M&A Associate

Digs Dog Care•Chicago, IL

12h•$90,000 - $110,000

About The Position

The M&A Associate plays a critical role in supporting Digs’ acquisition strategy by providing analytical rigor, financial modeling, and cross-functional coordination throughout the transaction lifecycle. This teammate partners closely with the M&A, Finance, and Operations teams to assess opportunities, ensure data accuracy, and help translate deal insights into integration readiness.

Requirements

Strong understanding of financial statements and GAAP accounting principles.
Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.
Strong interpersonal skills; able to build trust with internal stakeholders and external partners.
CPA / Accounting degree, 1-3 years of professional experience in M&A transaction services, private equity, investment banking or financial consulting.
Ability to work under pressure and comfort dealing with ambiguity, incomplete information, and shifting priorities

Nice To Haves

Passion for analytical problem-solving and interest in the pet-services or consumer services industry a plus.

Responsibilities

Spread and analyze financial information provided by potential sellers, including P&L statements, payroll data, balance sheets, and tax returns.
Assess the completeness of information provided; collaborate with the Business Development (BD) team to obtain missing data.
Build and maintain valuation models and pro forma financials to assess potential acquisitions.
Prepare trending analyses and identify key revenue, cost, and margin drivers.
Review management adjustments to EBITDA and evaluate supporting documentation.
Benchmark target company performance against Digs’ portfolio and relevant industry metrics.
Partner with the M&A Manager and broader deal team to manage due diligence request lists and data flow between internal and external stakeholders.
Synthesize diligence findings and summarize insights for Finance, Operations, HR, and Legal stakeholders.
Ensure accurate, organized documentation throughout the diligence process.
Update Quality of Earnings analyses for the interim period between initial diligence and closing.
Validate reported financials, adjustments, and related trends to ensure alignment with valuation assumptions.
Flag variances and work with leadership to assess potential deal impacts.
Draft investment and leadership materials (e.g., “GP Bringdown” decks) summarizing financial updates, QoE roll forward results, insurance reviews, and underwriting assumptions.
Support the preparation of deal summaries and post-close performance expectations.
Conduct specialized analyses on labor structures, fixed vs. variable costs, rent and occupancy expenses, and other cost drivers.
Compare results to portfolio benchmarks and market dynamics to inform underwriting assumptions and integration planning.
Provide insight into potential value-creation levers and operational risks.