Investment Banking Associate 1/2 Energy Group M&A (Middle-Market)

Prospect Rock Partners; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Prospect Rock Partners, a leading investment banking firm, seeks an Associate for its Energy, Power, and Infrastructure group in Richmond, VA. You will support deal execution, financial modeling, and client interactions under senior bankers’ guidance.

You will mentor analysts, collaborate across deal teams, and contribute to business development while developing leadership and technical skills in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of investment banking experience, with sell-side M&A experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or certifications preferred.
• Must obtain FINRA licensing (SIE, Series 79, Series 63) within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Execute sell-side M&A transactions across all phases of the deal lifecycle.
• Build and maintain complex financial models including DCF, LBO, merger, and accretion/dilution analyses.
• Conduct comprehensive valuation analyses using multiple methodologies.
• Perform detailed industry research and market assessments.
• Prepare pitch materials and client presentations; coordinate due diligence and data room activities.
• Support senior bankers in client meetings and presentations.

Skills

Financial modeling

Valuation

Excel

PowerPoint

Analytical thinking

Written & verbal communication

Time management

Team collaboration

FINRA licensing

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Advanced degree or certifications preferred

Tools

Bloomberg

Capital IQ

Job description

Our client is an elite investment bank with over 30 years of experience advising clients on M&A transactions and private capital solutions. They have built their reputation on execution excellence, deep industry expertise, and a collaborative culture that sets them apart in the industry. Their approach emphasizes true partnership—pooling knowledge across industries, service lines, and geographies to deliver superior outcomes for clients. They believe in unlocking value not just in businesses, but in their people, creating an environment where talented professionals can do their best work while growing their careers.

About The Energy, Power, And Infrastructure (EPI) Group

Innovative energy, power, and infrastructure services companies benefit from some of the worlds most powerful trends, including ESG, grid upgrades and maintenance, 5G expansion, energy transition, and infrastructure investment. Senior professionals in our client's Energy, Power & Infrastructure Group work with investors and company leaders to make the most of these opportunities. Clients worldwide turn to our client to keep a pulse on the energy, power, and infrastructure market and to help unlock value in their businesses through M&A and private capital advisory services.

They have a robust track record across industry sectors such as environmental services; utility and telecom; environmental services; engineering and construction; energy management; energy technology; renewables and distributed energy; and testing, inspection, certification, and compliance.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This is an opportunity to join a firm that is ambitious in its goals and steadfast in the belief that clients deserve nothing less than their very best. They invest in world‑class, team‑oriented individuals who are smart, driven, and principled—professionals who are eager to be part of something bigger than themselves.

As an Associate, you'll gain meaningful exposure to complex transactions and senior bankers from the start. You'll work in a collaborative environment where excellence is the standard, mentorship is embedded in the culture, and your professional development is a genuine priority. This is a place where hard work is rewarded, where you'll be challenged to grow your skills rapidly, and where you'll develop into a future deal leader.

The Role

Our client seeks a talented Associate to join their Energy, Power, and Infrastructure (EPI) Group in Richmond, VA. As an Associate, you will play a critical role in executing M&A transactions, working closely with Vice Presidents and senior bankers while guiding and mentoring Analysts. This position offers significant responsibility and client exposure as you develop your technical and leadership skills. You will be involved in all aspects of deal execution, from financial modeling and valuation analysis to client presentations and transaction coordination.

Please note: Our client will not provide sponsorship for employment visas or participate in STEM OPT for this position. Candidates must have current authorization to work in the United States.

Key Responsibilities

Deal Execution & Analysis

• Execute sell-side M&A transactions across all phases of the deal lifecycle
• Build and maintain complex financial models including DCF, LBO, merger, and accretion/dilution analyses
• Conduct comprehensive valuation analyses using multiple methodologies
• Perform detailed industry research, competitive analysis, and market assessments
• Prepare pitch materials, management presentations, and transaction marketing materials
• Coordinate due diligence processes and manage data room activities
• Support senior bankers in client meetings and presentations

Team Collaboration & Development

• Work closely with Vice Presidents to manage deal workstreams and timelines
• Guide and mentor Analysts on financial modeling, analysis, and presentation preparation
• Provide feedback and coaching to junior team members
• Ensure accuracy and quality of all deliverables
• Collaborate effectively across deal teams and office locations

Client & Market Engagement

• Participate in client meetings and calls alongside senior bankers
• Develop understanding of client business models, strategies, and industry dynamics
• Support business development initiatives and pitch preparation
• Stay current on market trends, transactions, and industry developments

Required Qualifications

• 2-3 years of investment banking experience, with sell-side M&A experience preferred
• Strong financial modeling and valuation skills with high attention to detail
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and financial databases
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or certifications preferred
• Demonstrated work ethic and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Team-oriented mindset with willingness to collaborate and support colleagues
• Willingness to travel up to 15% of the time
• Must obtain FINRA licensing (SIE Exam, Series 79, and Series 63) within 90 days of hire

What Defines Success In This Role

• Technical Excellence: Strong command of financial modeling, valuation techniques, and analytical frameworks with meticulous attention to accuracy
• Ownership Mindset: Proactive approach to problem-solving, taking initiative on projects, and driving work forward independently
• Team Leadership: Ability to effectively guide Analysts while collaborating seamlessly with Vice Presidents and senior bankers
• Client Focus: Understanding of client objectives and ability to tailor analyses and presentations to meet their needs
• Growth Orientation: Eagerness to learn, receptiveness to feedback, and commitment to continuous improvement

Compensation & Benefits

• Highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus eligibility tied to company, business unit, and individual performance
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, and pension plan
• Generous paid time off including vacation, holidays, and parental leave
• Structured training program and professional development resources
• Mentorship opportunities with senior bankers
• Clear path for advancement to Vice President