Investment Banking Senior Associate

houlihancapital; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Houlihan Capital is seeking a Senior Associate in Chicago to lead day-to-day execution on M&A engagements, manage deal workstreams, and mentor Analysts and Associates. You will coordinate client interactions, diligence, and material preparation with growing independence.

Ideal candidates hold 4–6 years in investment banking with strong valuation and deal-process knowledge, plus MBA and CFA/CPA are a plus. This is a hybrid role with base compensation aligned to market norms and eligible for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or economics required.
• 4–6 years of investment banking experience with M&A exposure.
• MBA preferred; CFA/CPA or equivalent designation viewed favorably.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day transaction execution and process management.
• Serve as primary contact for clients, counterparties, and advisors.
• Oversee workstreams and timelines across engagements.
• Develop operating models, pro forma structures, and sensitivity analyses.
• Draft and refine CIMs, presentations, and offering materials.
• Manage data rooms, due diligence trackers, and third-party coordination.
• Supervise junior team members and ensure quality deliverables.
• Support MDs/ Directors in business development and pitch context.
• Contribute to client relationship building with growing independence.

Skills

Investment banking

Leadership

Mentoring

M&A

Valuation modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA

CFA/CPA

Job description

Job Title: Senior Associate

Department: Investment Banking

Reports To: Vice President, Investment Banking

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Hybrid - Chicago, IL

Base Compensation: $97,000-$131,000 USD

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Investment Banking roles are eligible for deal-based bonuses.

About The Firm:

Houlihan Capital is an employee-owned leading, solutions-driven valuation, financial advisory and boutique investment banking firm committed to delivering superior client value and thought leadership in an ever-changing landscape.

Houlihan Capital has extensive valuation experience providing companies withobjective, independent, and defensible valuation opinions that meet accounting, regulatory, and corporate governance requirements. Our analyses and reports are transparent, supportable, and clearly outline the assumptions and projections incorporated into our financial models. We consistently apply sound valuation methodologies and unbiased perspective in our work product that enables management teams and fiduciaries to make confident, informed decisions.

Investment Banking Senior Associate - Job Description

Role Overview:

The Investment Banking Senior Associate plays a central execution role on M&A sell-side and buy-side engagements, managing the day-to-day workflow of active transactions while mentoring Analyst-level team members. Senior Associates are expected to operate with a high degree of independence across deal processes and client interactions, and to begin demonstrating leadership across the deal team.

Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day transaction execution including process management, buyer/seller communication, and diligence coordination
• Serve as a primary day-to-day contact for clients, counterparties, and transaction advisors.
• Manage transaction workstreams and oversee execution timelines across active engagements.
• Produce high-quality financial analyses including operating model builds, pro forma capitalization structures, and sensitivity analyses
• Draft, review, and refine CIMs, management presentations, and offering materials
• Manage data room organization, due diligence trackers, and third-party advisor coordination
• Supervise and quality-check the work product of Analysts and Associates on active engagements
• Support Managing Directors, Directors, and VPs in developing pitch materials and new business opportunities
• Begin contributing to client relationship management and pitch processes with increasing independence

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Preferred majors include Finance, Accounting, and Economics.
• MBA preferred; CFA, CPA, or other relevant professional designation viewed favorably.
• 4-6 years of investment banking experience, with demonstrated exposure to M&A advisory.
• Mastery of core valuation methodologies and deal process mechanics.
• Demonstrated experience leading deal workstreams and mentoring junior professionals.

Houlihan Capital is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

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