M&A Associate

First Student • Cincinnati, OH

6d

About The Position

The M&A Associate is a key member of the First Student M&A team responsible for supporting the evaluation, execution, and integration of mergers, acquisitions, strategic investments, and other growth initiatives. The role provides analytical and project management support throughout the transaction lifecycle, including target screening, financial modeling, valuation analysis, due diligence coordination, data room management, transaction execution, and post-signing integration planning. Working closely with First Student leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, the Associate will help assess acquisition opportunities, develop investment recommendations, manage transaction processes, and support strategic growth initiatives. This role is designed for a highly analytical professional seeking broad exposure to mergers and acquisitions within a dynamic corporate environment. Scope & Responsibilities Summary The M&A Associate will support multiple acquisition opportunities simultaneously and serve as a central coordinator for transaction-related analyses, diligence activities, and reporting. The role requires strong financial acumen, attention to detail, and the ability to manage large amounts of information across numerous active projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in investment banking, transaction advisory, valuation services, public accounting, corporate development, private equity, or management consulting.
• Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, strategic investments, or corporate finance transactions preferred.
• Strong financial modeling and valuation skills.
• Ability to analyze financial statements, operating metrics, and business performance indicators.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency including financial modeling, pivot tables, lookup functions, scenario analysis, and data manipulation.
• Strong PowerPoint and presentation development capabilities.
• Experience managing large datasets and organizing complex information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to synthesize large amounts of information into concise conclusions and recommendations.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Intellectual Curiosity Naturally inquisitive with a desire to understand businesses, industries, and market dynamics. Proactively seeks information and continuously develops expertise.
• Analytical Rigor Approaches problems logically and methodically. Uses data and financial analysis to support conclusions and recommendations.
• Accountability Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities and consistently delivers high-quality work. Demonstrates reliability and follow-through in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration Works effectively across functions and builds strong working relationships. Communicates professionally and respectfully with stakeholders at all levels.
• Professionalism Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information appropriately. Demonstrates maturity, sound judgment, and strong business ethics.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset Identifies opportunities to improve processes and increase efficiency. Adapts quickly to changing priorities and evolving business needs.

Nice To Haves

• MBA, CPA, CFA, or progress toward a professional designation is considered a plus.
• Familiarity with CRM systems, virtual data rooms, and transaction management software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Financial modeling, valuation analysis, and investment return assessment.
• Acquisition target research, screening, and strategic evaluation.
• Due diligence coordination and management across internal workstreams.
• Data room administration and transaction document management.
• Executive reporting, presentation development, and investment memoranda preparation.
• Pipeline management, market intelligence, and transaction tracking.
• Integration planning support and transaction readiness activities.
• Build and maintain detailed financial models supporting acquisition and investment evaluations.
• Perform valuation analyses using various methodologies including discounted cash flow, precedent transactions, and comparable company analyses.
• Analyze historical and projected financial performance of acquisition targets.
• Evaluate transaction returns, investment risks, and strategic benefits.
• Develop sensitivity analyses and scenario modeling to support investment decisions.
• Coordinate diligence activities among Finance, Operations, Human Resources, Fleet, Safety, Risk Management, IT, Legal, and other functional teams.
• Manage diligence request lists, information flow, and transaction timelines.
• Review financial statements, contracts, operating metrics, customer data, fleet information, and other diligence materials.
• Organize, maintain, and administer virtual data rooms.
• Track diligence findings, risks, and action items through transaction closing.
• Conduct industry, competitor, and market research to identify potential acquisition opportunities and strategic trends.
• Assist with acquisition target identification and prioritization efforts.
• Maintain databases of acquisition targets, market intelligence, and transaction activity.
• Support strategic planning initiatives through research and analysis.
• Prepare investment committee materials, executive summaries, and transaction presentations.
• Develop reports tracking acquisition pipeline activity and transaction status.
• Assist in preparing recommendations for senior leadership regarding acquisition opportunities.
• Support development of annual strategic planning materials and growth analyses.
• Manage transaction documentation and maintain organized deal files.
• Coordinate project plans and timelines across multiple active transactions.
• Monitor transaction milestones and ensure timely completion of key deliverables.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to acquisition and diligence processes.
• Assist with integration planning activities to facilitate successful transaction handoffs.

Benefits

• Provide unmatched care and the safest ride to school, so when students arrive, they start and end their day with an exceptional experience and are ready to achieve their full potential.
• Safety is at the heart of everything we do
• Ensure our vehicles are welcoming and trusted places where students feel comfortable and secure
• Go the extra mile to deliver an extraordinary experience for our customers and communities
• Work together, act with integrity, respect each other, champion diversity and inclusion
• Continually seek a better way to do things with innovation, sustainable practices, financial discipline, commercial excellence, and operational excellence

What This Job Offers

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