Investment Banking Analyst
Vaco LLC
Durham, NC
Position: Investment Banking Analyst
Location: Durham, NC (Primarily in-office; flexible work-from-home as needed)
Industry: M&A Advisory
About the Role
We are seeking an Investment Banking Analyst to join a boutique M&A advisory firm specializing in sell-side transactions for privately held businesses. This is an exceptional opportunity for candidates with 2–3 years of experience in investment banking or public accounting (transaction advisory experience highly valued) who want to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. The role offers significant deal exposure, client interaction, and the potential for long-term growth within the firm.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to all phases of the M&A deal process as part of a lean, high-performing team.
- Develop detailed financial analyses and valuations for lower middle market companies.
- Conduct industry and company research to support transaction strategy.
- Prepare marketing materials and presentations for clients and prospective buyers.
- Build strong relationships with client management teams and maintain trust throughout the process.
- Identify potential issues during transactions and provide recommendations to senior team members.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
- 2–3 years of experience in investment banking or public accounting (transaction advisory experience strongly preferred).
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small team in a fast-paced environment.
- Interest in business development and client-facing work over time.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in M&A advisory or sell-side transactions.
- Exposure to financial modeling and valuation techniques.
- Desire to establish long-term roots in the Raleigh-Durham area.
Role Highlights
- Average workload of 50–60 hours per week (with flexibility to manage your schedule).
- Significant client-facing opportunities and mentorship from senior bankers.
- Competitive base salary plus strong bonus potential tied to individual and firm performance.
- Opportunity for long-term growth, including a potential partnership for the right candidate.
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan.
Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
EEO Notice
Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact
HR@vaco.com
.Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.
By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.
Privacy Notice
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.
- California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
- Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
- Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
- Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
- Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.
Pay Transparency Notice
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:
- the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;
- licensure and certification requirements;
- office location and other geographic considerations;
- other business and organizational needs.
With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.