2027 Private Equity Associate, Chicago

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Vista Campus Recruiting

2027 Private Equity Associate, Chicago

Level

Full Time

Location

Chicago, Illinois, US

Function

Private Equity

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Summary

Vista Equity Partners' Associate position provides an immersive, hands-on training in valuation, due diligence and deal execution, paired with direct exposure to portfolio company management. Associates learn firsthand how a software investor evaluates, and executes new opportunities, while gaining direct exposure to portfolio company management teams and Vista Value Creations operating models.

This Chicago-based Associate role will support either Vista's Flagship or Foundation strategy, each focused on investing in software companies at different stages of scale and growth. Candidates will indicate their fund preference(s) during the application process, and offers will be extended for a specific fund.

Associates join a structured class cohort with a formal training curriculum covering financial modeling, SaaS diligence frameworks, and deal execution, alongside senior mentorship from Vistas investment team.

The annualized base pay range for this role is expected to be between $120,000 - $150,000. The base pay is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other components may include an annual cash bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate prospective investment opportunities, including conducting due diligence, assessing key investment considerations and risks, and supporting the execution of new investments.
• Develop and maintain financial models to evaluate company performance, valuation, capital structure, and investment returns.
• Prepare financial analyses, investment recommendations, and materials for senior investment professionals and Investment Committee discussions.
• Support transaction execution across key workstreams, including diligence, structuring, financing, and closing.
• Monitor and evaluate portfolio company financial and operating performance, including key business drivers and performance against plan.
• Partner with portfolio company management teams and Vista colleagues on strategic and operational priorities focused on growth, profitability, capital allocation, and long-term value creation.
• Coordinate with portfolio company leadership, internal teams, and external advisors across investment and portfolio-related workstreams.
• Take ownership of key workstreams, managing timelines, deliverables, and coordination across stakeholders.
• Provide guidance and support to junior members of the investment team.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree completed in 2025 or earlier
• 2+ years of relevant experience in investment banking, private equity, growth equity, or a related field preferred, ideally with exposure to software or technology-enabled businesses
• Strong financial modeling skills, with familiarity in key SaaS or software business metrics a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including comfort preparing materials for senior stakeholders or investment committees
• Genuine interest in enterprise software markets and broader technology industry trends
• High level of personal and professional maturity, with a demonstrated ability to internalize feedback and improve through coaching
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a small, collaborative deal team
• Self-motivated with a high degree of initiative and accountability