Apprentice – Group Finance

Company overview

Keensight Capital (“Keensight”) is one of the leading European Growth Buyout investors, with deep expertise in Technology and Healthcare. With more than 25 years of experience and around €8bn of assets under management, the firm supports profitable, fast-growing European companies, typically with revenues between €10m and €400m.

Headquartered in Paris, with offices in London, Boston and Singapore, Keensight and its portfolio companies have an international reach, operating across more than 90 countries.

As part of the Finance team in France, Keensight is looking for an apprentice to support Group Finance activities, including financial planning, controlling and reporting, finance operations, tax support and process improvement.

Position

Job title: Apprentice – Group Finance

Contract type: Apprenticeship

Location: Paris, France

Duration: 12 to 24 months

Start date: As soon as possible

Reporting line: Group Finance Team

Role description

The apprentice will support the Group Finance team in the day-to-day financial operations and recurring group reporting processes. This role offers strong exposure to the financial management of a private equity firm and to a demanding, international and fast-paced environment.

The position is particularly suited to a student looking to develop solid finance, accounting and controlling skills in the group finance department of a private equity firm. The role is not related to the management of the funds.

Key responsibilities

Financial planning, controlling and reporting

• Support in implementing the group’s new consolidation and reporting digital tool
• Assist with budget preparation and monitoring, budget reforecasts and variance analysis
• Help monitor operating expenses, budget allocations and internal costs tracking
• Support the cash flow monitoring and reconciliation, and the cash management of the group entities
• Support monthly, quarterly and annual accounting closing processes
• Help perform account reconciliations and analytical reviews
• Contribute to the preparation of audit files and supporting documents
• Liaise with external accounting firms and auditors

 Finance operations & tax support

• Assist with day-to-day accounting follow-up, including invoices, corporate expenses and management of supporting documentation
• Assist with the payments process for invoices, employee expenses and other corporate expenses
• Manage the tax cycles (VAT, corporation tax and other taxes)
• Liaise with advisers, and assist the broader Keensight team with various requests

Process improvement

• Participate in the automation and standardisation of Group Finance tools and reporting templates
• Help improve Excel-based models and internal monitoring files
• Participate in the implementation of the European electronic invoicing and reporting reform

Candidate profile

Education

• Master’s student in Finance, Accounting, Audit, Management Control Financial Reporting, Corporate Finance or Financial Management. Relevant programmes may include Master CCA, Management Control / Audit / Financial Reporting, DSCG or accounting tracks, or Corporate Finance / Financial Management with prior experience in audit, accounting or financial control.
• Business school, university, IAE/IUT or equivalent finance/accounting programme.
• Looking for a 12- to 24-month apprenticeship.

Technical skills

• Good understanding of accounting and corporate finance.
• Strong Excel skills are required.
• Previous experience in accounting, audit, financial control, or private equity would be a plus.
• Interest in private equity and corporate finance.

Soft skills

• Rigorous, reliable and detail-oriented.
• Strong analytical mindset.
• Well-organised and able to manage priorities.
• Proactive and willing to learn.
• Comfortable working with confidential information.
• Strong interpersonal skills and team spirit.
• Able to work in a demanding and international environment.

Languages

• Fluent English and French, both written and spoken.