Assistant Manager | Deal Management - Working Capital & Liquidity (UK CoE Embedded Role)
EY · Cape Town
Role Overview
This is a unique opportunity to join EY’s UK Working Capital & Liquidity Centre of Excellence, while being embedded within the South African EY-Parthenon business. You will work day‑to‑day with the UK working capital and liquidity team—one of EY’s global leaders in this space—while being supported locally by the South African Deal Management team.
This role offers exceptional exposure to the global private equity and corporate market, with the opportunity to work on large cross‑border engagements, transformative value‑creation programmes, and complex buy‑ and sell‑side transactions.
If you are looking for a role that blends local support with global impact, this is an outstanding platform to accelerate your career.
About the Opportunity
The Working Capital & Liquidity offering within EY-Parthenon's practice helps clients unlock trapped cash, optimise working‑capital performance, and strengthen liquidity across the deal lifecycle. You will contribute directly to the UK Centre of Excellence, supporting engagements across EMEA and beyond.
Working closely with UK‑based senior managers and partners, you will play a key role in:
- Working‑capital due diligence
- Cash‑flow and liquidity forecasting
- Value‑creation and operational‑improvement initiatives
- Treasury‑adjacent advisory
- Cross‑border deal execution and project management
This role combines analytical depth with strong commercial exposure—ideal for someone looking to develop a world‑class working‑capital and liquidity skillset.
Key Responsibilities
Working Capital Analytics & Due Diligence
- Execute detailed working‑capital diagnostic reviews across AP, AR, inventory, and broader operational drivers.
- Support both buy‑side and sell‑side diligence across private equity and corporate clients.
- Identify key trends, risks, and value‑creation levers by analysing historic working‑capital cycles.
Liquidity & Cash‑Flow Forecasting
- Support development of short‑ and medium‑term liquidity models.
- Interpret cash‑flow forecasts and identify potential liquidity pinch points and optimisation opportunities.
- Work with treasury and finance teams to improve forecasting accuracy and governance.
Engagement Delivery & Cross‑Border Collaboration
- Prepare high‑quality insights, reports, and executive‑ready presentations for senior stakeholders.
- Collaborate closely with UK‑based team members on project delivery, work planning, and economic management.
- Participate in global working‑capital initiatives, methodology development, and knowledge‑sharing forums.
Internal Contribution
- Support the SA Deal Management team’s capability development in working capital and liquidity topics.
- Contribute to training, mentoring, and continuous improvement of tools and templates.
Skills and Attributes for Success
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to interpret financial statements and cash‑flow models.
- Clear and confident communication, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage deadlines across multiple time zones.
- Collaborative mindset and comfort working in cross‑border virtual teams.
To Qualify, You Must Have
- Professional finance qualification: CA (SA), ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent.
- 3+ years’ experience in finance, consulting, audit, or transactions-related roles.
- Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills with the ability to build clear analyses and presentations.
Ideally, You May Also Have
- Working capital–related experience or exposure.
- Deal advisory, due diligence, or transaction experience.
- Experience in cash‑flow modelling or liquidity forecasting.
- Familiarity with Power BI, Tableau, or other data‑visualisation tools.
What We Look For
We’re seeking motivated professionals who thrive in fast‑paced, deal‑driven environments and enjoy solving complex problems. The ideal candidate is curious, resilient, collaborative, and excited about working closely with global teams.
What Working at EY Offers
Continuous learning and exposure to world‑class methodologies.
Opportunity to work with senior UK and global leadership.
Flexible working environments supported by strong local mentorship.
Access to a global network, leadership programmes, and purpose‑driven culture.
The chance to grow your career within one of EY’s most active and high‑performing Centres of Excellence.