Acquisition Analysis Associate

Acquisition Analysis Associate (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 Acquisition Analysis Associate description represents the type of early-career acquisition and transaction-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 investment and M&A 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, corporate development teams, family offices, and acquisitive platforms within our network may seek analytically strong Acquisition Analysis Associates to support end-to-end acquisition evaluation and execution.

Individuals in roles like this focus on underwriting potential acquisitions, assessing strategic and financial fit, supporting diligence, and helping investment teams make informed capital allocation decisions.

The environment is typically lean and deal-driven, offering meaningful exposure to transaction execution and senior decision-makers.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Acquisition Evaluation & Financial Modeling

• Build and maintain acquisition-focused financial models, including operating models, accretion/dilution analyses, DCFs, and LBOs

• Analyze transaction structures, purchase price assumptions, and financing scenarios

• Evaluate returns, downside cases, and sensitivity analyses

• Support valuation analysis using comparable companies, precedent transactions, and intrinsic methods

Due Diligence & Transaction Support

• Support diligence across financial, commercial, operational, and legal workstreams

• Analyze historical financials, KPIs, customer concentration, and unit economics

• Identify key risks, synergies, and value-creation opportunities

• Coordinate with internal teams and external advisors during live transactions

Strategic & Market Analysis

• Conduct industry, market, and competitive research to assess acquisition attractiveness

• Evaluate strategic fit with existing platforms or portfolio companies

• Support development of acquisition rationales and integration considerations

Investment Committee & Decision Support

• Draft acquisition memos and presentation materials

• Summarize diligence findings and transaction economics

• Present data-backed recommendations on deal viability, risks, and upside potential

Portfolio & Add-On Acquisition Support

• Support bolt-on acquisition analysis and integration planning

• Assist portfolio companies with acquisition modeling and post-close tracking

• Contribute to refinancing, recapitalization, and exit-related analyses

What Makes This Work Engaging

• Direct exposure to live M&A and acquisition processes

• Hands-on involvement in high-impact investment decisions

• Accelerated learning in transaction structuring, valuation, and diligence

• Close collaboration with senior investors, operators, and advisors

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

• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills

• Strong understanding of accounting, valuation, and M&A fundamentals

Experience (Formal or Informal)

• Prior internships or experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, transaction advisory, or consulting is beneficial

• Demonstrated interest in acquisitions, M&A, or transaction analysis

• Experience analyzing financial statements and transaction structures

Soft Skills & Mindset

• Strong ownership mentality and attention to detail

• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations

• Clear written and verbal communication skills

• Comfort working in fast-paced, deadline-driven deal environments

• Coachability, curiosity, and willingness to learn quickly

How Career Launch AI Helps Candidates Access Roles Like This

Career Launch AI is a career acceleration platform supporting candidates pursuing competitive finance and M&A roles.

AI-Powered Job Search Automation

• Automated applications to a large volume of relevant roles with tailored resumes

• Targeted search across private equity, corporate development, investment banking, and acquisition-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 M&A case studies, acquisition modeling, and diligence questions

• 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