M&A Associate

The M&A Associate is a key member of the First Student M&A team responsible for supporting the evaluation, execution, and integration of mergers, acquisitions, strategic investments, and other growth initiatives. The role provides analytical and project management support throughout the transaction lifecycle, including target screening, financial modeling, valuation analysis, due diligence coordination, data room management, transaction execution, and post-signing integration planning. Working closely with First Student leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders, the Associate will help assess acquisition opportunities, develop investment recommendations, manage transaction processes, and support strategic growth initiatives. This role is designed for a highly analytical professional seeking broad exposure to mergers and acquisitions within a dynamic corporate environment. Scope & Responsibilities Summary The M&A Associate will support multiple acquisition opportunities simultaneously and serve as a central coordinator for transaction‑related analyses, diligence activities, and reporting. The role requires strong financial acumen, attention to detail, and the ability to manage large amounts of information across numerous active projects. Primary areas of responsibility include: Financial modeling, valuation analysis, and investment return assessment. Acquisition target research, screening, and strategic evaluation. Due diligence coordination and management across internal workstreams. Data room administration and transaction document management. Executive reporting, presentation development, and investment memoranda preparation. Pipeline management, market intelligence, and transaction tracking. Integration planning support and transaction readiness activities. Specific Job Responsibilities Financial Analysis & Valuation Build and maintain detailed financial models supporting acquisition and investment evaluations. Perform valuation analyses using various methodologies including discounted cash flow, precedent transactions, and comparable company analyses. Analyze historical and projected financial performance of acquisition targets. Evaluate transaction returns, investment risks, and strategic benefits. Develop sensitivity analyses and scenario modeling to support investment decisions. Due Diligence & Transaction Execution Coordinate diligence activities among Finance, Operations, Human Resources, Fleet, Safety, Risk Management, IT, Legal, and other functional teams. Manage diligence request lists, information flow, and transaction timelines. Review financial statements, contracts, operating metrics, customer data, fleet information, and other diligence materials. Organize, maintain, and administer virtual data rooms. Track diligence findings, risks, and action items through transaction closing. Research & Market Analysis Conduct industry, competitor, and market research to identify potential acquisition opportunities and strategic trends. Assist with acquisition target identification and prioritization efforts. Maintain databases of acquisition targets, market intelligence, and transaction activity. Support strategic planning initiatives through research and analysis. Reporting & Executive Communications Prepare investment committee materials, executive summaries, and transaction presentations. Develop reports tracking acquisition pipeline activity and transaction status. Assist in preparing recommendations for senior leadership regarding acquisition opportunities. Support development of annual strategic planning materials and growth analyses. Process & Project Management Manage transaction documentation and maintain organized deal files. Coordinate project plans and timelines across multiple active transactions. Monitor transaction milestones and ensure timely completion of key deliverables. Support continuous improvement initiatives related to acquisition and diligence processes. Assist with integration planning activities to facilitate successful transaction handoffs. Key Selection Criteria Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. 2-5 years of experience in investment banking, transaction advisory, valuation services, public accounting, corporate development, private equity, or management consulting. Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, strategic investments, or corporate finance transactions preferred. MBA, CPA, CFA, or progress toward a professional designation is considered a plus. Technical Competencies Strong financial modeling and valuation skills. Ability to analyze financial statements, operating metrics, and business performance indicators. Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency including financial modeling, pivot tables, lookup functions, scenario analysis, and data manipulation. Strong PowerPoint and presentation development capabilities. Experience managing large datasets and organizing complex information. Familiarity with CRM systems, virtual data rooms, and transaction management software preferred. Business Competencies Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. Ability to synthesize large amounts of information into concise conclusions and recommendations. Strong project management and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously. Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Personal & Professional Attributes The successful candidate will demonstrate: Intellectual Curiosity Naturally inquisitive with a desire to understand businesses, industries, and market dynamics. Proactively seeks information and continuously develops expertise. Analytical Rigor Approaches problems logically and methodically. Uses data and financial analysis to support conclusions and recommendations. Accountability Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities and consistently delivers high‑quality work. Demonstrates reliability and follow‑through in a fast‑paced environment. Collaboration Works effectively across functions and builds strong working relationships. Communicates professionally and respectfully with stakeholders at all levels. Professionalism Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information appropriately. Demonstrates maturity, sound judgment, and strong business ethics. Continuous Improvement Mindset Identifies opportunities to improve processes and increase efficiency. Adapts quickly to changing priorities and evolving business needs. Travel Requirements Willingness to travel up to 15-20% of the time to support acquisition diligence, site visits, integration planning activities, and team meetings. First for a reason: At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer. In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company‑owned vehicle, are considered safety‑sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug‑free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request #J-18808-Ljbffr