Investment Banking Associate

A leading middle-market investment bank headquartered in Chicago, is currently seeking to hire an experienced associate for its Chicago office. We offer our deal team members the opportunity to gain extensive experience across multiple industries and transaction types, including mergers & acquisitions, financings, and valuations. An Investment Banking Associate plays a pivotal role in the execution of financial transactions and advisory services. Responsibilities include conducting financial analysis, creating pitch materials, supporting due diligence, and managing client relationships. An Associate will work closely with senior team members to facilitate successful deal closures and provide comprehensive financial guidance.Key Responsibilities• Financial Analysis: Perform in-depth financial modeling, valuation, and analysis of companies to assess their financial health, growth potential, and market position.• Deal Execution: Assist in managing the end-to-end deal execution process, including preparing offering memoranda, conducting buyer research, and coordinating due diligence efforts.• Client Communication: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, providing regular updates, addressing inquiries, and ensuring their needs are met throughout the transaction process.• Pitch Development: Support the creation of pitch books and presentations, contributing insights and data analysis to effectively market the firm's services to potential clients.• Market Research: Conduct industry and market research to identify trends, opportunities, and potential target companies for mergers, acquisitions, or other financial transactions.• Team Collaboration: Collaborate with senior team members, analysts, and other associates to streamline processes, share insights, and ensure project deadlines are met.• Business Development: Drive business growth by identifying new opportunities, networking within the industry, and supporting firm business development efforts.Key Skills and Attributes• At least three years of experience in investment banking, corporate finance, or related fields with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, or financial advisory services prior to becoming an Associate.• Strong financial modeling and valuation skills with proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, financial databases, and other financial analysis tools. Ability to model financing scenarios involving multiple debt and equity scenarios.• Knowledge of accounting principles, financial markets, and investment strategies.• Understanding of merger and acquisitions processes, capital raising, and deal structuring. A track record of successful deal execution and transaction experience can be highly advantageous.• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to prepare pitch materials, marketing documents, and articulate complex financial concepts clearly and effectively.• Detail-oriented mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.• Demonstrated leadership abilities, project management skills, and the capacity to mentor and guide junior team members.• Candidate ideally possesses Series 79 and Series 63 licenses.• An MBA is preferred but not necessary.