This is a fantastic opportunity to join our northern based Debt team, with the addition of a Portfolio Manager. You will be responsible for working closely with our clients from our SME “Debt Funding” businesses to manage and analyse the financial and commercial aspects for each portfolio company. This includes supporting the post-investment monitoring of the loan investments, including the management of under-performing assets and exit management. You will also be involved in the preparation and presentation of portfolio data and reports.
Mercia is a values-based organisation built around being Growth Focused, Trusted, Connected, Responsive and Responsible/Respectful. We work hard to create a workplace which accepts every person’s differences, and our culture is strong and inclusive. We are proud to hear the team describe us as ‘friendly, fun, collaborative, welcoming, exciting, down to earth and caring’. We believe that creating an environment where you can be your best at work makes us stronger.
We know from research that you may not be tempted to apply for a role if you don’t meet all of the experience requirements, but if you can demonstrate that you have transferable skills for this role, then we welcome your application. Equally, if you need any reasonable adjustments through the application or interview process, please just ask us.
This a full-time position and we are working to a Flex+ policy which allows for core hours and some homeworking during the working week. Given the regular travel needs, unrestricted mobility is a requirement, with a current / valid driving licence enabling you to drive to offices and locations as required.
In this role you would have responsibility for:
- Management of the regular information flow from our clients and subsequent analysis, interpretation, and critique of financial and commercial aspects including the identification of deteriorating risk trends and recommendation of appropriate provisions.
- Ensuring the timely receipt of management accounts; holding regular client meetings; and ensuring ongoing compliance with the loan agreements for each portfolio company including performance against forecasts, conditions subsequent and agreed covenants.
- Critique and challenge of business plans, due diligence and ad hoc financial information that may be required as part of an existing client dialogue.
- Post-investment monitoring of the loan investments, including exit management.
- Making regular reports and reviews to the Portfolio Director or Fund Principal and contributing to investor reporting requirements as appropriate.
- Ensuring that all regulatory and compliance matters are acted upon.
- Keeping our portfolio risk management and CRM system regularly updated.
- Supporting internal and external audits together with the annual financial audit process.
- Assisting with the preparation of quarterly reporting (written and financial analysis) to our investors as to the financial performance of our clients, and in turn our funds under management.
- Contributing to monthly presentations internally within Mercia and externally with our investors as to our client portfolio, discussing key matters arising, trading performance and presenting key information.
- Input into our fund management accounting and treasury matters associated with our loan/investment activity.
- Other ad hoc assignments and workstreams as required in a growing business.
About you:
- Previous banking, portfolio management or risk management experience is preferable but is not essential.
- A good technical background, e.g. accountancy / banking qualification and / or experience of working in a corporate finance/corporate recovery professional team.
- Able to demonstrate an understanding of good financial and corporate governance and working with the investment team and clients to ensure it is followed.
- The ability to build solid internal relationships and external partnerships with investment/portfolio colleagues and assigned portfolio companies.
- Experience of financial analysis and proficient analytical skills.
- Good communications skills, internally and externally and comfortable having challenging conversations as appropriate.
- Evidence of academic achievement.
- A team player and highly professional.
- We are a collaborative team and so it’s important that you share our Core Values (Growth Focused, Responsive, Responsible/Respectful, Trusted and Connected).
- Ambition and self-motivation – ability to self-manage time and priorities along with a diligent and considered mindset.
- A “can do”, flexible attitude – we are an entrepreneurial and growing business.
- Proficient Excel skills are essential, together with a good working knowledge of other Microsoft Office products.
- Given the regular travel needs, unrestricted mobility is a requirement, with a current / valid driving licence enabling you to drive in the UK.
- You should have the right to work in the UK.
What we can offer you:
In addition to your base salary, we offer a broad and exciting range of perks and benefits, including family-friendly policies, wellbeing support, Mercia Spirit charity days, regular 1-2-1’s, mentoring and support with training and career development.
We value diversity at Mercia and are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment equally and fairly, regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion or religious beliefs, gender or gender realignment, sexual orientation or marital status, disability, responsibility for dependants or age. In your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you prefer to use.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy if we receive sufficient applications for the position. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.