ESOP Feasibility Solution Architect (accounting)

About ESOP Partners, Inc.

ESOP Partners, Inc. is a third-party administration and consulting firm dedicated to providing a liquid business transition solution for owners of closely held businesses through the establishment, maintenance, and sustainability of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). Our mission is to maximize the financial and cultural benefits of employee ownership by helping ESOP companies build strong, informed, and engaged employee ownership cultures.

We aspire to be nationally recognized as the leading ESOP firm in the country. We pursue this vision through our Core Values:

• Seek to Understand - We identify the underlying reasons behind questions and actions and take ownership of continuous learning and improvement.
• Manage Expectations - We proactively communicate clear, specific, and achievable objectives to create alignment and accountability.
• Collaborate - We work together through constructive discussion and teamwork to achieve win-win outcomes.
• Get Things Done - We prioritize, organize, and execute efficiently to deliver accurate and timely results.
• Practice Professional Skepticism - We apply a questioning mindset to objectively analyze information for quality and accuracy.
• Exhibit Mental Strength - We manage challenges with professionalism, resilience, and a solutions-oriented attitude.

Position Summary

The ESOP Feasibility Solution Architect is responsible for the technical and financial analysis underlying ESOP feasibility studies and transactions. This role focuses on modeling, evaluating, and stress-testing ESOP transaction scenarios to determine financial sustainability, compliance, and risk. The position partners with Solution Engineers and internal teams to provide accurate, defensible analysis that supports prospective client recommendations and sales efforts.

Position Details

• Location: In-office position based in Appleton, Wisconsin
• Position Type: Full-time | Exempt
• Work Schedule: Exempt professionals work an average of 45 hours per week

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Modeling & Analysis

• Build and maintain detailed ESOP feasibility models, including:
• Company valuation assumptions and transaction sizing
• Cash flow and debt service capacity analysis
• Repurchase obligation forecasts
• Tax impact and contribution modeling
• Run multiple transaction scenarios and sensitivity analyses to evaluate sustainability and risk.
• Identify financial constraints, red flags, and limiting factors in proposed ESOP structures.

Feasibility and Transaction Support & Documentation

• Prepare clear analytical outputs, schedules, and summaries for use in client-facing presentations.
• Document assumptions, methodologies, and conclusions to support defensibility and consistency.
• Support diligence requests and follow-up analysis during sales and transaction phases.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Solution Engineers to understand client objectives and refine feasibility scenarios.
• Coordinate with valuation, tax, and administration teams to align assumptions and inputs.
• Support transition from feasibility analysis to transaction execution and administration.

Quality & Standards

• Maintain modeling templates, tools, and internal best practices.
• Ensure analyses align with ERISA requirements, IRS regulations, and industry standards.
• Stay current on ESOP technical developments and regulatory changes.

Consistently perform all duties in alignment with ESOP Partners' Core Values

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• 3-7+ years of experience in tax or audit accounting, mergers & acquisitions/transaction advisory, ESOP consulting, or business valuation.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical rigor.
• Valid US driver's license with acceptable driving record

Preferred

• CPA, CFA, ASA, or similar credentials.
• Experience modeling leveraged transactions and cash-flow-driven structures.
• Working knowledge of 1120, 1120S, and 1065 tax returns.

Core Competencies

• Financial modeling & analysis
• Preparation of accounting entries
• Analytical problem-solving
• Accuracy and consistency
• Internal collaboration
• Risk identification

Physical and Cognitive Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer
• Ability to analyze complex information and exercise sound judgment
• Ability to maintain focus and accuracy in a deadline-driven environment

Performance Expectations

Performance in this role will be evaluated based on:

• Accuracy, quality and timeliness of work product
• Accountability and ownership of assigned responsibilities
• Adherence to ESOP Partners' Core Values
• Effectiveness of communication and collaboration