Associate, Investment Banking - ESOP

Stout•Chicago, IL

8d•$145,000 - $175,000

About The Position

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: The Stout ESOP Investment Banking Team is looking for an Associate to handle the day-to-day execution of ESOP Formation, Recapitalization, and Capital Markets transactions. Associates will work under the guidance of product bankers for various transaction and pitch assignments. Successful candidates will be highly technical, detail-oriented, and proficient in content creation and complex financial modeling. Under the mentorship of seasoned Stout professionals, Associates at Stout will have the opportunity to develop a well-rounded investment banking skill set while gaining significant client exposure. The ESOP Investment Banking team partners with successful family- and founder-owned businesses to evaluate the advantages of ESOP transactions alongside traditional sell-side options. As the sole financial advisor, we facilitate successful ESOP transactions, typically supported by capital raises led by Stout. We collaborate with industry bankers and our capital markets team to identify ideal candidates for ESOP exits, often working with owners pursuing a dual-track approach of both ESOP and traditional transactions. Additionally, we assist large, successful companies with established ESOPs in recapitalizations with private capital providers, and support industry bankers in sell-side roles for ESOP-owned companies seeking exits to strategic buyers or private equity.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in an investment banking environment with advanced technical skills
Ability to conduct valuation analyses, including Discounted Cash Flow, Leveraged Buyout, Comparable Companies, Precedent Transactions, and Sum-of-the-Parts required
Ability to build diverse financial models from scratch required
Bachelor’s degree required (Finance, Math, or Economics preferred but not required)
Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
Strong communication skills, desire to learn, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

ESOP experience and familiarity preferred but not required
Experience working the end-to-end deal execution lifecycle
Prior debt structuring and underwriting experience preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Create dynamic three-statement financial models, valuation models, and pro forma financial statements incorporating detailed transaction adjustments
Prepare and deliver pitch materials for ESOP formations and recapitalizations, working in partnership with practice leaders throughout the firm and sector leaders within the investment bank to win and execute new mandates
Attend client meetings and present complex deal aspects directly to company shareholders and Board members
Perform extensive financial modeling, structuring, and negotiating of live ESOP transactions
Launch transaction plan and manage day-to-day transaction execution activities, including up-to-date transaction timeline, information requests, data room oversight, financial model upkeep, CIM and Databook preparation, Board and Shareholder presentations, lender lists, funds flow, etc.
Conduct due diligence sessions with clients
Conduct quantitative, economic, and industry research
Communicate with key stakeholders not limited to owners, shareholders, financial institutions, and market competitors
Become SME of ESOP transaction ecosystem and feasibility
Play key leadership role in all aspects of the transaction process

Benefits

At Stout, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program with competitive compensation, benefits, and wellness options tailored to support employees at every stage of life.
We foster a culture of inclusion and respect, embracing diverse perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and success.
Our leadership is committed to inclusion and belonging across the organization and in the communities we serve.
We invest in professional growth through ongoing training, mentorship, employee resource groups, and clear performance feedback, ensuring our employees are supported in achieving their career goals.
Stout provides flexible work schedules and a discretionary time off policy to promote work-life balance and help employees lead fulfilling lives.
Learn more about our benefits and commitment to your success. https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits
A reasonable estimate of the current range is $145,000 - $175,000 Annual.
This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan.
Information about benefits can be found here - https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits.
At Stout, whether you're launching your career or bringing decades of expertise, you'll find the challenges, collaboration, and support that fuel real growth.
We invest in our people because we know that exceptional client service starts with how we take care of our own.
We reward outstanding performance, encourage continuous learning, and foster a culture where different perspectives strengthen our work and our team.