Transaction Advisory Services Senior Associate

KSM (Katz, Sapper & Miller); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

KSM, one of the top 50 independent advisory, tax, and audit firms in the United States, seeks a Senior Associate to lead financial due diligence for acquisition opportunities. You will assess earnings quality, cash flows, working capital, and key business drivers through detailed analysis and discussions with management and advisors.

In this role you will guide clients and private equity buyers/sellers, build deal reports and presentations, supervise TAS associates and interns, and manage

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 2–5 years' experience, preferably in audit, transaction advisory or related finance roles.
• CPA or CFA certification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP.
• Familiarity with M&A process and market.
• Strong PM skills and highly analytical.
• Able to work in a deadline-driven environment and adapt communication to all levels.
• Travel as needed to client sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial due diligence for clients acquiring businesses and assess the potential transaction.
• Advise buyers/sellers by identifying financial risks or opportunities throughout the deal process.
• Aggregate and analyze target company data to identify trends and working capital considerations.
• Lead meetings and site visits with management to obtain financial information.
• Build deal reports and presentations highlighting key findings for investment theses.
• Work on multiple projects of varying size and complexity.
• Supervise, train and develop TAS associates and interns.

Skills

Financial analysis

Project management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Job description

We’re KSM, one of the top 50 largest independent advisory, tax, and audit firms in the United States. But more than our size, it’s our people and culture that set us apart. We believe great things happen when people are supported, challenged, and given the freedom to do their very best work. That’s why we’ve built a workplace where your career and personal life can thrive together – where you have the flexibility to manage your time, the resources to grow, and a team that genuinely cares about your success.

Job Description

We’re KSM, one of the top 50 largest independent advisory, tax, and audit firms in the United States. But more than our size, it’s our people and culture that set us apart. We believe great things happen when people are supported, challenged, and given the freedom to do their very best work. That’s why we’ve built a workplace where your career and personal life can thrive together – where you have the flexibility to manage your time, the resources to grow, and a team that genuinely cares about your success.

We’ve been employee-owned since 2001, giving every team member a stake in our collective success. This ownership mentality fosters a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and excellence – where new ideas are welcomed, different perspectives are valued, and you’re encouraged to explore what excites you most. Whether you’re expanding your skills, tackling new challenges, or making an impact beyond the office, we provide the resources and support to help you grow in the direction that’s right for you.

At KSM, your contributions matter – not just to the firm, but to your colleagues, clients, and the communities we serve across the U.S. If you’re looking for a place where you can do meaningful work, build lasting relationships, and grow in ways that align with what’s most important to you, we’d love to meet you.

Position Summary

As a Senior Associate you will have the opportunity to lead in an energetic atmosphere, actively participating in assessing the target’s quality of earnings, cash flows, working capital and key business drivers through analyzing financial details and discussions with management and their advisors.

Responsibilities

• Lead team members in providing financial due diligence for clients acquiring businesses and aid in the evaluation of the potential transaction in the context of the client's investment thesis
• Advise both strategic and private equity buyers/sellers by identifying and analyzing business and financial risks or opportunities throughout the acquisition, disposition, or restructuring of the target company
• Aggregate, manipulate, and analyze the target company's detailed financial and operational data to identify financial and operating trends, quality of earnings & working capital considerations
• Lead meetings and site visits with target company management, interacting with top-level management to obtain pertinent financial analysis information
• Lead the build of deal reports and presentations for clients that highlight key financial and operations findings that may impact or drive the client's investment thesis
• Work on multiple projects of varying size & complexity
• Help supervise, train and develop other TAS associates and interns

Requirements/Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• A minimum of 2-5 years' experience required, preferably within audit, transaction advisory, or other finance-related roles
• CPA or CFA certification or working towards obtaining (preferred)
• Strong current knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
• Familiarity with the M&A process & market
• Strong project management skills and highly analytical
• Capable of working in a demanding, deadline-driven environment (either independently or within a team dynamic) while effectively managing unexpected issues and/or questions in a professional manner
• Ability to adapt communication style to successfully convey messaging & objectives to all levels of management, clients, colleagues, etc.
• Travel as needed to various client sites

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, veteran status, or any other protected category.

KSM only accepts resumes directly submitted by a candidate and referrals submitted by current KSM employees. Unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles sent by staffing agencies and fee-based referral services will not be considered outside of a signed KSM vendor contract. KSM will not pay a fee to recruiters or agencies that do not have a signed KSM vendor contract.