2026 Full-Time Associate, M&A (FDD/TAS Experience Required)

Lincoln International•Chicago, IL

63d•$175,000 - $175,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are trusted investment banking advisors to business owners and senior executives of leading private equity firms and public and privately held companies around the world. Our services include mergers and acquisitions advisory, private funds and capital markets advisory, and valuation and fairness opinions. As one tightly integrated team of more than 1,000 professionals across 15 countries, we offer an unmatched perspective on the global private capital markets, backed by superb execution and a deep commitment to client success. With extensive industry knowledge and relationships, timely market intelligence and strategic insights, we forge deep, productive client relationships that endure for decades. Learn more at www.lincolninternational.com. At Lincoln International, we know that the success of our global organization is a direct outcome of the strength of our people. We encourage diversity of thought and create talent density by attracting, retaining and engaging high performers from all demographics, backgrounds and perspectives. We value diversity, equity and inclusion as a catalyst to foster innovation and creative problem solving, access the best candidates and adapt to a highly dynamic, competitive environment. We know that employing a diverse team and valuing the unique perspectives of our people allows us to better understand and serve the needs of our clients. Lincoln International is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage you to read more about our commitment to diversity and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) efforts. Lincoln International follows a hybrid work structure with an emphasis on in-office collaboration. Our employees work in our offices Monday through Thursday each week, with the option of working remotely or from the office on Fridays. Duties & Responsibilities: Lincoln International is seeking Associates to join our rapidly growing M&A practice in Chicago and New York. Successful candidates have strong cognitive and interpersonal abilities, want to develop their professional and personal skills and are motivated by the prospect of building a leading M&A advisory firm. Candidates hired to this role join with Lincoln's 2026 Full-Time class in January/February to go through training at that time. The Associate position at Lincoln International involves interacting closely with the firm’s senior bankers and clients’ senior executives. Our Associates are heavily involved in every aspect of an M&A transaction and ultimately, master the ability to execute a deal from start-to-finish. Given our global platform, Associates also receive a high level of exposure to international clients and buyers, thus further enhancing their experience. In addition, Associates are expected to contribute to Analysts’ development and support new business development efforts. Lincoln International continuously provides our Associates with opportunities beyond typical roles in order to accelerate professional development and maximize career trajectory.

Requirements

Authentic individual with high integrity, whose personal and professional values are consistent with Lincoln’s Culture Statement (Excellence, Entrepreneurship, Integration, Collaboration, Integrity)
Assertive, articulate and self-motivated, can manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Excellent project management, organization and prioritization skills, ability to adapt to business changes
Entrepreneurial professional with strong listening skills, who enjoys problem solving and presenting recommendations that will benefit the full organization
Driven and ambitious professional who gains satisfaction from achieving personal and team goals
Minimum of 3+ years of Financial Due Diligence or M&A Transaction Advisory at a Big 4 firm (or A&M, RSM, Grant Thornton, BDO, BRG, Eisner Amper, Riveron, Moss Adams, or Cohn Reznick) preferred; candidates at the Manager level and/or 3rd year Senior Associate/Supervisor are strongly encouraged to apply for this role.
Fluent in accounting (e.g. Quality of Earnings) and finance and strong business acumen
Strong verbal and written communication skills (e.g. powerpoint)
Assertive, self-motivated and desire to succeed in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
Lincoln International is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status.

Responsibilities

Coordinating day-to-day client interactions, serving as the central point of contact between clients and the M&A team
Conducting industry research to identify market trends, buyers, and acquisition targets
Preparing confidential information memoranda and management presentations
Performing core M&A modeling, valuation and databook preparation with strong understanding of supporting quality of earnings analysis.
Synthesizing large and complex datasets into strategic insights by identifying underlying key performance trends and underlying business drivers
Managing vendor due diligence workstreams, overseeing preparation, coordination, and delivery across financial, commercial, and operational streams to drive transaction execution
Coordinating bidder engagement, managing dataroom preparation and upkeep, tracking information requests, and liaising between management and bidders to ensure timely, accurate responses
Support transaction negotiations by providing analysis on purchase price adjustments, working capital targets, indemnities, and completion mechanics
Overseeing analyst workstreams by reviewing deliverables and providing guidance
Participating in new business development meetings and pitches
Hosting visits by potential buyers at client facilities
Leading or driving initiatives to enhance the firm’s franchise value