Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) - Private Equity Principal

Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) – Private Equity Principal

GHJ is seeking an accomplished transaction advisory professional with deep Private Equity relationships to help accelerate the growth of our existing buy-side Transaction Advisory Services practice.

Leveraging GHJ's established Quality of Earnings platform, strong middle-market reputation, and multidisciplinary service offerings, the successful candidate will expand sponsor relationships, originate buy-side diligence engagements, and strengthen GHJ's presence within the Private Equity community.

This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial leader to help build GHJ's Private Equity platform while influencing strategy, market positioning, and long-term growth across Transaction Advisory, Audit, Tax, CAAS, CFO Advisory, and other consulting services.

The position reports to the Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) Practice Leader and ultimately to the Advisory Services Practice Leader. Overtime collaborates closely with firm leadership in designing and executing GHJ's Private Equity growth strategy.

The position is expected to be filled at the Principal level, designed for an individual with the potential to progress to Partner based upon in particular demonstrated business development and leadership success.

GHJ has built a strong reputation in sell-side transaction advisory serving middle-market companies and their advisors. Now we are making a deliberate move to expand our buy-side capabilities — and we are looking for the right person to lead that build-out. This role presents a genuine opportunity to establish a dedicated private equity sponsor coverage strategy within an already credible TAS platform. The firm brings established intermediary relationships and a fully integrated service offering — the missing piece is focused buy-side coverage, and this position is designed to fill that gap. Leverage an established sell-side QofE platform with recognized middle-market presence, providing immediate credibility and relationship capital to accelerate buyside growth. Originate and own GHJ's PE sponsor strategy — backed by integrated firm capabilities that turn every deal into a broader portfolio company opportunity. Opportunity to build and lead a differentiated Private Equity platform over time.

The access is real and the path is clear. Direct exposure to firm leadership, meaningful influence over how GHJ goes to market with PE sponsors, and a supported route to Partner for the person who can execute.

Key Responsibilities:

• Driving measurable growth through self-originations, relationship development and expansion, referral generation related to TAS engagements.
• Act as an internal thought leader by sharing market trends, transaction insights, and emerging developments affecting private equity clients and portfolio companies.
• Expand GHJ's visibility and reputation within the Private Equity community through networking, conferences, thought leadership, speaking engagements, and industry participation.
• Stay current on evolving Private Equity market dynamics, transaction trends, technology, operational priorities, and competitive developments.
• Lead Private Equity-sponsored financial due diligence and Quality of Earnings engagements.
• Collaborate closely with M&A Tax and other advisory teams related to tax diligence, structuring, and transaction execution.
• Advise clients throughout the transaction lifecycle, including diligence findings, working capital considerations, EBITDA adjustments, purchase agreement provisions, and key business risks.
• Support clients and deal teams in navigating diligence timelines, data requests, and transaction processes.
• Provide leadership and coaching to engagement teams on critical diligence areas, risk identification, and client communication.
• Deliver high-quality insights and recommendations that support negotiations, value creation, and transaction decision-making.
• Leverage technology and data analytics to improve efficiency, quality, and insight generation.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of TAS methodologies, processes, and best practices, in particular as it relates to Private Equity client needs and trends.

Key Success Metrics:

• Originate and lead financial due diligence, generating $1 million+ in annual buy-side TAS revenue
• Develop meaningful relationships with target Private Equity sponsors
• Increase GHJ's visibility within the middle-market Private Equity community
• Introduce portfolio company opportunities across multiple GHJ service lines
• Lead the development of a scalable Private Equity growth strategy for the firm

Private Equity Growth & Market Development:

• Develop sponsor coverage plans for target Private Equity firms
• Cultivate relationships with Private Equity partners, operating partners, deal teams, investment bankers, lenders, attorneys, and other intermediaries.
• Build a repeatable referral ecosystem that generates transaction opportunities.
• Represent GHJ at industry conferences, sponsor gatherings, and industry associations.
• Participate in thought leadership initiatives focused on middle-market M&A and Private Equity trends.
• Coordinate strategic account planning across the firm.
• Partner with Audit, Tax, CAAS, CFO Advisory, and other service leaders to identify opportunities within sponsor and portfolio company relationships.
• Help develop a coordinated Private Equity go-to-market strategy across the firm.
• Facilitate introductions between Private Equity relationships and GHJ service line leaders.
• Identify opportunities for recurring services at both the fund and portfolio company levels.
• Serve as a catalyst for expanding GHJ's presence beyond transaction advisory services.

Leadership and Culture:

• Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and growth-oriented culture within TAS and across the broader firm.
• Lead by example through humility, accountability, responsiveness, and professionalism.
• Mentor and develop team members by creating opportunities for learning, exposure, and career advancement.
• Help identify and develop future leaders within the Private Equity niche and TAS practice.
• Encourage an environment of curiosity, innovation, continuous improvement, and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Promote open communication, teamwork, and knowledge sharing across levels and service lines.
• Thrives in an entrepreneurial environment with the opportunity to shape strategy, influence growth, and build long-term market presence.
• Reinforce GHJ's core values of Bright Minds, Brave Hearts, and Bold Actions through day-to-day leadership and decision-making.
• Support a culture that values flexibility, balance, inclusion, and long-term career development.
• Create an environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute ideas, challenge assumptions, and grow professionally.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong executive presence with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with clients, referral sources, and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop meaningful relationships and drive business development success.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and team-building capabilities.
• Ability to balance market-facing responsibilities with high-quality engagement execution.
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and operate effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Commitment to mentorship, coaching, and talent development.
• Demonstrated alignment with GHJ's collaborative and people-first culture.
• Ability to lead with empathy, accountability, and integrity while maintaining high standards of excellence.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to originate transaction advisory engagements through direct relationships with middle-market Private Equity firms and transaction intermediaries.
• Existing network of Private Equity sponsors, investment bankers, lenders, attorneys, and other transaction professionals preferred.
• Demonstrated success in business development (self-directed), relationship management, and growth execution.
• Proven experience leading teams and developing talent in a growth-oriented environment.
• Experience collaborating across multiple service lines and driving cross-functional growth initiatives strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience leading or advising on Private Equity transaction advisory engagements.
• CPA or other relevant professional designations strongly preferred.

Seven decades, overriding focus: our people and our clients.

GHJ was founded in 1953, making us one of the oldest independent firms in the Los Angeles area. Ranked as a top 20 largest accounting firm on the Los Angeles Business Journal's Book of Lists, the firm has 24 partners and approximately 200 staff members that serve over 3,000 clients. Our firm is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the AICPA