Vice President - ESOP Valuations

Warner Scott; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Warner Scott is partnering with a leading valuation advisory firm to appoint a Vice President in its ESOP Valuation practice in Chicago. This role offers ownership of engagements, mentorship of junior professionals, and direct exposure to senior leadership.

The successful candidate will manage ESOP valuation engagements, oversee financial modeling, and drive business development while maintaining strong client relationships in a fast-growing practice.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in business valuation, ideally ESOP-related engagements.
• Strong technical knowledge of valuation methodologies and financial modeling.
• Experience managing engagements independently and mentoring junior professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ESOP valuation engagements, including transaction advisory, annual valuations, and fairness opinions.
• Oversee financial modeling, valuation analysis, and the preparation of detailed reports.
• Serve as a key point of contact for clients, trustees, attorneys, and other stakeholders.
• Review and supervise the work of junior professionals, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Provide technical guidance on complex valuation matters and ESOP-related transactions.

Skills

Business Valuation

ESOP Valuations

Financial Modeling

Client Relationships

Leadership

Education

ASA/CFA/ABV/CPA credentials

Job description

Location: Chicago, IL

Compensation: Competitive Base Salary + Performance Bonus

Firm: Leading Independent Valuation & Financial Advisory Firm

The Opportunity

We are partnering with a highly respected, nationally recognized valuation advisory firm to appoint a Vice President within its growing ESOP Valuation practice in Chicago.

With an established reputation in the ESOP market, a strong pipeline of engagements, and a commitment to continued investment in the practice, this is an opportunity to join a business that offers both stability and genuine long-term career progression.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering complex valuation engagements, managing client relationships, mentoring junior professionals, and contributing to the continued growth of the ESOP practice.

This position offers significant exposure to senior leadership, the opportunity to take ownership of engagements, and a clear pathway toward more senior leadership responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ESOP valuation engagements, including transaction advisory, annual valuations, and fairness opinions.
• Oversee financial modeling, valuation analysis, and the preparation of detailed reports.
• Serve as a key point of contact for clients, trustees, attorneys, and other transaction stakeholders.
• Review and supervise the work of junior professionals, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Provide technical guidance on complex valuation matters and ESOP-related transactions.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing clients and external referral sources.
• Support business development initiatives and contribute to the continued expansion of the practice.
• Work closely with senior leadership on strategic initiatives and complex engagements.

Candidate Profile

• Significant experience in business valuation, ideally with direct exposure to ESOP-related engagements.
• Strong technical knowledge of valuation methodologies, financial modeling, and transaction advisory.
• Experience managing engagements independently and overseeing junior team members.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with senior executives and external advisors.
• A commercially minded approach, with an interest in developing client relationships and contributing to practice growth.
• Relevant credentials such as ASA, CFA, ABV, or CPA are preferred.
• Previous experience within a recognized valuation advisory firm, accounting practice, or specialist ESOP advisory business.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Established Market Reputation: Join a firm recognized for its expertise and longstanding relationships within the ESOP community.
• Genuine Career Progression: An opportunity to take on greater leadership responsibilities as the practice continues to expand.
• High-Quality Engagements: Work on complex ESOP transactions and valuation assignments.
• Leadership Exposure: Collaborate directly with experienced senior professionals.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team that values technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and long-term relationships.
• Competitive Compensation: An attractive package designed to recognize both technical expertise and commercial contribution.