Investment Banking Associate

📍

Location:

Chicago, IL or New York, NY (On-site / Hybrid)

Compensation: $100,000 base + Performance bonus $150,000-$250,000+ / year (Total earning potential year 1: $250,000-$350,000+)

Integrative Recruiting is conducting this confidential search on behalf of a leading cross-border investment banking boutique.

Our client is a cross-border investment banking firm advising on complex M&A transactions across North America and Europe. With offices in Chicago, New York, and Dublin, the firm partners with middle-market clients across industrials, consumer, and technology sectors.

They operate with the rigor of a top-tier global advisory platform, but within a lean, entrepreneurial structure where contribution, capability, and results—not tenure—determine advancement. Every team member has direct access to senior leadership, high visibility across transactions, and a true voice in how the firm continues to grow.

This is not a firm where you disappear into a model. It’s one where your work, insights, and initiative shape deals and client outcomes directly.

The M&A Associate is someone who is strong at mentoring and running a team of analysts (there will be 4 analysts under this individual).

We’re looking for a M&A Associate who’s ready to step into a fast-moving M&A environment with genuine deal ownership and exposure from day one. The role sits at the center of live transaction execution—providing financial analysis, due diligence, and strategic insight while working hand-in-hand with managing directors, clients, and external partners.

The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, high-accountability culture, and wants to accelerate their professional growth beyond traditional banking timelines.

• Lead and support end-to-end M&A transaction execution—both buy-side and sell-side mandates.
• Develop complex financial models (DCF, LBO, accretion/dilution, merger models) and present analytical conclusions to senior leadership and clients.
• Build and review pitch materials, CIMs, and management presentations with precision and clarity.
• Oversee due diligence processes, data room organization, and coordination among multiple stakeholders.
• Contribute to business development efforts by preparing tailored pitch decks and conducting market and industry research.
• Work closely with senior bankers on live deals and pipeline development, gaining direct client exposure early.

• 5+ years of experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, or transaction advisory with direct M&A execution exposure.
• Must have Series 79 / 63
  license
• Demonstrated fluency in building full 3-statement operating and valuation models from scratch.
• Exceptional attention to detail, analytical rigor, and ability to communicate complex concepts clearly.
• Self-driven and entrepreneurial; thrives in a fast-paced, meritocratic environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related discipline.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship.

This is a rare opportunity to join a firm where your growth is measured by contribution, not time served. You’ll gain the kind of transaction experience, client access, and advancement trajectory that’s typically reserved for professionals several years ahead in their careers.

The team values curiosity, humility, and drive as much as technical excellence—and they reward it accordingly. If you’re looking for a place to build a meaningful career in M&A, not just another line on your résumé, this platform deserves your attention.

To apply , please email your resume to and with the subject line:

“M&A Associate Opportunity — [Your Name], [Current Firm]”

Please Include a Brief Written Response (Max 1 Page Total)

In your email, include concise responses to the following:

Describe 1–2 representative M&A transactions you’ve worked on. Please be specific about your role, modeling involvement, diligence responsibilities, and what you owned in the process.

Detail your experience managing, mentoring, or overseeing analysts. How have you directed work streams, reviewed models, or elevated team performance?

What are you optimizing for in your next move, and why does a lean, mid-market M&A environment appeal to you?

All submissions are handled with full confidentiality. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly for next steps.