7 September 2026
In our latest Meet the Team blog, we’ve spoken with Translink Corporate Finance UK Corporate Finance Executive, Oliver Butterworth, to learn more about his career journey, day-to-day role and experiences within the team.
Oliver discusses his experience supporting transactions, his current secondment in audit and the growing role of AI in corporate finance.
He also shares what motivates him, the qualities he believes make a successful adviser and his advice for anyone starting their career in the profession.
Can you describe your role and the key responsibilities that come with it?
I support clients through mergers and acquisitions by carrying out financial analysis, valuations, buyer research and transaction support.
Alongside client work, I’m also keen to assist the team in exploring how AI can streamline workflows, reduce repetitive tasks and create more time for higher-value analysis and advice.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
As the corporate finance arm of BHP Chartered Accountants, Translink has given me the opportunity to broaden my experience through a secondment in BHP’s Audit team.
During my secondment at BHP, my days have been centred around audit work, including testing financial information, liaising with clients and documenting conclusions to ensure everything is supported by robust evidence; this has really helped deepen my understanding of financial information, which will contribute greatly to my advisory role going forwards.
When I return to Corporate Finance, my focus will shift towards supporting live transactions in areas such as buyer research, financial analysis and valuations, whilst also looking for practical ways AI can improve efficiency across the deal process.
What’s the one must-do activity that you do every day?
I always start by checking in with the team and reviewing priorities. It helps me focus on the work that will have the biggest impact and makes sure I’m supporting colleagues where it’s needed most.
What are some of the most challenging aspects of your job, and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I have come across is balancing competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment. I’ve found that staying organised, thinking logically and asking questions early in the process helps.
Can you share an example of a successful project or deal that you’ve worked on?
In November 2025, I had the opportunity to support the sale of our client, Darts Corner, during my Corporate Finance placement.
I carried out buyer research, analysed valuation multiples, and attended various client meetings and site visits, giving me valuable first-hand exposure to the transaction process. It was especially rewarding to see the deal successfully complete after I returned to the firm.
Are you seeing any trends emerging within the corporate finance landscape?
AI is having an increasing impact across a number of areas of my role, such as research, financial analysis and document preparation, making many routine tasks faster and more efficient.
However, strong commercial judgement, trusted relationships and the ability to truly understand a business remain the qualities that clients value most and are far harder to automate.
What motivates you most in your work, and how do you ensure you continue to deliver value to your clients?
I’m motivated by understanding how businesses work and finding better ways to solve problems.
Whether that’s through clearer analysis, stronger communication or using technology to improve efficiency, I enjoy delivering practical solutions that create value for both clients and the wider team.
What skills or qualities do you think are essential for someone to excel in corporate finance advisory?
Strong analytical skills, commercial awareness, attention to detail and clear communication are all essential. I’d also say to have curiosity in your work, resilience and the confidence to ask questions.
What advice would you give to trainees starting out?
Be proactive, take feedback on board and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It also helps to spend a few minutes thinking about the possible answer first – it shows initiative and often leads to much better conversations.
What’s one thing you learned in school that has stuck with you?
Preparation creates confidence. That was true for exams, and it’s just as true for client meetings, presentations and pretty much any situation where ‘winging it’ probably isn’t the best strategy.
Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?
I enjoy going to the gym, playing tennis and padel, and spending time with friends and family – usually with slightly less spreadsheets involved!
What’s the biggest thing on your bucket list?
I’d love to travel more and experience countries and cultures.
Ideally, I’d like to do that while I’m still young enough to tolerate long-haul flights and questionable accommodation!
