Investment Banking Senior Analyst/Associate - Business Services
Investment Banking - M&A Advisory
Senior Analyst & Experienced Associate Levels | Chicago
We're partnered with a top-tier, growth-oriented investment banking advisory platform that is actively building out its sell-side M&A group in Chicago. The team advises private equity sponsors and founder‑owned / corporate clients on high-impact transactions, with a strong emphasis on sell-side mandates in high-growth sectors.
This platform is known for lean deal teams, meaningful responsibility at the junior levels, and direct exposure to senior bankers and C-suite clients. Both roles are viewed as long-term, career-track opportunities for candidates who want deep execution experience in a highly collaborative, entrepreneurial environment.
The Opportunity
You'll work across the full M&A lifecycle, partnering closely with senior bankers on live sell-side processes while gaining exposure to multiple sectors and transaction structures. Junior team members are heavily involved in execution, client interaction, and strategic thinking - not siloed into narrow roles.
The firm places a strong emphasis on training, mentorship, and internal advancement, making this a compelling opportunity for candidates looking to build a durable investment banking career rather than a short-term stepping stone.
Responsibilities (Analyst & Associate)
- Execute financial analysis, valuation work, and transaction modeling for live and prospective M&A mandates
- Lead or support sell-side diligence, including financial, market, and business analysis
- Prepare and manage marketing materials, including CIMs, management presentations, and diligence exhibits
- Monitor industry trends and macro factors and translate insights into transaction positioning
- Anticipate execution risks and communicate issues to senior team members in real time
- Participate actively in client meetings, management calls, and drafting sessions
- Contribute to business development efforts through market research, sector analysis, and strategic frameworks
- Identify opportunities to improve internal processes, tools, and execution efficiency
Additional expectations at these levels include:
- Reviewing and guiding analyst work product to ensure quality and accuracy
- Acting as a player‑coach by mentoring and developing junior team members
- Taking increased ownership of execution workflows and client deliverables
Ideal Background
- Analyst level: 1-3 years of investment banking or equivalent M&A experience
- Associate level: Analyst promote or MBA hire with relevant transaction experience
- Prior sell-side advisory experience strongly preferred
- Strong technical foundation in accounting, financial modeling, and valuation
- Comfortable managing multiple workstreams in a fast-paced deal environment
- Clear, professional communicator with strong judgment under pressure
- Detail-oriented, intellectually curious, and execution-focused
- Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint
- Bachelor's degree required
- FINRA licensing (SIE, Series 79 & 63) to be obtained within required time frame
Why This Role Stands Out
- Lean deal teams = real responsibility and visibility
- Heavy sell-side exposure with reputable sponsor and corporate clients
- Strong training culture with hands-on mentorship
- Collaborative, entrepreneurial environment without heavy bureaucracy
- Clear runway for professional development and internal progression
FAQs
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