First Student, Inc.
• $70K — $95K *Qualifications
Responsibilities
Benefits
The M&A Associate is a key member of theFirst Student M&Ateam responsible for supporting the evaluation, execution, and integration of mergers, acquisitions, strategic investments, and other growth initiatives. The role provides analytical and project management support throughout the transaction lifecycle, including target screening, financial modeling, valuation analysis, due diligence coordination, data room management, transaction execution, and post-signing integration planning.
Working closely withFirst Studentleadership and cross-functional stakeholders, the Associate will help assess acquisition opportunities, develop investment recommendations, manage transaction processes, and support strategic growth initiatives. This role is designed for a highly analytical professional seeking broad exposure to mergers and acquisitions within a dynamic corporate environment.
Scope & Responsibilities Summary
The M&A Associate will support multiple acquisition opportunities simultaneously and serve as a central coordinator for transaction-related analyses, diligence activities, and reporting. The role requires strong financial acumen, attention to detail, and the ability to managelarge amountsof information acrossnumerousactive projects.
Primary areas of responsibility include:
Financial modeling, valuation analysis, and investment return assessment.
Acquisitiontarget research, screening, and strategic evaluation.
Duediligence coordination and management across internal workstreams.
Data room administration and transaction document management.
Executive reporting, presentation development, and investment memoranda preparation.
Pipeline management, market intelligence, and transaction tracking.
Integration planning support and transaction readiness activities.
Specific Job Responsibilities
Financial Analysis & Valuation
Build andmaintaindetailed financial models supporting acquisition and investment evaluations.
Perform valuation analyses using various methodologies including discounted cash flow, precedent transactions, and comparable company analyses.
Analyze historical and projected financial performance of acquisition targets.
Evaluate transaction returns, investment risks, and strategic benefits.
Develop sensitivity analyses and scenario modeling to support investment decisions.
Due Diligence & Transaction Execution
Coordinate diligence activities among Finance, Operations, Human Resources, Fleet, Safety, Risk Management, IT, Legal, and other functional teams.
Manage diligence request lists, information flow, and transaction timelines.
Review financial statements, contracts, operating metrics, customer data, fleet information, and other diligence materials.
Organize,maintain, and administer virtual data rooms.
Track diligence findings, risks, and action items through transaction closing.
Research & Market Analysis
Conduct industry, competitor, and market research toidentifypotential acquisition opportunities and strategic trends.
Assistwithacquisitiontarget identification and prioritization efforts.
Maintain databases of acquisition targets, market intelligence, and transaction activity.
Support strategic planning initiatives through research and analysis.
Reporting & Executive Communications
Prepare investment committee materials, executive summaries, and transaction presentations.
Develop reports trackingacquisitionpipeline activity and transaction status.
Assistin preparing recommendations for senior leadershipregardingacquisition opportunities.
Supportdevelopmentof annual strategic planning materials and growth analyses.
Process & Project Management
Manage transaction documentation andmaintainorganized deal files.
Coordinate project plans and timelines across multiple active transactions.
Monitor transaction milestones and ensuretimelycompletion of key deliverables.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to acquisition and diligence processes.
Assistwith integration planning activities tofacilitatesuccessful transaction handoffs.
Key Selection Criteria
Education & Experience
Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, ora relatedfield.
2 65 years of experience in investment banking, transaction advisory, valuation services, public accounting, corporate development, private equity, or management consulting.
Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, strategic investments, or corporate finance transactions preferred.
MBA, CPA, CFA, or progress toward a professional designation is considered a plus.
Technical Competencies
Strong financial modeling and valuation skills.
Ability to analyze financial statements, operating metrics, and business performance indicators.
Advanced Microsoft Excelproficiencyincluding financial modeling, pivot tables, lookup functions, scenario analysis, and data manipulation.
Strong PowerPoint and presentation development capabilities.
Experience managing large datasets and organizing complex information.
Familiarity with CRM systems, virtual data rooms, and transaction management software preferred.
Business Competencies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to synthesizelarge amountsof information into concise conclusions and recommendations.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Personal & Professional Attributes
The successful candidate willdemonstrate:
Intellectual Curiosity
Naturally inquisitive with a desire to understand businesses, industries, and market dynamics.
Proactively seeks information and continuously developsexpertise.
Analytical Rigor
Approaches problems logically and methodically.
Uses data and financial analysis to support conclusions and recommendations.
Accountability
Takesownership of assigned responsibilities and consistently delivers high-quality work.
Demonstrates reliability and follow-through in a fast-paced environment.
Collaboration
Works effectively across functions and builds strong working relationships.
Communicates professionally and respectfully with stakeholders at all levels.
Professionalism
Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information appropriately.
Demonstrates maturity, sound judgment, and strong business ethics.
Continuous Improvement Mindset
Identifiesopportunities to improve processes and increase efficiency.
Adaptsquickly to changing priorities and evolving business needs.
Travel Requirements
Willingness to travel up to 15 620% of the time to support acquisition diligence, site visits, integration planning activities, and team meetings.
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