Associate, Business Services - Investment Banking

Stout; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 145,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Stout is seeking an Associate to join its Investment Banking team, focusing on the Business Services sector. You will own M&A and advisory engagements while working closely with senior bankers and client executives throughout the transaction process.

You will develop deeper expertise across the Business Services sector, contribute to transaction strategy and business development, and take on increasing responsibility for client relationships as your experience grows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business, or related field.
• 3+ years of relevant professional experience in investment banking, M&A advisory, or similar.
• Strong understanding of the sell-side M&A process and execution.
• Advanced financial modeling, valuation, analytical, and quantitative skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; Word knowledge.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day execution of M&A and other investment banking engagements, coordinating with senior bankers and clients.
• Collaborate with senior bankers and client executives throughout the transaction process.
• Coordinate sell-side and advisory processes: prep, outreach, presentations, due diligence, negotiations, closing.
• Develop and review financial models, valuation analyses, client presentations, and marketing materials.
• Develop perspectives on client businesses to support strategy and discussions.
• Support business development and client coverage through research and prospecting.
• Utilize AI-enabled tools to improve research, analysis, and productivity.
• Mentor Analysts and Interns with clear direction and feedback.

Skills

Financial modeling

Valuation

M&A advisory

Client presentations

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

At Stout, we're dedicated to exceeding expectations in all we do - we call it Relentless Excellence . Both our client service and culture are second to none, stemming from our firmwide embrace of our core values: Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and being Great communicators. Sound like a place you can grow and succeed? Read on to learn more about an exciting opportunity to join our team.

Impact You'll Make

Stout is seeking an Associate to join its Investment Banking team, with a focus on the Business Services sector. The team advises founder-owned businesses, private equity firms, and corporate clients across the Business Services sectors, drawing on decades of transaction experience and deep relationships with financial sponsors and strategic buyers.

As an Associate, you will take meaningful ownership of M&A and other advisory engagements while working closely with senior bankers and client executives throughout the transaction process. You will develop deeper expertise across the Business Services sector, contribute to transaction strategy and business development, and take on increasing responsibility for client relationships as your experience grows.

You will also play an important role in developing junior professionals and contributing to a team that combines sector knowledge, senior-level relationships, and hands‑on execution to advise clients through complex strategic and financial decisions.

What You'll Do

• Manage day‑to‑day execution of M&A and other investment banking engagements, anticipating transaction needs and working with senior bankers and clients to keep processes on track.
• Work directly with senior bankers and client executives, including CEOs, CFOs, and other members of senior management, throughout the transaction process.
• Coordinate key phases of sell‑side and other advisory processes, including preparation, buyer or investor outreach, management presentations, due diligence, negotiations, and closing activities.
• Develop and review financial models, valuation analyses, client presentations, marketing materials, and other transaction deliverables that support transaction strategy and client recommendations.
• Develop informed perspectives on client businesses, industry dynamics, market activity, and potential buyers or investors to support transaction strategy and client discussions.
• Contribute to business development and client coverage through company and sector research, idea generation, prospect identification, and pitch development.
• Use AI‑enabled tools and emerging technologies appropriately to improve research, analysis, and workflow efficiency.
• Mentor Analysts and Interns, providing clear direction and constructive feedback while maintaining high standards for work quality and execution.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• 3+ years of relevant professional experience, including meaningful investment banking, M&A advisory, transaction advisory, or comparable transaction experience.
• Strong understanding of the sell‑side M&A process and the responsibilities required to execute a transaction from preparation through closing.
• Advanced financial modeling, valuation, analytical, and quantitative skills.
• Ability to connect financial analysis, industry dynamics, and transaction considerations to develop thoughtful perspectives and recommendations for clients.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with strong working knowledge of Word and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, accurate, and well‑structured client materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with clients, senior professionals, and transaction counterparties.
• Sound judgment and the ability to anticipate issues, establish priorities, and manage multiple workstreams in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• High attention to detail and a strong sense of ownership over work product and deadlines.
• Experience mentoring junior team members.
• Ability to build productive working relationships and earn trust through preparation, consistent execution, and responsiveness.
• Familiarity with, or interest in, AI‑enabled tools and emerging technologies that can improve research, analysis, and productivity.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

How You'll Thrive

• Take ownership of your work, exercise sound judgment, and deliver consistently high-quality results.
• Communicate clearly and respond promptly to clients, senior bankers, colleagues, and transaction participants.
• Build trusted relationships through preparation, responsiveness, and consistent execution.
• Invest in the development of junior team members while continuing to strengthen your own technical, sector, and client‑facing capabilities.
• Embody Stout's core values by being Positive and Team‑Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Entrepreneurial, Relationship‑Focused, Super‑Responsive, and a Great Communicator.
• Deliver Relentless Excellence through disciplined execution, strong client service, and a commitment to the quality of your work and the experience of your colleagues.

Why Stout?

At Stout, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program with competitive compensation, benefits, and wellness options tailored to support employees at every stage of life.

We foster a culture of inclusion and respect, embracing diverse perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and success. Our leadership is committed to inclusion and belonging across the organization and in the communities we serve.

We invest in professional growth through ongoing training, mentorship, employee resource groups, and clear performance feedback, ensuring our employees are supported in achieving their career goals.

Stout provides flexible work schedules and a discretionary time off policy to promote work‑life balance and help employees lead fulfilling lives.

Learn more about our benefits and commitment to your success.

https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Stout is an Equal Employment Opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of valid job requirements, qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

Stout is required by applicable state and local laws to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The range for this role considers several factors including but not limited to prior work and industry experience, education level, and unique skills. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $145,000 - $175,000 Annual. This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan. Information about benefits can be found here - https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits.