Associate NY or San Francisco

Job Title: Investment Banking Associate – Consumer & Retail Location: New York, NY or San Francisco, CA Position Overview We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical Investment Banking Associate to join our growing Consumer & Retail Group. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on an entrepreneurial, client-focused team that advises emerging growth and established companies across sectors such as Food & Beverage, E-commerce, Branded Products, Retail, and Restaurants. As an Associate, you will play a central leadership role in transaction execution, financial modeling, and client relationship management, working closely with senior bankers and managing junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Transaction Execution: Manage day-to-day workflow for Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), equity offerings, and debt private placements from pitch to close.
• Financial Modeling & Valuation: Build, review, and oversee complex financial models (LBO, DCF, accretion/dilution, and comparable company analyses).
• Marketing & Pitch Materials: Lead the creation of pitch books, Confidential Information Memoranda (CIMs), management presentations, and proposals for prospective clients.
• Due Diligence: Coordinate and execute accounting, business, and legal due diligence processes.
• Client Interaction: Maintain direct, active contact with clients, prospective buyers/investors, and professional legal/accounting advisors.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Supervise, train, and mentor junior Analysts, reviewing their financial models and presentation materials while fostering a collaborative environment.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 2 to 5 years of post-undergraduate investment banking experience (specifically within M&A or Corporate Finance). Prior dedicated coverage or strong interest in the Consumer & Retail sector is a major plus.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field. An MBA or advanced degree is viewed favorably.
• Technical Proficiency: Exceptional command of financial statement analysis, valuation methodologies, and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word). Familiarity with data sources such as S&P Capital IQ, PitchBook, or FactSet is preferred.
• Core Competencies: Outstanding quantitative reasoning, written and verbal communication skills, and close attention to detail.
• Work Ethic & Culture Fit: A self-starter attitude with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding, and entrepreneurial environment. Strong multitasking skills and a proven ability to lead small teams.
• Licensing: FINRA Series 79 and 63 licenses (or willingness to obtain them within a specified timeframe) are required.

What We Offer

• A competitive base salary plus a discretionary, performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and insurance benefits package.
• Accelerated career growth and direct exposure to senior industry leaders and corporate decision-makers.