Senior Associate Financial Due Diligence

Xerxes Global•Chicago, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Blue Ops Partners is a premier M&A advisory firm serving as the most trusted partner to private equity firms, investment banks, and portfolio companies throughout the M&A lifecycle. Since 2010, we have combined deep operational expertise with cutting-edge technology and analytics to deliver superior outcomes for our clients. Specializing in strategic FP&A advisory, due diligence, operational finance, and business analytics, we partner with small to mid-sized businesses to drive financial discipline, enhance reporting accuracy, and build scalable processes that create lasting value. At Blue Ops, we're building a team of operators and forward-thinking professionals who use deep expertise, sharp judgment, and an active embrace of AI and new technologies to drive outsized impact for our clients. We value leaders who have already built things: client relationships, teams, track records and who now want a platform where their expertise compounds into something larger. This is a place for experienced professionals who want real ownership, strong peers to sharpen their thinking against, and a visible path into firm leadership. As a Financial Due Diligence Senior Associate, you’ll have a seat at the table on real transactions, working directly alongside senior deal professionals from day one. At a firm our size, you won’t be one of a dozen analysts buried in a workstream. You’ll own your work, see the full picture of every deal, and build the kind of hands-on transaction experience that takes years to accumulate at a larger firm. You’ll dig deep into the financial stories behind businesses — scrutinizing historical performance, stress-testing projections, identifying risks hiding between the lines, and surfacing insights that move deals forward. Your analysis won’t sit in a drawer. It will land in front of decision-makers and shape how transactions get done. You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your skillset through projects across other consulting verticals within Blue Ops, including advanced data modeling for buy and sell-side deals, portfolio company value creation, and forecasting / budgeting. This role is about more than executing deals. We’re building a different kind of practice here, and the right person will help shape what that looks like. That means contributing to how we work, how we win clients, and how we grow. If you’re energized by the idea of leaving your mark on a firm, not just a workstream, this is that opportunity.

Requirements

Strong foundation in accounting and financial statement analysis, with the ability to move quickly and confidently through complex financials
Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously without losing momentum or dropping details
Composed under pressure and adaptable in fast-moving environments where no two deals look the same
A clear communicator who can walk a CFO or a first-time buyer through a complex QoE adjustment with equal confidence
Genuinely excited about data and curious about how AI and emerging tools can raise the bar on client service and efficiency
Intellectually curious and committed to lifelong learning, including developing a real understanding of deal context, investor thinking, and the broader strategic picture behind every engagement
Personal pride in the quality of your work, with serious attention to detail and a need to understand the “why” behind every number
A team builder who fosters a collaborative, high-performing environment and is invested in the professional growth of the people around you
Ability to travel on an as-needed basis (limited travel anticipated)
3-4 years of experience in audit, financial due diligence or similar roles at a top accounting / consulting firm
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
Progress toward/completion of CPA license.
Proficiency in Excel at an advanced level: large datasets, pivot tables, and the ability to build clean, auditable workpapers.
Proficiency in the broader Microsoft Office suite, including PowerPoint

Nice To Haves

CFA designation preferred but not required
Experience with data modeling and transformation (e.g., Microsoft Power Pivot, Alteryx) preferred

Responsibilities

Own your work, see the full picture of every deal, and build hands-on transaction experience.
Dig deep into the financial stories behind businesses — scrutinizing historical performance, stress-testing projections, identifying risks hiding between the lines, and surfacing insights that move deals forward.
Broaden your skillset through projects across other consulting verticals within Blue Ops, including advanced data modeling for buy and sell-side deals, portfolio company value creation, and forecasting / budgeting.
Contribute to how we work, how we win clients, and how we grow.

Benefits

Medical insurance: three HealthPartners High Deductible Health Plan options paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA)
Dental insurance: Principal PPO plan with 100% in-network preventive care
Vision insurance: Principal / VSP PPO plan
Retirement plan: 3% employer contribution regardless of employee contribution (eligible after 6 months of employment)
Health Savings Account (HSA) paired with medical plan enrollment
Professional development reimbursement (eligible after 6 months) and complimentary Datacamp access for all employees
Tuition reimbursement for approved advanced degrees aligned with the company’s mission
Employee referral bonus program ($2,500 per successful referral)
Company-paid basic life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage ($50,000 each)
Optional short-term and long-term disability insurance
3 weeks of paid time off per calendar year
8 paid company holidays
Summer Fridays: early release at noon between Memorial Day and Labor Day (subject to workload and client deliverables)
Work From Anywhere: the week of Thanksgiving, the week between Christmas and New Year’s, plus one additional flexible week per year