Associate - Job #1985

Our client is a Raleigh, North Carolina-based alternative investment firm focused on directly originated private credit and equity investments in lower middle market companies. The platform manages multiple investment vehicles and is actively deploying capital from a recently raised fund focused on flexible debt and minority equity. The firm invests across a variety of industries and works closely with founder-owned and sponsor-backed businesses throughout the Southeast and broader U.S. lower middle market. The Associate will join the investment team and work across both private credit and private equity transactions. This individual will be involved in the full investment lifecycle, including sourcing, underwriting, execution, and portfolio management. This role offers broad exposure to direct lending, structured equity, and lower middle market investing within a lean, entrepreneurial environment. Responsibilities Screen and evaluate prospective private credit and equity investment opportunities Conduct detailed financial, operational, industry, and competitive due diligence Build and maintain financial models including operating models, debt repayment analyses, downside cases, valuation analyses, and leveraged buyout models Analyze company financial performance, including revenue quality, margins, working capital, leverage, liquidity, and cash flow generation Prepare investment memorandums, diligence summaries, and investment committee materials Assist with transaction execution and coordination with management teams, lenders, legal counsel, and third-party diligence providers Monitor portfolio company performance through monthly financial reporting, covenant tracking, and quarterly valuation support Qualifications Bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance in finance, accounting, economics, business, or a related field 2–4 years of relevant experience in private credit, leveraged finance, investment banking, transaction advisory, valuation, private equity, corporate finance, or public accounting Strong financial statement analysis and financial modeling capabilities Experience evaluating lower middle market companies and performing qualitative and quantitative due diligence Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to synthesize findings into concise investment materials High attention to detail, strong work ethic, and ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously Intellectual curiosity, professional maturity, and strong interpersonal skills #J-18808-Ljbffr Pinnacle Group