Investment Banking Associate | ESOP

We are partnering with a leading advisory platform focused on Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) transactions and ownership succession solutions for middle-market companies. The firm advises founders, family-owned businesses, management teams, and private equity sponsors on ESOP formations, recapitalizations, mergers & acquisitions, fairness opinions, valuation matters, and capital raising initiatives.

Due to continued growth and a robust transaction pipeline, the firm is seeking an Investment Banking Associate to join its team based in Los Angeles. This is an excellent opportunity for a banking professional interested in combining traditional M&A execution with the unique and highly specialized ESOP market.

Responsibilities

• Execute ESOP transactions, recapitalizations, M&A mandates, and capital raising engagements from initiation through closing
• Build detailed financial models, including LBOs, valuation analyses, ESOP feasibility studies, fairness opinions, and transaction structures
• Prepare client presentations, board materials, confidential information memoranda (CIMs), and marketing documents
• Manage due diligence processes and coordinate with clients, legal counsel, lenders, valuation advisors, and other transaction stakeholders
• Conduct industry research, market analysis, and strategic assessments for prospective and active engagements
• Support senior bankers with client management, business development initiatives, and transaction execution
• Mentor and oversee analysts while ensuring high-quality work product and process management

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of Investment Banking experience at a boutique, middle-market, elite boutique, or bulge bracket institution
• Experience executing M&A, capital raising, valuation, restructuring, or other transaction advisory mandates
• Strong financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skillset
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced, client-facing environment
• Proven attention to detail and commitment to delivering exceptional client service
• Bachelor's degree with a strong academic record required
• Prior ESOP experience is preferred but not required; candidates with strong M&A transaction experience are encouraged to apply

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

• Specialized exposure to the rapidly growing ESOP advisory market
• Meaningful client interaction and transaction responsibility from day one
• Opportunity to work directly with founders, boards of directors, management teams, and lenders
• Entrepreneurial culture with strong career progression opportunities
• Diverse transaction exposure across industries and ownership structures
• Hybrid work schedule based in Los Angeles

If there's interest, don't hesitate to apply!