Valuation & Returns Analyst – PE

Valuation & Returns Analyst – Private Equity (Entry-Level)

Career Launch AI Talent Network

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)

Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $140,000 – $185,000 total compensation (varies by employer)

About This Role

This Valuation & Returns Analyst – Private Equity description represents the type of early-career, valuation- and performance-focused roles featured on the Career Launch AI Private Job Board.

It is not a direct job opening with a specific employer.

Members of our platform gain access to exclusive private equity investment roles that may not appear on public job boards. Career Launch AI provides tools and support to help candidates reach hiring managers, prepare for interviews, and pursue high-caliber finance opportunities.

More information is available at careerlaunch.ai.

About The Opportunity

Lower middle-market private equity firms, growth equity investors, and institutional investment platforms within our network may seek analytically strong Valuation & Returns Analysts to support investment valuation, return analysis, and performance measurement across active portfolios and prospective investments.

Individuals in roles like this focus on determining fair value, evaluating realized and unrealized returns, and providing analytical insight that informs investment decisions, portfolio strategy, and exit timing.

The work environment is typically rigorous and detail-oriented, offering exposure to senior investment professionals, portfolio company management teams, and investment committee discussions.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Valuation Analysis

• Support quarterly and annual valuation processes for private equity investments
• Build and update valuation models using DCF, comparable company, precedent transaction, and LBO methodologies
• Assess fair value in accordance with internal policies and market standards
• Document assumptions, methodologies, and valuation conclusions
  
  

Returns & Performance Analysis

• Analyze investment returns at the deal and portfolio level (IRR, MOIC, DPI, TVPI)
• Track performance versus underwriting cases and value-creation plans
• Attribute returns across operational performance, leverage, multiple expansion, and timing
• Support realized and unrealized return reporting
  
  

Financial Modeling & Sensitivity Analysis

• Maintain and refine operating and transaction models to support valuation and return analysis
• Perform sensitivity analyses, scenario modeling, and downside case evaluations
• Support exit valuation and timing analyses
  
  

Investment Committee & Reporting Support

• Prepare valuation memos, performance summaries, and return analyses for investment committee and LP reporting
• Clearly communicate key valuation drivers, risks, and changes over time
• Respond to ad hoc analytical requests from senior investment professionals
  
  

Portfolio & Transaction Support

• Collaborate with deal teams on valuation considerations during new investments and exits
• Support analysis for recapitalizations, refinancings, add-on acquisitions, and exit planning
• Work with portfolio company teams to gather financial data and forecasts
  
  

What Makes This Work Engaging

• High exposure to valuation judgment and investment performance analysis
• Direct influence on portfolio valuation and return reporting
• Accelerated learning in private equity economics, value creation, and exit dynamics
• Close interaction with senior investors and decision-makers
  
  

Ideal Candidate Profile

This profile reflects the competencies commonly sought by firms for roles of this type.

Education & Technical Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field
• Strong Excel and financial modeling skills
• Solid understanding of valuation methodologies, accounting, and corporate finance
  
  

Experience (Formal or Informal)

• Prior internships or experience in investment banking, private equity, valuation advisory, transaction advisory, or corporate finance is beneficial
• Experience with valuation models or performance analysis is a plus
• Demonstrated interest in investment performance, valuation, or portfolio analysis
  
  

Soft Skills & Mindset

• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical rigor
• Strong judgment and ability to support valuation conclusions
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Strong ownership mentality and accountability
• Ability to manage recurring reporting cycles and ad hoc requests
• Coachability, curiosity, and willingness to continuously refine analytical skills
  
  

How Career Launch AI Helps Candidates Access Roles Like This

Career Launch AI is a career acceleration platform supporting candidates pursuing competitive private equity and finance roles.

AI-Powered Job Search Automation

• Automated applications to a large volume of relevant roles with tailored resumes
• Targeted search across private equity, growth equity, family offices, and valuation-focused roles
  
  

Recruiter & Hiring Manager Outreach

• Human-led outreach campaigns to relevant recruiters and decision-makers
• Support initiating warm, direct conversations rather than relying solely on job portals
  
  

Execution & Tracking Support

• Streamlined systems to manage applications and outreach
• End-to-end administrative support during the search process
  
  

Interview & Case Preparation

• Assistance with valuation cases, return attribution exercises, and modeling reviews
• Support with behavioral and technical interview readiness
  
  

Continued Support

• Ongoing guidance provided throughout the hiring process
  
  

Learn More or Apply

To access roles of this kind through the Career Launch AI platform, visit:

careerlaunch.ai

Career Launch AI offers access to a curated job board, personalized outreach support, automated application tools, interview preparation, and continued assistance until placement.

Career Launch AI — Powered by Initio Capital

8 The Green, Dover, Delaware 19901 | admin@careerlaunch.ai