Investment Banking Analyst

ABOUT OLIVEWOOD ADVISORS

Olivewood Advisors is a sell-side M&A advisory firm serving owners of privately held businesses through one of the most consequential decisions of their lives: the sale or transition of their company. We combine institutional investment banking experience with a personal, senior-led advisory model. Our clients are typically founder-, family- and closely held businesses, and our work extends beyond maximizing transaction value to understanding the priorities that matter to an owner, including people, culture, legacy and what comes next.

We intentionally work with a limited number of clients so our senior bankers can remain deeply involved throughout every engagement.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Olivewood is seeking an Investment Banking Analyst to join our growing team. The Analyst will work directly with the Firm’s founders and senior bankers across all aspects of sell-side M&A engagements, from initial market and company analysis through closing.

This is a hands-on investment banking role with meaningful exposure to clients, buyers and senior decision-makers. Analysts are expected to develop strong technical capabilities while also learning the judgment, communication and process management required to advise business owners through complex transactions.

As a member of a small, senior-led team, the Analyst will have broad responsibility and increasing ownership of transaction work as experience and capabilities develop.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and maintain financial models, including historical financial analysis, EBITDA normalization, transaction scenarios and valuation analyses.
• Perform company valuations using precedent transactions, comparable company analysis and other relevant valuation methodologies.
• Analyze company financial statements, operating metrics, customer data and other business information to identify trends, opportunities and potential transaction issues.
• Assist in the preparation of confidential information memoranda (CIMs), management presentations, teasers and other transaction marketing materials.
• Conduct company, industry and market research to develop a strong understanding of clients and the markets in which they operate.
• Develop comprehensive buyer and investor lists, including strategic acquirers, private equity firms, family offices and other financial buyers.
• Research and prepare buyer profiles and evaluate potential strategic rationale, acquisition history and financial capacity.
• Support senior bankers in transaction positioning, buyer strategy and preparation for client meetings.
• Support due diligence processes, including organization and management of virtual data rooms, buyer requests and transaction workstreams.
• Coordinate with clients and external advisors, including attorneys, accountants and other transaction professionals.
• Assist with preparation for management presentations, buyer meetings and other key transaction milestones.
• Maintain transaction process materials, financial analyses, buyer databases and internal tracking tools with a high degree of accuracy.
• Conduct business development research, including identification and analysis of prospective clients, industries and referral relationships.
• Assist senior bankers with pitch materials, valuation work and other business development initiatives.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

Successful Analysts at Olivewood combine strong analytical capabilities with curiosity, judgment and a willingness to take ownership of their work.

• Bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance, preferably in finance, accounting, economics, business or a related discipline.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including an understanding of financial statements, valuation concepts and corporate finance.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Intellectual curiosity and an ability to quickly understand different businesses, industries and business models.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, transaction-oriented environment.
• Sound judgment, maturity and discretion when working with confidential client information.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to take responsibility for outcomes rather than simply completing assigned tasks.
• Collaborative, team-first approach and comfort working closely with senior professionals.
• High degree of professionalism when interacting with clients, buyers and other advisors.
• Prior investment banking, transaction advisory, private equity, corporate finance or related internship experience is preferred but not required.

HOW WE WORK

Olivewood operates as a flat, apprenticeship-driven organization. Analysts work directly with the Firm’s founders and senior bankers rather than through multiple layers of hierarchy. That structure creates greater responsibility at an earlier stage of an Analyst’s career. You will be expected to ask good questions, develop a point of view and understand the purpose behind the work rather than simply execute tasks.

Our work requires a high degree of care. For many of our clients, their business represents decades of work and a significant portion of their family’s wealth, identity and legacy. We expect every member of our team to approach that responsibility with professionalism, discretion and respect.

WHAT SETS THE ROLE APART

At a larger institution, Associates can spend much of their time managing production through layers of a deal team. At Olivewood, the Associate sits much closer to the client and the senior bankers making the decisions. The role offers a clear progression from technical execution toward transaction leadership, client advisory and the development of junior bankers.

Olivewood Advisors is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic.