Associate, Business Services - Investment Banking

At Stout, we’re dedicated to exceeding expectations in all we do – we call it Relentless Excellence . Both our client service and culture are second to none, stemming from our firmwide embrace of our core values:
Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and being Great communicators. Sound like a place you can grow and succeed? Read on to learn more about an exciting opportunity to join our team.

Impact You'll Make Stout is seeking an Associate to join its Investment Banking team, with a focus on the Business Services sector. The team advises founder-owned businesses, private equity firms, and corporate clients across the Business Services sectors, drawing on decades of transaction experience and deep relationships with financial sponsors and strategic buyers.

As an Associate, you will take meaningful ownership of M&A and other advisory engagements while working closely with senior bankers and client executives throughout the transaction process. You will develop deeper expertise across the Business Services sector, contribute to transaction strategy and business development, and take on increasing responsibility for client relationships as your experience grows.

You will also play an important role in developing junior professionals and contributing to a team that combines sector knowledge, senior-level relationships, and hands-on execution to advise clients through complex strategic and financial decisions.

What You'll DoManage day-to-day execution of M&A and other investment banking engagements, anticipating transaction needs and working with senior bankers and clients to keep processes on track.

Work directly with senior bankers and client executives, including CEOs, CFOs, and other members of senior management, throughout the transaction process.

Coordinate key phases of sell-side and other advisory processes, including preparation, buyer or investor outreach, management presentations, due diligence, negotiations, and closing activities.

Develop and review financial models, valuation analyses, client presentations, marketing materials, and other transaction deliverables that support transaction strategy and client recommendations.

Develop informed perspectives on client businesses, industry dynamics, market activity, and potential buyers or investors to support transaction strategy and client discussions.

Contribute to business development and client coverage through company and sector research, idea generation, prospect identification, and pitch development.

Use AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies appropriately to improve research, analysis, and workflow efficiency.

Mentor Analysts and Interns, providing clear direction and constructive feedback while maintaining high standards for work quality and execution.

What You Bring Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
3+ years of relevant professional experience, including meaningful investment banking, M&A advisory, transaction advisory, or comparable transaction experience.

Strong understanding of the sell-side M&A process and the responsibilities required to execute a transaction from preparation through closing.

Advanced financial modeling, valuation, analytical, and quantitative skills.

Ability to connect financial analysis, industry dynamics, and transaction considerations to develop thoughtful perspectives and recommendations for clients.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with strong working knowledge of Word and other Microsoft Office applications.

Demonstrated ability to produce clear, accurate, and well-structured client materials.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact…