Accounting Consultant (CPA)

ESOP Consulting
REPORTS TO: Director of ESOP Consulting

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.
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.
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.

The ESOP Transaction Consultant is a senior, client-facing role on the ESOP Consulting team responsible for converting completed ESOP feasibility studies into executed ESOP transactions.
Through this ESOP Partners’ proprietary process, the ESOP Transaction Consultant creates and presents financial modeling, advises on transaction structure, drives client commitment to proceed with an ESOP transaction and acts as the lead sell-side advisor once the commitment is obtained.

Location: In-office position based in Appleton, Wisconsin
Position Type: Full-time | Exempt
Travel: Occasional travel may be warranted for clients desiring in-person presentations.

Analyze a client company’s financial position, cash flow, capital structure, and transaction objectives to develop comprehensive ESOP feasibility analyses. Evaluate transaction scenarios, identify key risks and constraints, and develop clear, decision-oriented recommendations for business owners.
Present and Advise: Present complex financial analyses and ESOP concepts to business owners, management teams, boards, and their trusted advisors. Translate financial and transaction concepts into clear, practical guidance that enables clients to understand their options and make informed decisions.
Serve as Sell-Side Advisor: Lead and advise clients and their advisors throughout the ESOP transaction process, including transaction strategy, negotiations, financial preparation, and coordination with the company’s legal, valuation, tax, lending, and other professional advisors. Serve as an ESOP subject matter expert in business development activities, presentations, and professional partner relationships, while consistently representing ESOP Partners’ values and commitment to client service.
7+ years of professional experience in public accounting, transaction advisory, financial consulting, investment banking, or a related field serving small and middle-market businesses.

Demonstrated financial modeling proficiency, including the ability to independently develop and interpret:
Cash flow projections
Valuation analyses
Capital structure models
Other financial analyses used to evaluate business transactions or strategic alternatives
Assess prospective clients' business needs and financial objectives
Guide decision-makers through complex financial or strategic decisions
Ability to communicate complex financial concepts effectively to business owners, executives, and other non-financial stakeholders.

CPA, ABV, or other relevant professional certification.
Experience in transaction advisory, mergers and acquisitions, business valuation, corporate finance, or ESOP-related transactions.

Financial & Analytical Acumen — Strong understanding of financial statements, cash flow, financial modeling, and business economics; able to analyze complex information and identify key risks and opportunities.

• Client Advisory & Decision Facilitation — Builds trust with business owners and guides clients through complex financial and strategic decisions.
• Executive Communication & Presentation — Communicates complex financial and transaction concepts clearly and confidently to business owners, executives, boards, and professional advisors.
• Strategic & Entrepreneurial Thinking — Understands business objectives and considers the broader financial, operational, and strategic implications of recommendations.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer