Investment Banking Associate

Investment Banking Associate – M&A and Corporate Finance

Company Overview

An independent boutique financial advisory firm provides mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital raising, and strategic advisory services to business owners, executives, and investors. The firm advises clients on strategic opportunities, enterprise value, and complex financial transactions across the transaction lifecycle.

Position Overview

The firm is seeking an Investment Banking Associate to support its core M&A, capital raising, and strategic advisory businesses . This individual will work closely with senior bankers and clients on financial analysis, valuation, transaction execution, due diligence, and the preparation of client presentations and marketing materials.

While investment banking and M&A experience are preferred, candidates with relevant backgrounds in other areas of financial services—including commercial lending, corporate finance, or law —will also be considered.

This opportunity offers competitive compensation, meaningful transaction exposure, and the potential for better work-life balance than traditional investment banking environments. Junior team members are encouraged to take ownership of key transaction workstreams, engage directly with clients, coordinate internal and external stakeholders, and help drive M&A processes from initial preparation through closing.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Modeling & Valuation

Develop and maintain financial models and valuations using discounted cash flow (DCF), comparable company analysis, precedent transactions, and other methodologies.

Analyze financial statements, operating performance, projections, and key valuation drivers.

M&A and Transaction Execution

Support buy-side and sell-side M&A transactions, capital raises, recapitalizations, and strategic advisory engagements from initial analysis through closing.

Assist with transaction structuring, valuation analysis, and the preparation of client recommendations.

Coordinate transaction processes and ensure deliverables are accurate and completed on schedule.

Financial Analysis & Research

Evaluate historical financial performance, industry trends, competitive positioning, growth opportunities, and business risks.

Conduct company, industry, and market research to identify acquisition targets, strategic opportunities, and potential transaction counterparties.

Marketing Materials & Presentations

Prepare confidential information memoranda (CIMs), management presentations, pitch books, teasers, financial analyses, and other transaction-related materials.

Develop clear, professional presentations for clients, prospective buyers, investors, lenders, and other stakeholders.

Due Diligence & Transaction Coordination

Coordinate financial and commercial due diligence, manage data room materials, and track information requests.

Liaise with clients, buyers, investors, attorneys, lenders, and external advisors throughout the transaction process.

Client Relationships & Business Development

Participate in client meetings and support communications with business owners, executives, investors, and financial counterparties.

Assist with prospect research, pitch preparation, relationship development, and identifying potential advisory opportunities.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

At least 2 years of relevant professional experience, ideally 2–5 years, in investment banking, M&A, corporate finance, or a related financial services field. More experienced candidates will also be considered.

Active securities license (Series 79, Series 63, or Series 7), or willingness to sit for the required exams.

Strong financial and analytical skills, including experience evaluating financial performance, transactions, credit, investments, or financial products.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, including preparation of financial analyses, presentations, and client-facing materials.

Understanding of financial markets, capital structures, securities, credit products, or corporate finance.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with senior executives and external stakeholders.

Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.

High degree of integrity, discretion, initiative, and professionalism, with the ability to thrive in a lean, entrepreneurial environment.

Preferred Qualifications

M&A or investment banking experience, including financial modeling, valuation, transaction execution, and due diligence.

Alternatively, relevant experience in commercial lending or related financial services.

Experience working with corporate clients, institutional investors, lenders, or other financial counterparties.

Demonstrated initiative, sound business judgment, and the ability to independently manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced, client-service environment.

Compensation

Base Salary: Approximately $150,000, depending on experience.

Potential Total Annual Compensation: Approximately $200,000–$250,000+, including bonus potential.

What the Role Offers

Direct exposure to senior bankers, business owners, executives, and investors.

Meaningful involvement across the transaction lifecycle, with opportunities to develop core investment banking and advisory skills.

Exposure to multiple industries, transactions, and financial products.

Competitive base compensation with significant