Associate - M&A - Zurich - #51105

This role sits within an independent, international M&A specialist focused on the SME market. The firm advises entrepreneurs through the full lifecycle of sale and acquisition transactions, and has been doing so since 1996. As an M&A Associate, you will take on meaningful deal responsibility from day one, working toward becoming an independent dealmaker within a three-year horizon.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct company and market analysis to support transaction execution.
• Prepare valuations and information memoranda (bid books).
• Engage with potential buyers and sellers throughout the deal process.
• Proactively approach and originate new buyer and seller relationships.
• Build and maintain a professional network relevant to the SME M&A market.
• Prepare financing applications and work through financing-related challenges.
• Provide broad transactional support to senior deal managers across live projects.
  
  

Skills & Experience

• Master's degree in Finance, or a higher professional qualification combined with a finance-oriented postgraduate degree.
• Between three and five years of professional experience in an M&A analyst, associate, or advisory consultant capacity.
• Solid financial modelling and analytical skills, with a commercially oriented mindset.
• Genuine interest in and affinity with entrepreneurial, owner-managed businesses; demonstrable SME exposure is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients and counterparties.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Results-driven, precise, and comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy.
• Entrepreneurial in approach — able to take initiative and manage competing priorities in a fast-moving deal environment.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary with an annual performance bonus.
• Unlimited holiday entitlement.
• Laptop, tablet, and mobile phone provided.
• Flexible working hours.
• Structured career development pathway and access to learning programmes.
• Annual company ski trip and formal gala event.
  
  

About Senna

Senna is a private equity and finance careers platform for candidates who want better opportunities, stronger recruiter visibility, and more strategic career guidance. We help professionals target the right roles, sharpen their positioning, and access expert support tailored to their goals across private equity, investment banking, and adjacent finance paths. Senna is built to help candidates move with stronger direction, sharper positioning, and greater momentum. For more information, visit joinsenna.com.

About Senna

Senna is a private equity and finance careers platform for candidates who want better opportunities, stronger recruiter visibility, and more strategic career guidance. We help professionals target the right roles, sharpen their positioning, and access expert support tailored to their goals across private equity, investment banking, and adjacent finance paths. Senna is built to help candidates move with stronger direction, sharper positioning, and greater momentum. For more information, visit joinsenna.com.