About JCAI

Japan Corporate Advisory Institute (JCAI) is an independent M&A advisory firm specializing in cross-border transactions between Japan, Southeast Asia, and India.

Headquartered in Tokyo, JCAI focuses on the small-to-mid-cap segment (c. US$10 million–US$200 million+), advising listed corporates, private companies, founders, shareholders, and financial sponsors on acquisitions, divestitures, strategic investments, and other corporate finance transactions.

We are seeking an experienced Vice President (VP) to join our Tokyo headquarters and take a leading role in the origination and execution of cross-border M&A transactions.

Why Tokyo

Tokyo is increasingly positioned at the center of cross-border capital flows and strategic investment across Asia.

1. Stable Investment Environment: Japan offers political stability, a well-established legal framework, deep capital markets, and a highly developed corporate ecosystem.
2. Japan–ASEAN Deal Flow: Supply-chain diversification, China+1 strategies, and Japanese corporates' continued pursuit of overseas growth are creating significant cross-border M&A opportunities across ASEAN.
3. Exceptional Quality of Life: Tokyo combines world-class infrastructure, safety, healthcare, education, and connectivity, making it an attractive long-term base for professionals and their families.

Why JCAI

1. Cross-Border M&A Focus: A strong track record advising on Japan–ASEAN transactions across the small-to-mid-cap market.
2. Independent Advisory Platform: A pure advisory model with limited bureaucracy and conflicts, enabling senior bankers to focus on clients, transactions, and execution.
3. Senior-Level Client Exposure: Work directly with senior management of Japanese listed companies, ASEAN founders and shareholders, and executives across the region.
4. Meaningful Transaction Responsibility: VPs are expected to take ownership of transactions rather than operate within narrowly defined execution roles.

Career Opportunity

JCAI offers an entrepreneurial platform for experienced M&A professionals seeking greater transaction ownership and a clear path toward senior leadership.

1. End-to-End Deal Leadership: Take responsibility for transactions from origination and initial client engagement through structuring, due diligence, negotiation, and closing.
2. Accelerated Promotion Path: Advancement is based on execution capability, client development, leadership, and revenue contribution.
3. Performance-Driven Economics: Significant upside through an uncapped incentive structure directly linked to transaction revenues.

Key Responsibilities

As a Vice President, you will be expected to lead transaction execution while contributing meaningfully to origination and client development.

1. Lead the execution and structuring of cross-border M&A transactions from initial engagement through closing.
2. Manage transaction processes, including deal strategy, valuation, structuring, negotiations, due diligence, and overall execution.
3. Develop and review financial models, valuation analyses, transaction scenarios, and investment analyses to international investment banking standards.
4. Lead the preparation of pitch books, Information Memoranda, management presentations, buyer/investor materials, and transaction documentation.
5. Coordinate and manage legal, financial, tax, commercial, and other due diligence workstreams, including external professional advisers.
6. Support and drive negotiations of key transaction documentation, including SPAs, SHAs, subscription agreements, and related definitive agreements, in coordination with legal counsel.
7. Manage day-to-day interaction with clients, counterparties, investors, management teams, and professional advisers throughout the transaction process.
8. Develop and maintain relationships with Japanese and international corporates, founders, shareholders, financial sponsors, and institutional investors.
9. Mentor and supervise junior team members while maintaining high standards of analytical and execution quality.
10. Contribute to transaction origination and the continued development of JCAI's cross-border M&A practice.

Qualifications

1. Experience: 5+ years of relevant M&A experience, or 3+ years of experience leading transaction workstreams, gained at an investment bank, M&A advisory firm, commercial bank, Big Four/FAS firm, or comparable institution.
2. Transaction Experience: Demonstrated experience executing M&A transactions, preferably involving cross-border counterparties.
3. English: Advanced professional / business-level English required.
4. Technical Skills: Strong financial modeling, valuation, transaction structuring, and analytical capabilities.
5. Execution Skills: Ability to independently manage multiple transaction workstreams, advisers, counterparties, and junior team members.
6. Commercial Judgment: Strong understanding of transaction dynamics, negotiation processes, and senior-level client communication.
7. Leadership: Ability to take ownership of transactions and operate effectively in a lean, entrepreneurial advisory environment.

Preferred:

1. Japanese language proficiency.
2. Prior Japan, Southeast Asia, India, or broader Asia cross-border transaction experience.
3. CPA, USCPA, CFA, or other relevant professional qualification.

Compensation & Incentives

1. Annual Base Salary: JPY 8,000,000–15,000,000, depending on experience, transaction track record, and capabilities.
2. Performance Incentive: Uncapped performance-based compensation of up to 15% of attributable deal revenue, providing substantial upside for strong execution and origination performance.

The compensation model is designed to reward professionals who take ownership of transactions, develop client relationships, and contribute directly to the firm's revenue growth.

Location & Relocation

Tokyo Headquarters

13F, Holland Hills Mori Tower RoP 5-11-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku Tokyo, Japan

Visa Sponsorship: Available for qualified international candidates eligible to work in Japan.

JCAI welcomes experienced M&A professionals seeking a high-autonomy, execution-focused platform with direct client exposure, cross-border deal flow, and a clear path toward Managing Director.