SFD - Project Finance Associate

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

• The role of Associate exists to provide support in the execution of transactions and marketing activities through the delivery of financial analysis, transaction support and administrative workstreams.
• The role requires analytical skills and will involve the review and analysis of information including customer financial statements, project finance financial models, due diligence and some legal documentation.
• The role also requires good communication skills as there will be various interfaces both within the organisation (Credit, Syndications, Operations etc) as well as some supervised client facing interaction.

Background

• The role sits within the Infrastructure Pool, reporting into a [Executive] Director within the wider Infrastructure/Energy group.
• On a day to day basis the role reports on an operational basis to the Infrastructure/Energy staffer, an ED within the Infrastructure/Energy Team who is responsible, amongst other things, for allocation of tasks across the pool.
• This role provides analytical, administrative and execution support to transaction teams and more senior colleagues involved in origination, execution and portfolio management activities.
• There is a customer facing element to the role, including gathering information (KYC, DD etc) and attending customer meetings on occasion (along with more senior colleagues).
• Internally, the role interfaces with various other departments including portfolio management and Credit.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Support transaction teams in the origination, structuring and execution of transactions, including the preparation of marketing and transaction materials.
• Support the preparation of credit applications and associated analysis, including managing data input to GBR (credit system), and other relevant systems.
• Assisting with transaction grading using the Project Finance Grading Tool (PD/LGD model) and/or the Commercial & Industrial Grading Tool (C&I model), as applicable.
• Undertake financial analysis and other transaction-related workstreams in support of transaction teams and more senior colleagues.
• Support transaction due diligence and documentation processes, including the review and organisation of information received from customers, advisers and other stakeholders.
• Assist with transaction administration and support functions, including KYC processes, preparation and circulation of signing logs, and maintenance of transaction records.
• Work on asset management, distribution activities and other areas of SFD as requested by the Staffer and/or Team Head.
• Understand and correctly apply the Bank's internal procedures, systems, policies and control processes.
• Deliver allocated tasks accurately, on time and to a high standard, demonstrating attention to detail

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Strong numerical and written skills essential.
• Microsoft Excel experience desirable.
• Familiarity with AI tools viewed favourably.
• Language skills would be viewed favourably.
• Education & Qualifications: Degree level or equivalent experience as a minimum

Challenges

• Working as part of a busy team with a high workload, often with high customer expectations and tight deadlines and managing their own time with guidance.
• Understanding and delivering accurately and in a timely manner complex procedures and processes

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!