Vice President, Transaction Advisory Services

Palm Tree LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Office access in multiple cities

Competitive compensation package

Job summary

Palm Tree is a modern M&A value creation firm seeking a Vice President – Transaction Advisory Services to lead QoE engagements and manage TAS teams. You will direct complex analyses and guide clients through diligence findings to inform investment decisions.

Ideal candidates bring 7+ years in Financial Due Diligence, Big-4 background, CPA preferred, and strong financial modeling, communication, and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of Financial Due Diligence experience, preferably in Big-4 or FDD practice.
• Experience leading QoE engagements and managing multiple workstreams.
• Proven ability to communicate with clients and deliver insightful analyses.

Responsibilities

• Lead QoE and Working Capital Adjustment engagements from start to finish.
• Oversee quantitative analyses, financial models, and data reviews.
• Finalize QoE reports and diligence findings to support investment decisions.
• Provide accounting adjustments supported by trends and discussion.
• Guide clients on incorporating diligence findings into valuation and deal terms.
• Lead diligence calls, management discussions, and financial discovery sessions.
• Develop and coach Associates and Senior Associates; drive high-quality execution.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Financial modeling

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Presentation skills

Project management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

MAC/MBA preferred

CPA strongly preferred

Tools

BI tools

Job description

Vice President – Transaction Advisory Services

About Palm Tree

Palm Tree is a modern M&A value creation firm that integrates financial consulting, operational consulting, and investment banking services. Founded in 2010, Palm Tree specializes in supporting private equity firms, business operators, and management teams through strategic events such as mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, carve-outs, recapitalizations, restructurings, and performance improvement initiatives. The firm's unique model combines the expertise of private equity, Big-4 accounting, and investment banking, delivering actionable solutions tailored to the challenges of middle-market businesses.

Position Overview

The Vice President role in Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) is a senior leadership position responsible for directing financial due diligence engagements, managing teams, and serving as a trusted advisor to private equity sponsors, strategic buyers, and management teams.

Ideal candidates bring 7+ years of experience in Financial Due Diligence, typically from Big-4, a national CPA firm, or a dedicated FDD practice- and have a demonstrated ability to lead complex QoE engagements, communicate directly with clients, and deliver high-quality, insight-driven analyses.

Vice Presidents play a pivotal role in execution, business development, team development, and firm growth.

Responsibilities

Client Engagement & Execution

• Lead and manage end-to-end Quality of Earnings (QoE) and Working Capital Adjustment engagements.
• Oversee workstreams involving complex quantitative analysis, detailed financial models, and multi-layered data reviews.
• Review and finalize analyses across income statement, balance sheet, cash flow, net working capital, debt/debt-like items, and key operational drivers.
• Provide final quality control for client deliverables, including full QoE reports and diligence findings.
• Formulate accounting-based adjustments supported by observed trends, client discussions, and technical judgment.
• Guide clients on incorporating diligence findings into valuation, purchase agreements, and deal structuring.
• Lead diligence calls, management discussions, and financial discovery sessions to support investment decisions.

Leadership & Team Development

• Oversee day-to-day work performed by Associates and Senior Associates; provide coaching, performance feedback, and technical guidance.
• Ensure high-quality execution, accuracy, and timeliness across deliverables.
• Support internal training initiatives and elevate best practices across the TAS team.

Strategic Contributions & Business Development

• Support business development efforts, including proposal development, scoping conversations, and relationship cultivation.
• Identify opportunities to expand ongoing engagements or introduce additional Palm Tree service lines.
• Participate in firm‑building initiatives such as recruiting, process improvement, and thought leadership.
• Begin building new client relationships and support expansion in strategic markets such as Dallas.

Qualifications

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• MAC/MBA preferred but not required.
• CPA strongly preferred.

Experience

• 7+ years of relevant experience, ideally in Financial Due Diligence within Big-4 or a comparable FDD practice.
• Proven success managing multiple concurrent engagements and leading teams.
• Strong familiarity with QoE, revenue/expense analysis, working capital reviews, and deal-related accounting issues.

Technical Skills

• Advanced Excel and financial modeling capability.
• Strong understanding of financial statements, GAAP, and transaction accounting.
• Experience with BI tools or data manipulation technologies is a plus.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Thrives in fast‑paced M&A environments with shifting priorities.
• Highly organized with strong project‑management capabilities.
• Proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a “team‑first” orientation.

Other Qualities We Value

• Commitment to high‑quality work and continuous improvement.
• Ability to stay composed under pressure.
• Curiosity, problem‑solving ability, and strong professional integrity.
• Alignment with Palm Tree’s core values: integrity, collaboration, excellence.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary $150k-$200k, plus top-of-industry performance-based bonus.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with match, unlimited PTO, parental leave, and additional fringe benefits.
• Hybrid work model with access to offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Detroit, and Dallas.
• Travel requirements: 5%-35%, engagement-dependent.
• High‑growth, merit‑based culture with accelerated advancement.