A focus on: The people behind Corporate Finance

At Monahans, we pride ourselves on having a workforce full of people with a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skillsets, who are passionate about helping their clients. As part of this series, focusing on the people behind each department, we speak with Alison Bradshaw, Corporate Finance Manager, about why she chose a career in corporate finance.

How did you get into corporate finance?
My background is in corporate banking, so when I saw an opportunity at Monahans for a role focused on corporate finance, I thought it would be a really interesting and different way to use my existing skillset. Both fields cover similar subject matter, such as interpreting and analysing financial trading data for clients. Corporate finance also includes getting behind the numbers and understanding what's happening within a business and the direction it’s taking. This is helpful to identify opportunities for growth or to determine an exit strategy.

I had previously worked with Monahans in my role as a corporate banker, so I already knew that I liked the people, company, culture and values. It just seemed like a natural shift into a slightly different career direction.

What was it about this area of specialism that appealed?
I’ve always enjoyed engaging with a broad range of businesses and people and learning about a client’s unique set of requirements. One of the things that makes me tick is examining a set of circumstances, understanding what the client needs and helping to take the business to the next stage. That might be via an acquisition, raising finance or considering the option of a sale. The challenge is always to find a solution that brings the client peace of mind – which is what we aim to do with every piece of work that we complete. Each client and scenario is different; there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. Whilst finding the right solution isn’t always easy, the problem solving and adaptability required by my role keeps me engaged.

What is the most rewarding part of the job?
When clients come to us, they are often in a situation where they have a dilemma or a strategic decision to make and need help to understand their options and guidance on the steps to take. This is typically where our share valuation work becomes a crucial first stage in setting out a plan. The information that we provide forms the basis on which business owners can make strategic decisions. Empowering clients to make choices that will benefit them, and the future of their business, feels really worthwhile.

Projects such as business valuations also invariably lead to other work, and I do become invested in that client and in the strategic decisions they make as a consequence of our work. I feel proud to be able to play a positive part in the progress of our clients and they are an absolute pleasure to work with and support.

And the most challenging part?
Finding the correct solution for each client it isn’t always straightforward. Some scenarios are very cut and dry, whilst others are more complex. For example, the process of selling a business can vary drastically and finding a balance between managing the expectations of business owners and navigating fluctuating markets takes patience, clear communication and strong commercial acumen.

Processes such as company sales can take a long time, so it’s crucial to be able to keep the client engaged, informed and supported, as well as continuing to provide them with peace of mind and reassurance.

In what areas are clients most in need of support?
The majority of the clients that I work with are owner managed businesses, and it isn’t surprising that many of the queries I receive come towards the end of the owners’ tenure. It could be that they have built the business from scratch or acquired it sometime in the past and are now considering future direction and next steps. For some there may not be an obvious successor within the business, which means planning for what will happen when they decide to retire. This could include incentivising employees to take control in an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), facilitating a management buyout (MBO) or putting the company on the market for sale.

Our discussions with clients try to ensure that they are aware of all of the options available but also involves deciphering which option they feel most comfortable with. Sometimes there can be tangible relief for business owners when they're able to discuss their concerns with a professional and take active and planned steps towards their goal.

What skillsets are required for the type of work you do?
I often work with clients who are in highly stressful situations, so emotional intelligence and having an awareness of how they may be feeling is crucial. The ability to tailor an approach and to keep in mind just how difficult strategic decisions can be, is key. For many owners, the business is a culmination of their life’s work and so a decision to sell isn’t always an easy one.

Being mindful of how the client feels requires adaptability and an assessment of the level of support that they need. Every case is different, so at Monahans we take time to thoroughly understand the business, in order to offer a bespoke solution.

To pursue a career in corporate finance, I believe that you need to be interested in meeting and helping people, as well as being comfortable and confident moving from one project to something entirely different. Corporate finance offers a brilliant and varied career path where you can make a tangible difference to people’s lives and livelihoods. Something which to me, is priceless.

Alison Bradshaw

Looking for your next career step? Why not visit our careers page to see what opportunities are available. Still not sure? Our accountancy career myth-buster might resolve some of your unanswered questions.