy, sell or refinance their business.
• Contribute to due diligence reports, highlighting key findings, risks, and commercial implications.

• Support senior team members in managing engagements from planning to completion.
• Prepare clear, concise, and insightful written reports for clients.
• Present observations and financial insights to managers and partners.
• Assist in liaising with clients, vendors, legal advisors, and other stakeholders throughout the transaction process.

• Help structure and coordinate work streams across multiple engagements.
• Contribute to project timelines, ensuring deliverables are met accurately and on schedule.
• Participate in developing client proposals, scoping documents, and pitch materials.
• Support the team in building sector knowledge and market insights.

You will get on the job training from an experienced management team as well as benefiting from a thorough on‑boarding programme to ensure you transition successfully into the role.

We have roles available in Leeds with occasional travel to other offices in the UK and client premises.

• ACA, ACCA, or equivalent — a minimum of one year post qualified.
• Strong financial analysis skills with an excellent understanding of accounting principles (UK GAAP and IFRS).
• Experience in audit, corporate finance, or financial analysis (typically from a professional services environment).
• Ability…