Financial Modeling Associate - Buy-Side

Job Description

Job Description

Financial Modeling Associate – Buy-Side (Entry-Level)

Career Launch AI Talent Network
Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)
Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $140,000 – $185,000+ total compensation (varies by employer)

About This Role

This Financial Modeling Associate – Buy-Side description represents the type of early-career, modeling-intensive investment roles featured on the Career Launch AI Private Job Board.
It is not a direct job opening with a specific employer.

Members of our platform gain access to exclusive buy-side investment roles that may not appear on public job boards. Career Launch AI provides tools and support to help candidates reach hiring managers, prepare for interviews, and pursue high-caliber finance opportunities.

More information is available at careerlaunch.ai .

About the Opportunity

Lower middle-market private equity firms, growth equity investors, credit funds, and other buy-side investment platforms within our network may seek analytically strong Financial Modeling Associates to support investment underwriting and decision-making .

Individuals in roles like this are deeply involved in building, reviewing, and refining financial models used to evaluate potential investments and monitor portfolio performance. The role offers high exposure to transaction economics, capital structures, and return drivers.

The work environment is typically lean and rigorous, providing meaningful interaction with senior investors and direct impact on investment decisions.

Day-to-Day ResponsibilitiesFinancial Modeling & Investment Analysis

• Build and maintain robust operating and transaction models , including 3-statement models, DCFs, LBOs, and credit models

• Analyze returns, capital structures, leverage, and downside scenarios

• Perform sensitivity analyses and stress tests to evaluate risk and return profiles

• Support valuation analysis using comparable companies, precedent transactions, and intrinsic methodologies

Deal Underwriting & Diligence Support

• Support investment underwriting across new platform investments and add-on acquisitions

• Analyze historical financials, KPIs, unit economics, and cash flow dynamics

• Partner with deal teams during financial, commercial, and operational diligence

• Identify key assumptions, risks, and value drivers embedded in models

Investment Committee & Decision Support

• Prepare and refine model outputs, exhibits, and summaries for investment committee materials

• Translate complex financial analyses into clear insights and recommendations

• Respond to ad hoc analytical requests from senior investment professionals

Portfolio & Ongoing Analysis

• Update models post-close to reflect actual performance versus underwriting

• Support valuation updates, refinancing analysis, and exit scenario modeling

• Assist portfolio teams with performance tracking and financial planning initiatives

What Makes This Work Engaging

• Heavy exposure to advanced buy-side financial modeling

• Direct influence on investment underwriting and capital allocation decisions

• Accelerated learning in private equity, credit, and transaction finance

• Close collaboration with senior investors and deal teams

Ideal Candidate Profile

This profile reflects the competencies commonly sought by firms for roles of this type.

Education & Technical Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field

• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills

• Strong understanding of accounting, valuation, and capital structure mechanics

Experience (Formal or Informal)

• Prior internships or experience in investment banking, private equity, credit, transaction advisory, or corporate finance is beneficial

• Demonstrated experience building or auditing complex financial models

• Strong interest in buy-side investing and transaction analysis

Soft Skills & Mindset

• High attention to detail and analytical rigor

• Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines

• Clear written and verbal communication skills

• Strong ownership mentality and accountability

• Coachability, curiosity, and willingness to continuously improve modeling skills

How Career Launch AI Helps Candidates Access Roles Like This

Career Launch AI is a career acceleration platform supporting candidates pursuing competitive buy-side finance roles.

AI-Powered Job Search Automation

• Automated applications to a large volume of relevant roles with tailored resumes

• Targeted search across private equity, growth equity, credit funds, and investment platforms

Recruiter & Hiring Manager Outreach

• Human-led outreach campaigns to relevant recruiters and decision-makers

• Support initiating warm, direct conversations rather than relying solely on job portals

Execution & Tracking Support

• Streamlined systems to manage applications and outreach

• End-to-end administrative support during the search process

Interview & Case Preparation

• Assistance with financial modeling tests, LBO cases, and underwriting exercises

• Support with behavioral and technical interview readiness

Continued Support

• Ongoing guidance provided throughout the hiring process

Learn More or Apply

To access roles of this kind through the Career Launch AI platform, visit:
careerlaunch.ai

Career Launch AI offers access to a curated job board, personalized outreach support, automated application tools, interview preparation, and continued assistance until placement.

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