11 April 2025
In our latest ‘Meet the Team’ blog, we spoke to Chloe Davis, Transaction Services Executive at Translink Corporate Finance UK, about her career journey, day-to-day responsibilities, life outside of work, and her advice for trainees starting out in corporate finance.
Chloe also talks about her time dancing on cruise ships, performing at Disneyland and her love for travel.
From transitioning from audit at BHP to corporate finance and working on large transactions, Chloe shares insights into the challenges, motivations, and emerging trends shaping the industry.
Can you describe your role and the key responsibilities that come with it?
I am responsible for performing due diligence to support acquisitions and funding rounds. This involves the financial analysis and assessment of a business, culminating in providing advice that assists our clients in making informed decisions around the transaction.
I recently transferred from the audit team after joining BHP four years ago on a graduate training contract. After qualifying, I was given the opportunity to be seconded to the Transaction Services department within the Translink Corporate Finance team (the corporate finance arm of BHP).
Whilst on secondment, I particularly enjoyed the advisory aspect of the role and felt I was adding tangible value. I was delighted to be offered a permanent position as a Transaction Services Executive!
What does a typical working day look like for you?
A typical working day involves analysing and interpreting historical and forecast financial information, discussing this with the business management team, and helping to draft sections of due diligence reports for acquisitive companies or funders on a specific target company or group.
I enjoy the flexibility of the role with time in the office, going out to see businesses or networking with intermediaries, combined with the ability to sometimes work at home.
What are some of the most challenging aspects of your job, and how do you overcome them?
The work is incredibly varied, and there are times when we need to work long hours to meet tight deadlines given we operate in a fast-paced deals environment. We also undertake business development activities such as targeting and networking to drive the growth of our business.
However, this variety and the time pressure of working on things that really matter to our clients is also what makes it such a fulfilling role to be in!
What motivates you most in your work, and how do you ensure you continue to deliver value to your clients?
What motivates me most is the ability to add real, tangible value to clients through the analysis and interrogation that we perform as part of the due diligence process. The insight we provide to our clients can be critical in deal negotiations, allowing them to make informed decisions about their proposed acquisitions, investments or funding rounds.
Can you share an example of a successful project or deal that you’ve worked on?
Since joining Translink, I have worked on a variety of transactions with corporate acquirers, private equity houses, and debt funders. I was recently involved in a large, complex merger in the automotive sector, working alongside our lead advisory, tax and SPA advisory teams.
Are you seeing any trends emerging within the corporate finance landscape?
One of the key trends emerging in the corporate finance landscape is the growing benefit of AI and its applications. On the Transaction Services side we are developing how AI can support financial analysis and due diligence, and AI is increasingly being used by our colleagues in M&A to assist in market research and trend analysis when identifying potential acquirors for business sales mandates.
Macro-economic or political uncertainty can also drive trends. Recently we have seen market disruption due to the anticipated changes in taxation policies which have, in some cases, accelerated deal timelines. This means we always have to be ready to adapt quickly to change our approach or meet increasingly tight deadlines.
What skills or qualities do you think are essential for someone to excel in corporate finance?
I believe an open mind and a can-do attitude are essential for excelling in a corporate finance based advisory role due to the variety and fast-paced nature of the work we undertake.
What advice would you give to trainees starting out?
For trainees starting out, my key piece of advice would be to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Studying for exams while performing well in your role can be challenging, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Making time for activities, exercise, and relaxation will help you both in your work and your studies.
What’s the one must-do activity that you do every day?
To unwind from a busy day at work, I love to cook a great meal while watching some binge-worthy TV.
What’s one thing you learned in school that has stuck with you?
School played a crucial role in teaching me organisation skills – learning to manage my time, tasks, and responsibilities efficiently.
I used to dance four out of five school days a week, juggling ballet and tap exams alongside my A-levels.
These early experiences helped me develop strong project management skills that I still use today, including using calendars, planners, and goal-setting to stay on top of my work. Whilst we have to be technically and commercially astute, our work also has to be performed in a tight timeframe so we need to be well organised.
Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time? Do you have any hobbies or interests?
Outside of work, I love to cook and bake, go on long walks with my partner, and attend Bounce fitness classes.
What’s the biggest thing on your bucket list?
A big item on my bucket list is to explore as much of South America as possible – the breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures look immense.
Do you have any role models and, if so, who and why?
My biggest role model is my mum. From a young age, she inspired me to become a Girl Guide and complete my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. More recently, she influenced my decision to pursue a career in audit, following the ICAEW route, which she also took.
For almost 20 years, she has successfully built and run her own audit firm, and her determination and work ethic have played a huge role in shaping my own ambitions and drive.
What/where is the best place you have ever visited and why?
I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many countries with my family and dance crew, including performing on cruise ships and at Disneyland. However, my favourite trip was a six-week backpacking adventure with my partner, where we travelled through Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Although we had limited time in each destination, every place offered a unique experience – especially the incredible cuisines and street food. The diversity of cultures, food, and landscapes made the journey unforgettable.
The trip was both tiring and rewarding, as we stayed in everything from hostels to local homestays, immersing ourselves in the culture. At the end of our trip, I spent an additional week volunteering in Thailand at a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre.
This experience was incredibly rewarding – I had the opportunity to feed Malaysian sun bears, clean tiger enclosures, and create enrichment activities for various species of primates. It was a truly unforgettable experience that deepened my appreciation for wildlife conservation.
