Associate

Blue Ops is a leading M&A consulting firm specializing in value creation, due diligence, and analytics. With a team of 70+ professionals across four offices, we support 120+ deals annually, partnering with a select group of investment banks, premier middle-market private equity firms, and their portfolio companies.

THE ROLE

We are looking to strengthen our M&A team in Chicago with an Associate.

This is a unique and dynamic opportunity in a multi-faceted, growing business. The Associate will be responsible for providing transaction-focused financial analysis, modeling, and diligence support across M&A client engagements. This position will also serve as a consultant and liaison to clients on deal-related system, data, and reporting initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead data collection, organization, and financial profiling for M&A and diligence engagements


• Manage Analyst resources on execution teams


• Support buy-side and sell-side financial due diligence, including QoE, EBITDA, and working capital analysis


• Lead work product timeline execution (monitoring, tracking, delivery)


• Support the implementation of deal-related financial and reporting processes with clients


• Analyze operational and financial data to provide insights into transaction risks and value drivers


• Lead preparation and delivery of client presentations regarding diligence findings, performance, and recommendations


• Assist on transaction models, internal acquisitions, and deal execution support

WHAT IT TAKES

Blue Ops is a scaling company in the consulting and tech space. We’re an elite group of problem-solvers, strategic thinkers, and trusted partners who thrive in the fast-moving M&A and Private Equity environment. We care deeply about results and teamwork, and we are eager to get our hands dirty.

Important competencies include:

• Ability to communicate across internal teams and external stakeholders, including C-suite executives and PE sponsors


• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to use data and financial analysis to drive client value


• Capable of multi-tasking across multiple deal workstreams


• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous transaction environments


• Communicates effectively with colleagues 2–3 levels up/down and across disciplines


• Contributes to a collaborative, high-performing team culture


• Strong client-first mindset

WHAT YOUR RESUME SHOWS

While we value skills and experience, we care just as much about a strong can-do attitude, resilience, and a passion for learning and building.

Successful candidates typically bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance


• 2–3 years of experience in transaction advisory, financial diligence, investment banking, audit, or corporate finance


• CPA, CFA, or CMA preferred


• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and financial analysis tools (e.g., Power Platform, Alteryx)


• Strong financial statement analysis, modeling, and diligence fundamentals

THE PACKAGE

In addition to a competitive base salary and bonus target, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package.