Investment Banking Associate I (Leveraged Finance & Debt Advisory)

Raymond James • New York, NY

9d • $100,000 - $175,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Raymond James is seeking an experienced investment banking associate to join its newly formed Leveraged Finance & Debt Advisory (LFDA) group within Investment Banking. The group provides debt capital raising and advisory solutions—including private debt placements, debt capital markets advisory, institutional term loan Bs, and high yield bonds—to financial sponsors and non-investment-grade issuers across a variety of industries.

The associate will work closely with senior LFDA bankers, manage analyst workstreams, and collaborate with other industry and product groups to deliver comprehensive solutions. The role includes executing live financing transactions, leading credit analysis and due diligence, overseeing financial models and deal materials, serving as a day-to-day contact for clients and lenders, and supporting origination. The position is resident, with travel of less than 25%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3–6 years of general experience; the skills section specifies 3–5 years in leveraged finance, debt capital markets, private credit/direct lending, restructuring, or leveraged finance credit risk, or an MBA with relevant pre-MBA experience.
• Advanced proficiency in LBO and three-statement modeling and debt schedules, including the ability to review and correct others’ work.
• Working knowledge of credit agreement mechanics and debt structuring alternatives across the capital structure.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple live workstreams and junior team members simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with poise interacting directly with clients and lenders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Strong attention to detail, work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure and tight timelines.

Nice To Haves

• Middle-market sponsor coverage experience is a plus.
• An MBA with relevant pre-MBA experience is identified as preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day execution of live financing transactions, managing workstreams and timelines from mandate through close.
• Lead credit analysis and due diligence on prospective borrowers, forming and articulating a view on credit quality, structure, and market receptivity.
• Review and stress-test analyst financial models—including sources and uses, pro forma capitalization, cash flow modeling, LBOs, and credit statistics—and own model integrity.
• Draft and oversee preparation of internal screening memos, deal underwriting memos, and external client pitch materials.
• Oversee production of teasers, investor presentations, confidential information memorandums, marketing term sheets, and lender models.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, sponsors, and lenders on day-to-day execution matters.
• Support senior bankers on origination, including financing ideas, market intelligence, and pitch development for coverage and sponsor dialogues.
• Mentor, train, and review the work of analysts and summer analysts.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits may be included.
• Life insurance may be included.
• Critical illness insurance and accident insurance may be included.
• Disability benefits may be included.
• Retirement savings benefits may be included.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave, may be included.
• Parental leave may be included.
• Total compensation may include additional compensation such as cash or equity, discretionary bonuses, or commissions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level