Meet Mahii | Associate at S&W

I’m Mahii, currently working in the Valuations team based in the Birmingham office. I joined S&W in September 2024 and am now in my second year as an Associate. In Valuations, we typically value the intangibles within a business (to arrive at an overall enterprise value) before or after an acquisition, either for commercial, accounting or tax purposes. We also value share options and other securities as well!

I chose to work in Valuations because it blends analytical thinking with storytelling. While finance and accounting are often seen as purely objective, there's actually a significant element of subjectivity involved—which is what intrigued me. I enjoy making well-reasoned assumptions, building models around them, and then communicating the narrative that drives those numbers.

What really motivated me to join S&W was the sense of authenticity I felt during the recruitment process. Everyone I spoke to—from associates to partners—seemed genuinely invested in the firm’s culture and in each other’s growth. It wasn’t just about ticking boxes or showcasing achievements; it felt like a place where people are encouraged to be curious, collaborative, and ambitious. I was also drawn to the variety of career paths available here, especially in areas like Valuations, where you get to combine technical skills with strategic thinking. It felt like the kind of environment where I could grow professionally while still being myself.

The working culture at S&W is definitely fast-paced and can be quite demanding at times— but in a good way. It pushes you to grow quickly, both professionally and personally. I’ve found myself becoming more detail-oriented, better at managing my time, and more organised overall. What’s interesting is that these habits have started to spill over into my personal life too, in a really positive way. The team dynamics are supportive—everyone’s willing to help and share knowledge, which makes the learning curve feel less overwhelming. There’s a strong sense of collaboration, and even when things get stressful, you know you’re not going through it alone.

A typical day in Valuations at S&W can vary a lot—which is honestly one of the things I enjoy most about the role. We work on a wide range of activities, from onboarding new clients and conducting deal research to building financial models, writing reports, and responding to queries. The kind of work you do really depends on the piece you're on, how far along it is, and what the client needs. No two weeks ever feel the same.

We also have weekly team meetings and regular training sessions led by managers, which help keep us aligned and continuously learning. The projects themselves are incredibly diverse—not just in type, but in the specific details. Even if it’s the same kind of valuation, each client brings a unique set of circumstances and challenges.

It’s a role that gives you a strong analytical foundation, and over time you notice yourself becoming more structured, detail-focused, and efficient.

I’d recommend S&W as a great place to work because it genuinely encourages you to take pride in what you do. The standards are high, but that’s what makes the work fulfilling—you’re constantly learning, improving, and seeing the impact of your contributions. One thing I really value is how much trust and responsibility you’re given early on. You’re not just doing tasks; you’re part of the bigger picture.

There’s also a strong emphasis on development—not just through formal training, but through the day-to-day interactions with your team. You’re surrounded by people who are generous with their time and knowledge, and that makes a huge difference. Over time, you start to notice how much more confident and capable you’ve become, and that sense of growth is incredibly motivating.

The application process at S&W is fairly standard, with a few rounds leading up to the assessment centre. But in my experience, the most important part is the interview with the team. That’s where you really get a sense of whether you’ll fit in culturally—which I didn’t realise was so crucial until I started working. I’ve heard stories of people struggling simply because the culture wasn’t the right match, and it makes a huge difference to your day-to-day experience.

My biggest advice would be to be yourself. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s genuinely the best approach. People can tell when you're being authentic, and that’s what helps you connect. Also, take time to reflect on why you’re interested in the role and the firm—it’ll help you speak with more clarity and confidence during the process.

Outside of work, I play the piano, and I’ve found it surprisingly complementary to my role in Valuations. Piano requires focus, discipline, and a strong attention to detail—all qualities that are essential in this job too. Practising regularly has helped me stay sharp and patient, and I’ve noticed that the mindset I bring to music often carries over into how I approach complex tasks at work. It’s a nice balance—having something creative that also strengthens your analytical thinking.