Private Equity Associate

Ascension Search Partners is engaged to hire a (Senior) Associate for a middle-market private equity firm after a successful fundraise. The ideal candidate for this position will have a 2+2 background and will join a diverse, well rounded, and fun group while working with ultra sharp, driven investors.

This person will not be sitting on the side lines in this firm doing spreadsheets all day, so a top performer with good investment sense and analytical savvy is required. Candidates should have excellent analytical skills and communication, both verbally and written skills, and be highly motivated. This person will be exposed daily to well known investors and high profile firms and investment banks.

You will be building valuation, due diligence, and deal execution skills, as well as learn best practices of portfolio company management. Working with investment professionals of all levels, you will work closely with private equity and public market investors assisting and identifying, evaluating, and executing on new opportunities. You will also work with portfolio company management teams strengthening your c-suite business acumen allowing for providing input on operational improvement initiatives.

Position Responsibilities

• Sourcing, origination, evaluation, and execution of potential investments.

• Building financial models, develop financial analysis, perform valuation exercises and assist in the preparation of investment cases and Investment Committee Memoranda.

• Research of industry dynamics.

• Analysis of complex data sets to identify crucial financial and business information.

• Support the execution of deals Portfolio Management and Operations.

• Performing periodic valuations of portfolio assets.

• Assisting in managing portfolio company reporting, oversight, and operations.

• Collaborating with Firm professionals to identify and research new investment opportunities.

Candidate Qualifications

• 2-3 years of investment banking in a middle market or large bank and buyside experience preferably within private equity

• BA/ BS degree in Accounting, Finance with a GPA of 3.5+

• Value based investment experience is preferred

• High proficiency in the use of MS Office programs, specifically Excel and Outlook.

• Strong communication skills in written, verbal.

• Ability to develop and express sound opinions on investment opportunities and prospects.

• Possess the ability to handle a multitude of projects simultaneously.

• An entrepreneurial mindset and resourcefulness.

• Ability to research, recognize, analyze, and understand financial data, industry trends, laws, rules, and guidelines related to corporate structures, tax and accounting policies.

• Strong experience in valuation analysis, LBO, DCF and three statement financial modeling.

• Ability to deal with ambiguity and comfortably navigate through complex tasks with little guidance.