Felicia Sandersnäs works as a corporate finance associate at PwC

What do you do in your role at work? 

As an associate in Corporate Finance at PwC, specifically within Financial Due Diligence (FDD), my primary responsibility is to conduct thorough financial analyses and assessments of potential business transactions. I assess the target company's financial statements, historical performance, and key metrics to identify risks and opportunities crucial for decision-making in mergers, acquisitions, or other financial transactions. 
 
In simpler terms, we review detailed data of the target company, identify areas for further investigation, and arrange management meetings to gather additional information. Subsequently, we make adjustments to EBITDA, net working capital, etc. from the information we receive. The objective is to instill confidence in both the buyer and seller, ensuring they are comfortable with the transaction and have a clear understanding of the financial situation of the relevant party.

What is the best thing about your professional role?

The most rewarding aspect of my professional role is the continuous learning experience it provides. Working on diverse projects with various companies exposes me to different sectors and industries. Each project brings forth new demands on analyses and perspectives, allowing me to broaden my skill set. This dynamic environment not only keeps my work engaging but also ensures that I am consistently challenged and learning from each project.

Why would you recommend a prospective student to apply for the programme you studied? 

I would highly recommend prospective students to apply for the Accounting and Financial Management program due to the diverse course offerings and adaptable structure that allows students to tailor their studies to individual interests. I started the program with an interest in financial accounting, but realized during the introductory courses that I was highly interested in Corporate Finance, and could tailor my masters experience to focus on this area. The practical orientation of the courses, featuring real-world cases, proved invaluable in preparing me for the daily challenges in my current professional role. There have been several instances where I've reflected on a project and realized that I had encountered a similar scenario/methodology during my master's studies. Beyond theoretical knowledge, the program ensures immediate applicability to real-world scenarios, making it a highly valuable and practical educational experience.