Join us in Creating a New Paradigm in M&A that Puts People First
Associate Position Overview:
As an Investment Banking M&A Associate, you’ll work alongside senior-level management on deals and gain an understanding of all aspects within the lifecycle of a transaction. You will be challenged to thrive in an unstructured environment by managing competing priorities, as well as demonstrating initiative. Our culture is oriented toward creating “entrepreneurial bankers” and we strive to facilitate an environment geared toward professional and personal growth while leading with integrity.
Job Description & Responsibilities:
Ascend offers an unparalleled opportunity to join a growing team of highly-seasoned professionals focused on M&A advisory services. At Ascend, Associates are part of small deal teams on M&A and other strategic assignments, providing meaningful exposure to senior bankers and client representatives. Day-to-day activities of an Associate include, but are not limited to:
- Perform financial modeling and valuation analyses on public and private companies—comparable company analysis, precedent transaction analysis, leveraged buy-out analysis, and discounted cash flow analysis
- Lead day-to-day transaction execution under the direction of senior team members
- Conduct industry/company-specific research including competitor analysis
- Interact with clients and manage deal processes
- Generate ideas and analytical materials in support of new client meetings
- Assist in the due diligence coordination and facilitation
- Build relationships and maintain direct contact with clients, prospective clients, and professional advisors
- Lead pitch drafting materials, as well as transaction marketing documents
- Develop and sensitize financial models
- Assist in the preparation of investment memorandum, board, and client update materials
- Develop and maintain proprietary deal and market intelligence
- Provide general team project management support and firm-wide ad hoc projects
- Interact with Ascend professionals and clients in support of the firm’s activities, including transaction execution and client management
- Train and mentor Analysts on the team
Qualifications—Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum of 3 years work experience required
- Experience in financial due diligence, accounting, corporate finance, management consulting, investment banking, corporate development, or private equity is preferred
- Top academic performance with comfort operating in an environment that values initiative, creativity, maturity, poise, and integrity
- Ability to understand complex financial models and desire for significant transaction execution responsibility
- Strong quantitative background and analytical skills coupled with attention to detail
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills with ability to multi-task
- Leadership skills to provide oversight to analysts in the preparation and analysis of presentation and transaction materials
- An advanced understanding and knowledge of industry performance drivers, trends, and challenges
- Motivation to work as a team player and contribute to a positive team culture
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Bachelors degree required—an MBA, MA in Accounting, CPA, or CFA designation is preferred
- Residing in Washington, DC metro or Miami, FL metro is preferred
