M&A Investment Banking Associate

KeyBank; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

KeyBanc Capital Markets in Cleveland is seeking an Investment Banking Associate to support mergers & acquisitions, capital raises, and strategic advisory projects. You will perform financial analysis, build models, and help manage client engagements with senior bankers across industries.

The role emphasizes teamwork, accuracy, and regulatory awareness, with responsibilities from due diligence to creating confidential memos and client presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or related field.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 3+ years in investment banking or corporate finance.

Responsibilities

• Support M&A, capital raises, and advisory transactions.
• Build and maintain financial models (DCF, comps, precedent).
• Prepare client materials: pitches, CIMs, and presentations.
• Engage with clients and participate in due diligence and negotiations.
• Collaborate with senior bankers and interns.

Skills

Financial modeling

M&A support

Capital markets

Client engagement

Regulatory knowledge

Excel

PowerPoint

Bloomberg

Capital IQ

FactSet

Education

Bachelor's in Finance/Economics/Accounting

MBA or related advanced degree

Tools

Bloomberg

Capital IQ

FactSet

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Location

127 Public Square, Cleveland Ohio

Job Summary

KeyBanc Capital Markets (KBCM) is a premier middle-market investment bank offering a full suite of advisory and capital markets solutions. The Investment Banking Associate plays a critical role in the execution of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital raising, and strategic advisory assignments. Associates are responsible for financial analysis, transaction execution, and client engagement, working closely with senior bankers and clients across a variety of industries. This role offers a dynamic, team-oriented environment with significant responsibility and client exposure.

Essential Functions

Collaborate in-office with investment bankers and product partners to support securitizations and capital raising initiatives, ensuring seamless communication and real-time problem-solving. Support the execution of M&A, equity, and debt capital markets transactions across multiple industry verticals. Build and maintain complex financial models, including discounted cash flow, comparable company, and precedent transaction analyses. Prepare client presentations, pitch books, confidential information memoranda, and other transaction-related materials. Conduct industry and company-specific research to support business development and transaction execution. Participate in due diligence, client meetings, negotiations, and transaction closings. Contribute to the development and training of Analyst and interns. Uphold firm policies and regulatory standards, including confidentiality and ethical conduct. Performs other duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities and/or activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Complies with all KeyBank policies and procedures, including without limitation, acting professionally at all times, conducting business ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest, and acting in the best interests of Key’s clients and Key.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field required or equivalent experience (required)

Master's Degree MBA or other advanced degree (preferred)

Work Experience

3+ years of experience in investment banking, corporate finance, or a related financial services role. (required)

Licenses and Certifications

FINRA Security Industry Essentials (SIE) (preferred)

FINRA License S7 (preferred)

FINRA License S79 (preferred)

FINRA License S63 (preferred)

Skills

Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, valuation, and financial statement analysis. Experience supporting M&A, capital raising, and strategic advisory transactions. Ability to interact professionally with clients and contribute to relationship development. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation development. Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Understanding of capital markets trends, deal structures, and regulatory considerations. High level of accuracy and thoroughness in deliverables. Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines. Skilled in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and financial databases such as Bloomberg, Capital IQ, and FactSet.

Core Competencies

All KeyBank employees are expected to demonstrate Key’s Values and abide by Key’s Code of Conduct.

Physical Demands

General Office - Prolonged sitting, ability to communicate face to face in person or on the phone with teammates and clients, frequent use of PC/laptop, occasional lifting/pushing/pulling of backpacks, computer bags up to 10 lbs.

Travel

Occasional travel to include overnight stay.

Work Location Category

Hybrid (Sales)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $128,000.00 - $268,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives. Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.

Job Posting Expiration Date: 12/01/2026

Equal Opportunity

KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [e-mail].

Company Culture

KeyBank is an organization collectively committed to helping you unlock your potential and discover what truly drives you. Working here means sharing our purpose to help our clients, colleagues, and communities thrive. You’ll find genuinely supportive teammates, a flexible, inclusive work environment, challenging projects, accessible leaders, and opportunities to grow in your position and your career. For 200 years, Key has opened doors in our communities. Let us open one for you.