Acquisition Analysis Associate

Career Launch AI; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

A career acceleration platform is seeking an Entry-Level Acquisition Analysis Associate to provide analytical support for acquisition evaluation. This role involves building financial models, analyzing transactions, and conducting market research. Candidates should hold a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field, possess advanced Excel skills, and have a keen interest in M&A. The position offers robust learning opportunities and hybrid work arrangements in New York. Compensation ranges from $140,000 to $185,000 based on employer specifics.

Qualifications

• Must possess strong understanding of accounting and valuation fundamentals.
• Prior internships in investment banking or private equity beneficial.
• Demonstrated interest in acquisitions and M&A analysis.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain acquisition-focused financial models.
• Analyze transaction structures and financing scenarios.
• Conduct industry and market research for acquisition attractiveness.

Skills

Advanced Excel skills

Financial modeling

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, or Mathematics

Job description

Acquisition Analysis Associate (Entry-Level) – Career Launch AI Talent Network

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)
Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $140,000 – $185,000+ total compensation (varies by employer)

About This Role

This Acquisition Analysis Associate description represents the type of early-career acquisition and transaction-focused roles featured on the Career Launch AI Private Job Board.
It is not a direct job opening with a specific employer.

Members of our platform gain access to exclusive investment and M&A roles that may not appear on public job boards. Career Launch AI provides tools and support to help candidates reach hiring managers, prepare for interviews, and pursue high-caliber finance opportunities.

More information is available at careerlaunch.ai.

About the Opportunity

Lower middle-market private equity firms, corporate development teams, family offices, and acquisitive platforms within our network may seek analytically strong Acquisition Analysis Associates to support end-to-end acquisition evaluation and execution.

Individuals in roles like this focus on underwriting potential acquisitions, assessing strategic and financial fit, supporting diligence, and helping investment teams make informed capital allocation decisions.

The environment is typically lean and deal-driven, offering meaningful exposure to transaction execution and senior decision-makers.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Build and maintain acquisition-focused financial models, including operating models, accretion/dilution analyses, DCFs, and LBOs

Analyze transaction structures, purchase price assumptions, and financing scenarios

Evaluate returns, downside cases, and sensitivity analyses

Support valuation analysis using comparable companies, precedent transactions, and intrinsic methods

Support diligence across financial, commercial, operational, and legal workstreams

Analyze historical financials, KPIs, customer concentration, and unit economics

Identify key risks, synergies, and value-creation opportunities

Coordinate with internal teams and external advisors during live transactions

Strategic & Market Analysis

Conduct industry, market, and competitive research to assess acquisition attractiveness

Evaluate strategic fit with existing platforms or portfolio companies

Support development of acquisition rationales and integration considerations

Investment Committee & Decision Support

Draft acquisition memos and presentation materials

Summarize diligence findings and transaction economics

Present data-backed recommendations on deal viability, risks, and upside potential

Support bolt-on acquisition analysis and integration planning

Assist portfolio companies with acquisition modeling and post-close tracking

Contribute to refinancing, recapitalization, and exit-related analyses

What Makes This Work Engaging

Direct exposure to live M&A and acquisition processes

Accelerated learning in transaction structuring, valuation, and diligence

Close collaboration with senior investors, operators, and advisors

Ideal Candidate Profile

This profile reflects the competencies commonly sought by firms for roles of this type.

Education & Technical Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field

Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills

Strong understanding of accounting, valuation, and M&A fundamentals

Experience (Formal or Informal)

Prior internships or experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, transaction advisory, or consulting is beneficial

Demonstrated interest in acquisitions, M&A, or transaction analysis

Experience analyzing financial statements and transaction structures

Soft Skills & Mindset

Strong ownership mentality and attention to detail

Ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations

Clear written and verbal communication skills

Coachability, curiosity, and willingness to learn quickly

How Career Launch AI Helps Candidates Access Roles Like This

Career Launch AI is a career acceleration platform supporting candidates pursuing competitive finance and M&A roles.

AI-Powered Job Search Automation

Automated applications to a large volume of relevant roles with tailored resumes

Targeted search across private equity, corporate development, investment banking, and acquisition-focused roles

Human-led outreach campaigns to relevant recruiters and decision-makers

Support initiating warm, direct conversations rather than relying solely on job portals

Execution & Tracking Support

Streamlined systems to manage applications and outreach

End-to-end administrative support during the search process

Interview & Case Preparation

Assistance with M&A case studies, acquisition modeling, and diligence questions

Support with behavioral and technical interview readiness

Ongoing guidance provided throughout the hiring process

Learn More or Apply

To access roles of this kind through the Career Launch AI platform, visit:
careerlaunch.ai

Career Launch AI offers access to a curated job board, personalized outreach support, automated application tools, interview preparation, and continued assistance until placement.

Career Launch AI — Powered by Initio Capital
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