Associate - Equity Advisory

Associate – Equity Advisory

Based in offices overlooking the Thames in central London, FGS Global is a leading global strategic communications consultancy operating in the main business hubs around the world. We are looking for an Associate with an equity research, IR or investment banking background, to join our fast-growing Equity Advisory group to provide an exceptional service to our high-profile clients.

Typical duties will involve

• Digesting and synthesising information quickly in written form e.g. summaries, briefings, research
• Producing strong first drafts of key materials: briefing notes, distribution lists, research documents, Q&As, communications plans and strategies, key messages
• Articulating sell and buy side perspectives on positive and negative aspects of a client’s investment case, gathering investor feedback, analysis of share price drivers, benchmarking guidance, disclosure and KPIs, substantiating pillars of an equity story, understanding and analysing accounting practice
• Establishing relationships within account teams and client teams via consistent verbal and written contributions
• Understanding of and proactive contribution to results/announcements preparations and delivery
• Sharing relevant information in a timely manner with seniors and peers; proactively communicates with teams; is responsive to clients – even out of office hours – and manages upwards as required; addresses conflicts openly and deals with them constructively
• Acting as the eyes and ears for the team about their clients and wider sectors, sharing insights and intel to inform FGS advice, strategy and support to our clients e.g. proactive contribution by consistently and regularly sharing knowledge/ insights across teams
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative benchmarking exercises and equity investment case-related analysis
• Building and maintaining templates and best practice

Successful candidates will demonstrate

Necessary attributes

• One-to-three years of experience in equity research, IR or investment banking
• Bachelor’s level degree or MBA or equivalent
• Demonstrable interest and understanding of business environment and current affairs and how the City and the broader financial community operates
• Able to build strong relationships; potential to command the confidence of others internally & externally
• Hard working, flexible, adaptable and proactive
• Organised, efficient and trusted to deliver to deadlines
• Independent, clear and creative thinking, takes initiatives, goes beyond the expected, spots opportunities & innovates
• Continually seeks to broaden knowledge and contact base through networking; shares expertise

Skills

• Writes in a clear and organised style; demonstrates a high professional standard for client documents, client emails and internal materials, including strong attention to detail; Can confidently execute first drafts of key materials: client advice notes, briefing notes, Q&A, comms plans and strategies, key messages, media summaries
• Has a good understanding of equity investment case building blocks financial accounting, the analyst/IR landscape and corporate finance.
• Has strong knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint and relevant data bases including Factset, S&P Capital IQ, Bloomberg, Alphasense etc
• Can lead qualitative and quantitative benchmarking exercises
• Can lead and draw conclusions from equity investment case-related research to help identify areas of potential EA value-add

About FGS Global

• FGS Global is a global leader in strategic communications. We are trusted advisers to boards, senior executives and legal counsel of many of the world’s most successful companies, institutions and organizations. FGS Global has its roots in four venerable firms across the world of strategic communications: Finsbury, Hering Schuppener, The Glover Park Group and Sard Verbinnen & Co.
• As an award-winning consultancy, we have managed some of the most complex communications challenges of the last three decades. We help clients communicate with clarity and impact when it matters most: during times of opportunity, change and crisis. In recognition of this, Mergermarket ranked FGS Global as the number one Global M&A communications advisor by deal value and deal count globally
• A vibrant, diverse workforce is good for business, and as a global, talent-driven organization, our people are our greatest asset. By bringing together experienced, intellectually curious professionals from a range of backgrounds, we offer our clients the best-informed and most creative advice
• FGS Global is a pre-eminent global strategic communications advisory firm, with locations in North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia, with over 1,400 multidisciplinary experts across the world’s major financial, government, business and cultural centers
• The firm provides combined support in Transaction & Financial, Crisis & Issues Management, Global Public Affairs and Strategy & Reputation Communications, supported by research insights & data, digital & social strategy, media planning and creative solutions.
• FGS Global serves its global client base from 31 offices around the world.

Equity Advisory

• The Equity Advisory & IR team at FGS Global provides strategic advice to companies across EMEA on all matters related to their valuation, market impact and communication
• Working closely with the company’s management (CEO, CFO, Strategy, M&A and Investor Relations), we use an understanding of market perception to help better define their investment proposition, improve shareholder engagement, optimise capital structure, plan Investor Relations activity and target new investors. This includes Equity Advisory support across the company reporting cycle, perception studies, capital markets days, activism defence, crisis management and to develop ESG and stakeholder value advisory

Package & benefits

• Base salary competitive according to merits
• of the candidate
• Participation in discretionary Company Bonus Scheme (dependent on the performance of the individual and the performance of the company)
• Pension (8% company contribution; 3% individual contribution)
• 26 days contractual leave
• Gym membership
• Private Healthcare
• Private Travel Insurance
• Private Dental Insurance
• Life insurance of 4x basic annual salary

Our normal working hours are 8.30am to 6pm. This position may sometimes require working late nights and early mornings, but we do not have a culture of working unnecessary long hours.