Associate, Investment Banking (Business Services)

At Stout, we’re dedicated to exceeding expectations in all we do – we call it Relentless Excellence ®. Both our client service and culture are second to none, stemming from our firmwide embrace of our core values: Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and being Great communicators. Sound like a place you can grow and succeed? Read on to learn more about an exciting opportunity to join our team.

Impact You’ll Make:

Stout is looking for an experienced Associate to join its Investment Banking team, with a focus on Business Services. This role will support the execution of middle-market transactions, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital raising, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), and special situations.

The Associate will play an active role in advancing the firm’s M&A and Capital Markets advisory work by partnering with senior bankers, supporting client coverage and business development, and helping manage key aspects of the deal process.

This position offers an opportunity to gain meaningful transaction experience and contribute to a high-performing team serving companies across the business services sector.

What You’ll Do:

• Collaborate closely with senior bankers to drive business development efforts, including client coverage, prospecting, program management, and transaction execution.

• Lead the evaluation, origination, and execution of deals across diverse assignments, with a focus on the defense and government services markets.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships, primarily through the delivery of high-quality transaction execution and advisory services.

• Oversee all phases of transaction execution, including coordinating internal teams, engaging stakeholders, and shaping advisory strategies and product solutions.

• Mentor and manage junior team members (analysts, and interns) to ensure timely delivery of high-quality engagement deliverables.

• Manage advanced financial modeling, pitch materials, and deal processes while maintaining clear and effective client communication.

What You Bring:

• 3+ years of overall professional experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field required

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and other Office applications.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• A positive, team-oriented mindset.

• Strong sense of accountability and dependability.

• Entrepreneurial drive with a commitment to excellence.

• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships.

• Excellent communication skills with a high level of responsiveness.

• Intellectual curiosity and strong attention to detail.

• Advanced analytical and quantitative capabilities.

• Deep understanding of the sell-side transaction process.

• Demonstrated leadership skills, including mentoring and developing junior team members while effectively managing senior-level relationships.

How You’ll Thrive:

• Cultivate a positive, team-oriented approach that fosters collaboration and shared success.

• Demonstrate accountability and reliability by consistently delivering high-quality results and meeting expectations.

• Exhibit an entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of your work.

• Build meaningful relationships and leverage strong interpersonal skills to create trust and drive outcomes.

• Communicate effectively and respond promptly, ensuring clarity and alignment with stakeholders.

• Bring intellectual curiosity and a keen attention to detail to problem-solving and decision-making.

• Apply advanced analytical and quantitative skills to uncover insights and drive data-informed strategies.

• Leverage a deep understanding of the sell-side execution process to navigate complex transactions and achieve optimal results.

Why Stout?
At Stout, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program with competitive compensation, benefits, and wellness options tailored to support employees at every stage of life.

We foster a culture of inclusion and respect, embracing diverse perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and success. Our leadership is committed to inclusion and belonging across the organization and in the communities we serve.

We invest in professional growth through ongoing training, mentorship, employee resource groups, and clear performance feedback, ensuring our employees are supported in achieving their career goals.

Stout provides flexible work schedules and a discretionary time off policy to promote work-life balance and help employees lead fulfilling lives.

Learn more about our benefits and commitment to your success.

https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Stout is an Equal Employment Opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of valid job requirements, qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law. 

Stout is required by applicable state and local laws to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The range for this role considers several factors including but not limited to prior work and industry experience, education level, and unique skills. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $145,000 - $175,000 Annual. This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan. Information about benefits can be found here - https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits.