Summer Analyst, ESOP - Investment Banking (2027)

Stout Risius Ross, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Mentorship & training

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Stout Risius Ross, LLC in Chicago is seeking a Summer Analyst to support ESOP formation, recapitalization, and capital markets transactions. You will work under senior bankers, building foundational investment banking knowledge through modeling, valuation, and client work.

The role emphasizes hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to live deals, with structured training and opportunities to use AI tools to aid research and deliverables.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a BA/BS in Accounting, Economics, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Strong academic record, GPA of 3.5+ preferred.
• Interest in investment banking; ESOP familiarity is a plus.
• Relevant internship or extracurricular experience in investment banking, private equity, or related field preferred.
• Familiarity with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Analytical, quantitative, and detail-oriented mindset.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to client engagements through industry and company research.
• Learn how financial analysis is performed on client businesses, including financial statements, models, and valuation.
• Assist with client and marketing materials, such as pitch books and presentations.
• Observe and assist the deal team on live transactions and pitch assignments.
• Attend client calls and meetings, where appropriate.
• Participate in structured training, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
• Use AI-enabled tools to support research and deliverable preparation.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Strong communication

Financial modeling

Education

BA/BS in Accounting, Economics, Finance

Tools

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

The Stout ESOP Investment Banking Team is looking for a Summer Analyst to support the execution of ESOP (“Employee Stock Ownership Plan”) formation, recapitalization, and capital markets transactions. The Summer Analyst will work under the guidance of product bankers for various transaction and pitch assignments. Successful candidates will be analytical, detail-oriented, and eager to learn about content creation and financial modeling. Under the mentorship of seasoned Stout professionals, Summer Analysts at Stout will have the opportunity to build foundational investment banking knowledge while gaining exposure to client work. Candidates will gain significant exposure to cash flow modeling, capital structure & valuation analysis and private capital markets. The ESOP Investment Banking team partners with successful family- and founder-owned businesses to evaluate strategic alternatives, including the formation of an ESOP to facilitate ownership transition, alongside more traditional sell-side options. Additionally, we assist large, successful companies with established ESOPs in recapitalizations with private capital providers, and support industry bankers in sell-side roles for ESOP-owned companies seeking exits to strategic buyers or private equity. The ESOP Investment Banking team collaborates with industry bankers and our capital markets team to identify ideal candidates for ESOP exits, often working with owners pursuing a dual-track approach of both ESOP and traditional sell-side transactions. Stout is committed to fostering the professional growth of its team members. As an apprenticeship-driven organization, Summer Analysts benefit from institutional support and the opportunity to work with senior leaders, gaining mentorship and exposure to a career in investment banking.

What You’ll Do

• Contribute to client engagements through industry and company research
• Learn how financial analysis is performed on client businesses, including financial statements, models, and valuation
• Assist with client and marketing materials, such as pitch books and presentations
• Observe and assist the deal team on live transactions and pitch assignments
• Attend client calls and meetings, where appropriate
• Participate in structured training, mentoring, and networking opportunities
• Use AI-enabled tools to support research and deliverable preparation

What You Bring

• Pursuing a BA/BS in Accounting, Economics, Finance, or a related discipline
• Strong academic record, with a GPA of at least 3.5 preferred
• Demonstrated interest in investment banking and financial services; familiarity with ESOPs is a plus
• Relevant internship or extracurricular experience in investment banking, private equity, or a related field (preferred)
• Familiarity with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Analytical, quantitative, and detail-oriented mindset
• Strong communication skills, a desire to learn, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with or interest in using AI tools to improve research and analysis (preferred, not required)
• Must be eligible to work in the US, without employer sponsorship, at the time of hire and in the future

How You’ll Thrive

• Cultivate a positive, team-oriented approach that fosters collaboration and shared success
• Demonstrate accountability and reliability by consistently delivering high-quality results and meeting expectations
• Exhibit an entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of your work
• Build meaningful relationships and leverage strong interpersonal skills to create trust and drive outcomes
• Communicate effectively and respond promptly, ensuring clarity and alignment with stakeholders
• Bring intellectual curiosity and a keen attention to detail to problem-solving and decision-making
• Apply analytical and quantitative skills to uncover insights and support data-informed decisions
• Show a willingness to learn the sell-side execution process and contribute to the team where you can

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

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 $20.00 - $40.00 Hourly.

Information about benefits can be found here - https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits. At Stout, whether you're launching your career or bringing decades of expertise, you'll find the challenges, collaboration, and support that fuel real growth. We invest in our people because we know that exceptional client service starts with how we take care of our own. We reward outstanding performance, encourage continuous learning, and foster a culture where different perspectives strengthen our work and our team.

Additional Information Benefits Who We Are Firm Culture and History

Stout is committed to providing an alternative way to express your interest in our job opportunities if a disability inhibits you from applying online. Please call us at 248-208-8800 to communicate that you are utilizing this accommodation to express interest in a specific open position. Please reference the job code to help us process your request. Please understand that this option is only available to those in need of an accommodation related to a disability. All other requests regarding status of an application or a resume will not be provided by the use of this phone number.