Associate – Financial Sponsor Coverage Group

Business Unit / Industry

Business Unit:
Financial Sponsor Coverage Group
Industry: No Industry

Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE:HLI) is a leading global investment bank recognized for delivering independent strategic and financial advice to corporations, financial sponsors, and governments. With uniquely deep industry expertise, broad international reach, and a partnership approach rooted in trust, the firm provides innovative, integrated solutions across mergers and acquisitions, capital solutions, financial restructuring, and financial and valuation advisory.

Houlihan Lokey is seeking an experienced Associate to support our Los Angeles‑based Senior Coverage Officers within the Financial Sponsors Coverage Group. In this role, you will drive key coverage initiatives, including portfolio reviews, firmwide marketing efforts, and ultimately new business origination. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with product and industry groups across our firm to deliver comprehensive solutions. This is a dynamic role with upward mobility;

over time, the role is designed to become increasingly client‑facing, focusing on business development and cultivating long‑term sponsor relationships.

• Assist Senior Coverage Officers in advising sponsor clients on complex M&A, financing, and capital structures, and help coordinate the full suite of Houlihan Lokey’s services
• Prepare ad hoc reports, analyses, and marketing materials to support Coverage Officers and the firm’s origination efforts
• Collaborate closely with Houlihan Lokey's product groups – specifically Capital Solutions (including debt & equity financings) – and industry sector bankers nationwide to deliver seamless, high‑quality advisory services to clients
• Embody and promote a culture of collaboration, high performance, and integrity

• An undergraduate degree with academic distinction
• At least five years of professional working experience. Relevant experience in fields like investment banking, corporate development, or consulting are preferred.
• At least two years of investment banking experience, a leading M&A boutique, or within a financing team

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical capabilities and financial acumen
• Exceptional work ethic
• A high‑impact, low‑ego personality with a natural talent for collaboration
• The ability to manage multiple projects and hit deadlines in a highly organized manner
• Comfort working with AI tools to streamline workflows and boost daily productivity
• A very high degree of intellectual curiosity and the ability to think independently in a fast‑paced environment
• A structured and rigorous approach to origination and business development; ideally direct experience in account management or relationship development
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with all levels of staff
• Maturity and presence to interact effectively with Private Equity funds and HL stakeholders
• Ability to grow our business and act entrepreneurially
• Ability to integrate smoothly into Houlihan Lokey's culture, characterized by collaboration, entrepreneurship, and excellence

Houlihan Lokey offers a competitive total compensation package for this role, with a potential salary range of $175,000 - $225,000. Actual salary may vary based on qualifications, experience, and location. Benefits include a comprehensive benefits package, details of which can be found at 2026 Benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.