Investment Banking Associate

Compensation: $110,000 – $130,000 Base Salary + Performance Bonus Employment Type: Full-Time About the Company We are an independent investment banking firm focused on advising founder‑owned and entrepreneur‑led businesses on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic advisory engagements. Our clients span a diverse range of industries, with transaction sizes generally ranging from the lower middle market to the middle market. We provide senior‑level attention, thoughtful strategic advice, and rigorous execution to business owners navigating critical inflection points in their companies' growth and evolution. Our entrepreneurial culture offers professionals significant responsibility, direct client exposure, and meaningful involvement across every stage of a transaction. Position Overview We are seeking a highly motivated Investment Banking Associate to join our New York office. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years of full‑time investment banking experience and possess a strong foundation in financial modeling, valuation, transaction execution, and marketing material development. The Associate will play a critical role in leading analytical workstreams, managing junior team members, coordinating transaction processes, and supporting senior bankers in client‑facing situations. Candidates should be capable of independently managing substantial portions of live M&A and capital raising engagements while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and client service. Key Responsibilities Lead execution workstreams across sell‑side M&A, buy‑side M&A, debt placements, and equity capital raising. Manage day‑to‑day transaction processes and coordinate activities among clients, buyers, investors, attorneys, accountants, and other advisors. Support due diligence, management presentations, data room management, and transaction negotiations. Track transaction milestones and proactively identify and resolve execution issues. Financial Analysis & Valuation Build, review, and maintain sophisticated financial models, including discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis. Comparable company analysis. Precedent transaction analysis. LBO analysis. Accretion/dilution and merger models. Debt capacity and capital structure analysis. Analyze historical and projected financial performance and identify key value drivers. Develop valuation perspectives and transaction recommendations for clients. Marketing Materials Independently prepare and oversee the creation of Confidential Information Memoranda, teasers, and executive summaries. Investor presentations and pitch books. Buyer and investor target lists. Ensure all client‑facing materials meet the firm's standards for quality, accuracy, and professionalism. Client & Team Management Participate in client meetings, management presentations, and buyer/investor discussions. Develop strong relationships with business owners, executives, and professional advisors. Manage and mentor Analysts and Interns by reviewing work product and providing ongoing coaching. Collaborate closely with Managing Directors and Vice Presidents on transaction strategy and client recommendations. Business Development Support senior bankers in sourcing and pursuing new client opportunities. Conduct industry, market, and company research. Assist in preparing strategic analyses and pitch materials for prospective clients. Monitor industry trends, M&A activity, and capital markets developments. Required Qualifications Minimum of three years of full‑time investment banking experience at an investment bank, corporate finance advisory firm, or similar transaction‑focused environment. Demonstrated experience executing M&A and/or capital raising transactions from initiation through closing. Advanced proficiency in financial modeling and valuation methodologies. Proven ability to independently develop high‑quality CIMs, management presentations, and client marketing materials. Strong understanding of all phases of the M&A and capital raising process, including marketing preparation, buyer/investor presentations, indications of interest (IOIs), letters of intent (LOIs), negotiation support, and closing processes. Exceptional proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Excellent project management and organizational abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience advising founder‑owned, family‑owned, or entrepreneur‑led businesses. Exposure to lower middle market and middle market transactions. Experience mentoring Analysts and reviewing junior team work product. Familiarity with Capital IQ, PitchBook, FactSet, Bloomberg, and other financial databases. CPA, CFA, or progress toward professional designation is a plus but not required. What We Offer Competitive base salary of $110,000 – $130,000, commensurate with experience. Performance‑based annual bonus opportunity. Direct exposure to senior leadership and clients. Significant responsibility and ownership of live transactions. Entrepreneurial, collaborative, and meritocratic culture. Opportunity to work across a broad range of industries and transaction types. Clear path for professional growth and advancement. We are an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr