In simple terms corporate finance is the ways in which companies finance their creation, growth or the acquisition of other businesses.

It’s an area of finance where ICAEW students and members deal with sourcing funding and the capital structure of organisations. Working in this area of finance our students and members work to increase the value of the company they work for or the clients they are responsible for.

This increased value ensures existing stakeholders remain confident while also attracting new potential investors.

Working in this area you would expect to allocate financial resources so that the organisation or client you are working for is in a position to invest when the right opportunity arises.

Examples of corporate finance include:

• securing a loan from an investment bank;
• winning financial backing through a crowd-funding platform; and
• raising capital by restructuring the business.

ICAEW Chartered Accountants specialising in corporate finance work with companies to support fund-raising activities, as well as mergers, acquisitions, changes in ownership and business improvement activities.

As a chartered accountant specialising in corporate finance you could work within an organisation or as an external advisor working for an accountancy firm.

Alongside working with your own team, you will be dealing with finance providers, investment lawyers and researchers.

Typical activities include:

• supporting new business development proposals;
• drafting proposals and tender documents;
• preparing financial projections;
• preparing strategic business plans;
• coordinating teams of professionals; and
• providing advice for improvements to systems and controls.