Associate Vice President

Associate, ESOP Investment Banking TeamAt Stout, we're dedicated to exceeding expectations in all we do – we call it Relentless Excellence®. Both our client service and culture are second to none, stemming from our firmwide embrace of our core values: Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and being Great communicators. Sound like a place you can grow and succeed? Read on to learn more about an exciting opportunity to join our team.The Stout ESOP Investment Banking Team is looking for an Associate to handle the day-to-day execution of ESOP Formation, Recapitalization, and Capital Markets transactions. Associates will work under the guidance of product bankers for various transaction and pitch assignments. Successful candidates will be highly technical, detail-oriented, and proficient in content creation and complex financial modeling.Under the mentorship of seasoned Stout professionals, Associates at Stout will have the opportunity to develop a well-rounded investment banking skill set while gaining significant client exposure.The ESOP Investment Banking team partners with successful family- and founder-owned businesses to evaluate the advantages of ESOP transactions alongside traditional sell-side options. As the sole financial advisor, we facilitate successful ESOP transactions, typically supported by capital raises led by Stout.We collaborate with industry bankers and our capital markets team to identify ideal candidates for ESOP exits, often working with owners pursuing a dual-track approach of both ESOP and traditional transactions. Additionally, we assist large, successful companies with established ESOPs in recapitalizations with private capital providers, and support industry bankers in sell-side roles for ESOP-owned companies seeking exits to strategic buyers or private equity.What You'll Do:Create dynamic three-statement financial models, valuation models, and pro forma financial statements incorporating detailed transaction adjustmentsPrepare and deliver pitch materials for ESOP formations and recapitalizations, working in partnership with practice leaders throughout the firm and sector leaders within the investment bank to win and execute new mandatesAttend client meetings and present complex deal aspects directly to company shareholders and Board membersPerform extensive financial modeling, structuring, and negotiating of live ESOP transactionsLaunch transaction plan and manage day-to-day transaction execution activities, including up-to-date transaction timeline, information requests, data room oversight, financial model upkeep, CIM and Databook preparation, Board and Shareholder presentations, lender lists, funds flow, etc.Conduct due diligence sessions with clientsConduct quantitative, economic, and industry researchCommunicate with key stakeholders not limited to owners, shareholders, financial institutions, and market competitorsBecome SME of ESOP transaction ecosystem and feasibilityPlay key leadership role in all aspects of the transaction processLeverage AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies to enhance research, streamline deliverable preparation, and improve overall efficiency and insightWhat You Bring:At least 3 years of experience in an investment banking environment with advanced technical skillsESOP experience and familiarity preferred but not requiredAbility to conduct valuation analyses, including Discounted Cash Flow, Leveraged Buyout, Comparable Companies, Precedent Transactions, and Sum-of-the-Parts requiredAbility to build diverse financial models from scratch requiredExperience working the end-to-end deal execution lifecyclePrior debt structuring and underwriting experience preferred but not requiredBachelor's degree required (Finance, Math, or Economics preferred but not required)Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and WordFamiliarity with or interest in using AI tools and technology to enhance productivity, research, and analysisStrong communication skills, desire to learn, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environmentHow You'll Thrive:Take ownership of your work, exercise sound judgment, and deliver consistently high-quality results.Communicate clearly and respond promptly to clients, senior bankers, colleagues, and transaction participants.Build trusted relationships through preparation, responsiveness, and consistent execution.Invest in the development of junior team members while continuing to strengthen your own technical, sector, and client-facing capabilities.Embody Stout's core values by being Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Entrepreneurial, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and a Great Communicator.Deliver Relentless Excellence® through disciplined execution, strong client service, and a commitment to the quality of your work and the experience of your colleagues.Why Stout? At Stout, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program with competitive compensation, benefits, and wellness options tailored to support employees at every stage of life. We foster a culture of inclusion and respect, embracing diverse perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and success. Our leadership is committed to inclusion and belonging across the organization and in the communities we serve. We invest in professional growth through ongoing training, mentorship, employee resource groups, and clear performance feedback, ensuring our employees are supported in achieving their career goals. Stout provides flexible work schedules and a discretionary time off policy to promote work-life balance and help employees lead fulfilling lives. Learn more about our benefits and commitment to your success.