Associate Director - Diligence

Overview

This role performs financial due diligence, field examinations, and specified procedures for companies that have, or are seeking, asset-based financing, as well as for targets of proposed M&A transactions. The position involves analyzing financial and operational information, evaluating controls, and inspecting inventory and facilities across retail, wholesale, and manufacturing businesses.

Responsibilities

• Conduct management interviews.
• Analyze accounts receivable, inventory, trade payables, and other relevant financial and operational information.
• Evaluate receivables and inventory controls.
• Inspect inventory and facilities across retail, wholesale, and manufacturing operations.
• Prepare clear, professional written reports and participate in discussions with clients, lenders, and other advisors.
• Work with experienced professionals and take on increasing responsibility based on experience and performance.
• Support multiple projects and priorities while maintaining high-quality work product.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; an accounting degree or CPA credential is preferred.
• Two to ten years of experience in financial analysis, accounting, audit, transaction advisory, commercial lending, or a related field (title and level will be commensurate with experience).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; strong proficiency in Word and PowerPoint; experience with other data-analysis tools is preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong foundational knowledge of accounting principles and financial statements.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrated integrity, sound ethical judgment, and commitment to doing the right thing.
• Ability to think quickly, exercise sound judgment, and respond effectively to unexpected issues.
• Ability to work effectively under time constraints and meet demanding deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across project teams, functions, and levels of seniority.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Experience in manufacturing, retail, transaction services, commercial lending, public accounting, or a related industry is preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 50%, primarily within North America, with periodic international travel.

Preferred Qualifications (Additional Requirements for Experienced Candidates)

• Ability to lead project teams, coordinate workstreams, and maintain accountability for quality and deadlines.
• Ability to move comfortably between strategic, big-picture problem solving and detailed analysis.
• Ability to identify and analyze critical details while maintaining a clear understanding of the broader transaction and client objectives.
• Ability to balance multiple projects and priorities without compromising quality.
• Ability to interact professionally with senior management at client companies and gather sensitive, confidential, and judgment-based information with discretion.
• Ability to communicate complex findings clearly and professionally in written reports and discussions.
• Ability to leverage technology to improve efficiency, consistency, and quality.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and support the development of less experienced staff.
• Ability to manage difficult or sensitive client situations successfully, exercising sound judgment and a high degree of professionalism.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual base salary gross: $XXX,XXX-XXX,XXX.
• Bonus and long-term incentives.
• Health insurance; accident and life insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• 401(k) plans.
• Medical and dental plans; vision coverage.
• Disability and life insurance.
• A robust suite of personal well-being benefits to support mental health.

Location

• Based in Northbrook, Illinois.
• Travel up to 50%, primarily within North America, with periodic international travel.

Equal Opportunity

Qualified candidates will be considered on merits and without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, gender, veteran, or disability status.