Senior Associate, Finance & Analytics

Chesapeake Search Partners is partnering with a lower-middle-market private equity firm to identify a Senior Associate, Finance & Analytics to strengthen its financial diligence, reporting, and analytical capabilities across its portfolio.

This is not a traditional back-office finance or accounting role. The position brings transaction advisory-caliber financial analysis in-house, working at the intersection of the investment team and portfolio companies. The individual will evaluate earnings quality, working capital, and cash flow on prospective acquisitions while building the reporting infrastructure and analytical capabilities needed to monitor and improve performance across the portfolio.

This individual will play an important role in establishing consistency, visibility, and excellence in financial reporting, analysis, and processes across portfolio companies.

Responsibilities:

• Support acquisition due diligence by partnering with the investment team on third-party Quality of Earnings (QoE) engagements and independently analyzing financial statements, EBITDA adjustments, working capital, cash flow, and other key metrics to identify potential risks, gaps, and areas requiring further diligence.
• Develop and evaluate financial models to assess historical performance, financial trends, forecasts, and prospective investments, translating complex analysis into clear, actionable insights for the investment team.
• Build financial reporting infrastructure at newly acquired portfolio companies as part of the 100-day plan, including monthly reporting packages, KPI dashboards, flash reporting, and lender reporting.
• Establish and improve FP&A practices across the portfolio by developing and implementing consistent, best-in-class financial planning, reporting, and analytical standards tailored to each company's needs.
• Identify opportunities for AI and automation across financial diligence, reporting, and FP&A workflows. Evaluate tools, pilot practical applications with portfolio company management, and share successful approaches across the portfolio.
• Analyze portfolio-wide financial performance , working through disparate data sets and systems to identify trends, reporting gaps, process inefficiencies, and opportunities to improve profitability and cash flow.
• Partner with portfolio company CFOs and controllers as a trusted analytical resource, providing financial insights and support to strengthen decision-making and operational performance.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly and effectively to portfolio company management, operating partners, the investment team, and firm leadership.

Qualifications:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to work through complex or incomplete data sets, identify the underlying story, and communicate meaningful conclusions.
• Strong financial statement analysis and financial modeling skills, with a solid understanding of EBITDA, working capital, cash flow, and earnings quality.
• Ability to operate independently with minimal direction, take ownership of responsibilities, and drive projects through completion.
• Clear, timely communication skills, with the ability to keep stakeholders informed and proactively surface issues.
• Executive presence and sound business judgment, with the credibility to present financial findings and recommendations to investment professionals and portfolio company leadership.
• Adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities and workstreams across several portfolio companies.
• Curiosity about emerging technologies and hands-on interest in applying AI and data tools to financial analysis and business processes.
• Working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and core accounting principles.
• Genuine interest in private equity and the financial and operational performance of portfolio companies.
• Manufacturing or industrial experience is a plus, but not required.

Ideal Background:

• Typically 3–6 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in transaction advisory services, Quality of Earnings, financial due diligence, or related financial consulting, preferably within the lower middle market.
• Public accounting experience with a regional or national firm.
• Experience building, reviewing, or interpreting financial models, with advanced Excel capabilities.
• Familiarity with common ERP platforms such as NetSuite, Sage Intacct, QuickBooks, or similar systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline required.

Location & Travel:

• Based in Baltimore, MD
• Hybrid work environment, with an expectation of 3-4 days per week in the office.
• Travel of up to approximately 25% to portfolio