As an acquisitions manager, you'll negotiate, seek out, finalize, and organize purchasing deals for your employer. In many cases, acquisitions are grouped with mergers and your main job function will be acquiring other companies and merging them into your company. To learn more about what you can expect from a career as an acquisitions manager, continue reading.
Job Description
In the business world, an acquisition is the purchase or takeover of one company by another company. As a manager, you're responsible for ensuring any acquisition made by your employer is sound and reasonable. This involves projecting how the transaction will affect your company and determining the financial impact of a takeover. You may also develop and execute the acquisitions strategy as well as ensure the process goes smoothly.
Part of your job involves seeking out suitable acquisitions. You may review companies to see if they'll make good additions to your company. Arbitrating an acquisition might also fall to you, requiring you to maintain close contact with top executives in your company. You may be required to discuss the terms of the deal and negotiate those terms to suit the needs of both your company and the company you want to acquire.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAcquisitionsManagers">Important Facts About Acquisitions Managers</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Similar Occupations</b> </td><td> Purchasing managers, financial managers, marketing managers</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Work Environment</b> </td><td> Most acquisitions managers will work in an office setting with occasional travel required</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Key Skills</b> </td><td> Analytical skills, math skills, communication, decision-making, negotiating aptitude</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Salary (May 2021)</b> </td><td> $134,590 per year (mean annual wage for all purchasing managers)</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Job Outlook (2021- 2031)</b> </td><td> 4% growth (for all purchasing managers)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---EducationAndExperience">Education and Experience</h3><p>According to January 2014 job ads found on <i>CareerBuilder.com</i> and <i>Monster.com</i>, most employers require acquisition managers to hold at least a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a business-related major. Many employers give preference to candidates with advanced degrees, such as a Master of Business Administration.
</p><p>Education and experience go hand-in-hand when it comes to preparing for a career as an acquisitions manager. In the January 2014 job ads, employers required candidates to have, in addition to education, three to five years of experience in areas like mergers and acquisitions, consulting, corporate development, or investment banking. On top of work experience, employers may like to see that you have experience in project management, financial valuation, and employee management.
</p><h3 id="section---SkillsAndAbilities">Skills and Abilities</h3><p>Employers tend to prefer acquisitions managers who have strong computer, finance, and analytical skills. Since you'll be required to negotiate and collaborate with executives, you must also have strong communication and leadership skills. You may do well if you're an independent learner who can grasp new skills and procedures quickly with minimal direction. Employers also prefer to hire individuals who are team players who are detail oriented and able to multitask while keeping their work organized.</p>
