Senior Associate

Senior Associate

Prairie Capital Advisors is an employee-owned financial advisory firm that specializes in creating and executing ownership transition strategies for middle-market companies nationwide. Our core values form the foundation of our business. As an employee-owned firm, cultural fit is extremely important to us. Many companies talk about their culture but we believe a truly special environment is formed when you build successful people around you. When you are passionate about your work and those you work with, it shows.

Since our founding in 1996, we have led hundreds of sales, mergers, acquisitions, Employee Stock Ownership Plans, and financing transactions for our clients. Through our services, we maintain a nationally recognized level of expertise, backed by deep transaction experience, proactive thought leadership, and ongoing market research.

Our ESOP Valuation and Opinions practice is nationally recognized for its depth of expertise, analytical approach, and thought leadership. Due to growth, we are currently seeking a Senior Associate to join us in our Chicago, IL (Loop) office. Senior Associates are responsible for providing project support and managing valuation engagements with high exposure to clients and partners, and developing team members. Our employee-owners enjoy a highly collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.

What you will be doing:

• Providing project support to Vice Presidents, Directors, and Managing Directors on valuation and advisory projects (Opinions and Consultancy)
• Manage valuation engagements to support the ESOP Valuation practice, providing oversight of analyst staff
• Conducting and overseeing valuation modeling, analysis, and research
• Prepare client deliverables including valuation reports and advisory presentations
• Significant time spent coaching, teaching and overseeing the work of analysts and interns
• Assist in client and partner meetings, presenting deliverables and justifying analysis to ESOP trustees and boards
• Manage document collection, retention, and workflow of information
• Opportunity for active participation in internal initiatives

What do we look for in candidates?

• Bachelors degree in finance/accounting/economics; MBA or relevant advanced degree or certification (CPA, CFA) preferred.
• One to two years of previous experience as an Associate, or similar role in another organization
• Five to seven years of previous valuation and/or similar work experience
• Deep understanding and application of valuation theory and corporate finance
• Confidently presents difficult information and/or explains the why of the numbers in our models
• Effectively structure deliverables and presentations to provide the most relevant information to clients, trustees or business partners
• Strong project management skills including document retention, team member coordination
• Ability to build a relationship with clients and partners
• Focus on transfer of knowledge to team members

Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000, with additional discretionary bonus

Benefits Statement:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage to meet your healthcare needs. We currently offer three different Medical plans to choose from (one PPO plan and two different HDHP with an option of contributing towards an HSA). We also offer one dental and one vision plan.
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Financial protection in case of unexpected health issues.
• Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance: Peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
• Generous Sick and Vacation Time: Ample time to rest, recharge, and spend with family and friends.
• Paid Parental Leave: Support for you to bond with your new child.
• Generous compensation: on top of base compensation there is also a discretionary bonus that is given based on performance
• Retirement benefits: company support towards your 401K and ESOP contributions that are made in your name.

At Prairie Capital Advisors, we are committed to ensuring our employees' well-being and work-life balance. Join us and experience a workplace that values your health and happiness.

EEO Statement:

Prairie Capital Advisors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

E-Verify Statement:

Prairie Capital Advisors participates in the federal governments E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For all new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. For up-to-date information on E-Verify, go to and click on 'E-Verify' located near the bottom of the page.

Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc.