Associate, Transaction Advisory Services

Palm Tree • Chicago, IL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

About Palm Tree
Palm Tree is a modern M&A value creation firm that integrates financial consulting, operational consulting, and investment banking services. Founded in 2010, Palm Tree specializes in supporting private equity firms, business operators, and management teams through strategic events such as mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, carve-outs, recapitalizations, restructurings, and performance improvement initiatives. The firm’s unique model combines the expertise of private equity, Big-4 accounting, and investment banking, delivering actionable solutions tailored to the challenges of middle-market businesses.

Position Overview
The Associate role at Palm Tree is a critical position supporting financial due diligence, transaction advisory, and value‑creation engagements. Associates typically bring 4–6 years of relevant experience and play a hands‑on role in building models, analyzing data, preparing client deliverables, and supporting senior team members across M&A, private equity, and operational engagements.

Associates in Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) take on increasing responsibility for Quality of Earnings (QoE), working capital analyses, financial modeling, and preparation of financial due diligence deliverables. They also participate in client discussions, assist in structuring insights, and contribute to the development of junior team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
• 4+ years of relevant professional experience in financial due diligence, transaction advisory, audit/assurance, investment banking, private equity, or related financial consulting.
• Experience completing or contributing to QoE analyses and working capital reviews.
• Demonstrated ability to manage junior team members and produce high‑quality analytical work.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong financial modeling and analytical capabilities.
• Detail‑oriented with strong critical‑thinking skills.
• Ability to thrive under pressure in fast‑paced M&A environments.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong project management capabilities.
• Proactive, motivated, and collaborative team mindset.

Nice To Haves

• CPA preferred; CFA or postgraduate degrees (MAC/MBA) beneficial but not required.
• Experience with BI tools or data‑visualization platforms is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support day‑to‑day execution of financial due diligence engagements, including QoE analyses, working capital assessments, and other transaction‑related workstreams.
• Build and refine financial models such as QoE schedules, working capital bridges, cash flow analyses, and dashboards.
• Assist in developing client deliverables including QoE reports, financial reviews, management presentations, and supporting schedules.
• Perform detailed analyses across income statement, balance sheet, cash flow, KPIs, and operational data to identify trends and transactional insights.
• Participate in client calls and meetings, supporting senior team members in financial discovery and diligence processes.
• Provide analytical support for adjustments, deal structure considerations, and working capital targets.
• Manage and mentor junior team members, reviewing their analyses and supporting their development.
• Provide timely updates to senior team members; maintain proactive communication on engagement status.
• Collaborate with colleagues across engagements, sharing best practices and supporting internal training.
• Assist in business development efforts including proposal preparation, pitch materials, and relationship support.
• Contribute to process improvement, talent acquisition initiatives, and other firm‑building activities.

Benefits

• Base salary of $100k–$150k, plus performance‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, and unlimited PTO.
• Hybrid work model with access to offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and other strategic markets.
• Career advancement opportunities in Palm Tree’s merit‑based, entrepreneurial environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees