Associate/Vice President, Investment Banking - ESOP Advisory

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:

The Stout ESOP Investment Banking Team is looking for an Associate to handle the day-to-day execution of ESOP Formation, Recapitalization, and Capital Markets transactions. Associates will work under the guidance of product bankers for various transaction and pitch assignments. Successful candidates will be highly technical, detail-oriented, and proficient in content creation and complex financial modeling.

Under the mentorship of seasoned Stout professionals, Associates at Stout will have the opportunity to develop a well-rounded investment banking skill set while gaining significant client exposure.

The ESOP Investment Banking team partners with successful family- and founder-owned businesses to evaluate the advantages of ESOP transactions alongside traditional sell-side options. As the sole financial advisor, we facilitate successful ESOP transactions, typically supported by capital raises led by Stout.

We collaborate with industry bankers and our capital markets team to identify ideal candidates for ESOP exits, often working with owners pursuing a dual-track approach of both ESOP and traditional transactions. Additionally, we assist large, successful companies with established ESOPs in recapitalizations with private capital providers, and support industry bankers in sell-side roles for ESOP-owned companies seeking exits to strategic buyers or private equity.

What You’ll Do:

• Create dynamic three-statement financial models, valuation models, and pro forma financial statements incorporating detailed transaction adjustments

• Prepare and deliver pitch materials for ESOP formations and recapitalizations, working in partnership with practice leaders throughout the firm and sector leaders within the investment bank to win and execute new mandates

• Attend client meetings and present complex deal aspects directly to company shareholders and Board members

• Perform extensive financial modeling, structuring, and negotiating of live ESOP transactions

• Launch transaction plan and manage day-to-day transaction execution activities, including up-to-date transaction timeline, information requests, data room oversight, financial model upkeep, CIM and Databook preparation, Board and Shareholder presentations, lender lists, funds flow, etc.

• Conduct due diligence sessions with clients

• Conduct quantitative, economic, and industry research

• Communicate with key stakeholders not limited to owners, shareholders, financial institutions, and market competitors

• Become SME of ESOP transaction ecosystem and feasibility

• Play key leadership role in all aspects of the transaction process

• Leverage AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies to enhance research, streamline deliverable preparation, and improve overall efficiency and insight

What You Bring:

• At least 3 years of experience in an investment banking environment with advanced technical skills

• ESOP experience and familiarity preferred but not required

• Ability to conduct valuation analyses, including Discounted Cash Flow, Leveraged Buyout, Comparable Companies, Precedent Transactions, and Sum-of-the-Parts required

• Ability to build diverse financial models from scratch required

• Experience working the end-to-end deal execution lifecycle

• Prior debt structuring and underwriting experience preferred but not required

• Bachelor’s degree required (Finance, Math, or Economics preferred but not required)

• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

• Familiarity with or interest in using AI tools and technology to enhance productivity, research, and analysis

• Strong communication skills, desire to learn, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

How You’ll Thrive:

• Take ownership of your work, exercise sound judgment, and deliver consistently high-quality results.

• Communicate clearly and respond promptly to clients, senior bankers, colleagues, and transaction participants.

• Build trusted relationships through preparation, responsiveness, and consistent execution.

• Invest in the development of junior team members while continuing to strengthen your own technical, sector, and client-facing capabilities.

• Embody Stout's core values by being Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Entrepreneurial, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and a Great Communicator.

• Deliver Relentless Excellence® through disciplined execution, strong client service, and a commitment to the quality of your work and the experience of your colleagues.

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.