Mergers and Acquisitions Succession Associate

HighTower Advisors; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid parental leave

Flexible PTO

Work-from-home on Fridays

401k matching

Gym in-office

HSA contributions

Student loan assistance

Pet insurance

Job summary

Hightower, a Chicago-based wealth management firm, seeks an Associate to join the Succession Planning Team. You will support M&A activities, build financial models, and analyze advisor practice economics to enable consolidation and succession strategies.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in corporate finance or related roles and strong Excel skills, with familiarity in wealth management models. The role offers a hybrid schedule and a base salary in the mid-to-high five figures plus discretionary

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in corporate finance, investment banking, M&A, FP&A, accounting or a related analytical role.
• Strong financial modeling and valuation skills; Excel proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Support internal M&A and succession planning projects across Hightower's advisor community
• Develop detailed financial models to evaluate internal consolidation opportunities and succession transactions
• Analyze practice-level economics, including revenue, profitability, and valuation metrics
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to assess feasibility and structure of internal deals
• Help develop advisor succession plans, including timelines, transition structures, and financial outcomes
• Prepare presentations and materials for internal committees and leadership teams
• Report on internal transaction pipeline and measurements
• Stay informed on industry trends related to advisor succession, practice management, and RIA consolidation
• Prepare materials for use in internal meetings, using PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and other presentation tools

Skills

Financial modeling

Valuation skills

Analytical mindset

Discretion and professionalism

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting

Tools

Excel

Job description

Our Story

Founded in 2008, Hightower is a wealth management firm that provides investment, financial and retirement planning services to individuals, foundations and family offices, as well as 401(k) consulting and cash management services to corporations. Hightower's capital solutions, operational support services, size and scale empower its vibrant community of independent-minded wealth advisors to grow their businesses and help their clients achieve their financial vision. Based in Chicago with advisors across the U.S., we operate as a registered investment advisor (RIA).

What You'll Do

Hightower is looking for an Associate to join our Succession Planning Team and you will be reporting to the Manager of Succession. You will be a opportunity to support our strategic plans around consolidating existing advisory practices (Internal M&A) and facilitating succession planning for affiliated advisors. You will help evaluate internal transactions, build financial models, and support advisors through transitions that ensure long-term continuity and growth.

Responsibilities

• Support internal M&A and succession planning projects across Hightower's advisor community
• Develop detailed financial models to evaluate internal consolidation opportunities and succession transactions
• Analyze practice-level economics, including revenue, profitability, and valuation metrics
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Finance, Legal, Operations, Advisory Services) to assess feasibility and structure of internal deals
• Help develop advisor succession plans, including timelines, transition structures, and financial outcomes
• Prepare presentations and materials for internal committees and leadership teams
• Report on internal transaction pipeline and measurements
• Stay informed on industry trends related to advisor succession, practice management, and RIA consolidation
• Prepare materials for use in internal meetings, using PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and other presentation tools

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in corporate finance, investment banking, M&A, FP&A, accounting or a related analytical role
• Strong financial modeling and valuation skills (Excel proficiency required)
• Familiarity with wealth management or financial advisory business models preferred
• Strong drive, proactive mindset, and solution-oriented attitude
• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information

What We Offer

• Coverage on the first day of employment for medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid parental leave (16 weeks for primary caregiver and 8 weeks for secondary caregiver)
• Mother's lounge onsite
• Flexible PTO plan
• In-office Monday through Thursday and work from home on Fridays
• Free brand-new gym in the Chicago office
• 401k matching plan
• HSA employer contributions
• Student loan assistance
• Pet insurance
• Base salary of $85,000-$95,000 plus discretionary bonus (exact base salary amount will be dependent on experience)

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Hightower is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, ancestry, age (over 40), physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related), gender identity or expression, genetic information including sickle cell or hemoglobin C trait, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local law.

You are a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident or possess other unrestricted U.S. work authorization and will not require sponsorship for U.S. work authorization now or anytime in the future.