Associate

Blue Ops is looking to add an Associate to our growing M&A team in Chicago.
This is a unique opportunity to work directly on private equity transactions and M&A engagements, supporting financial diligence, transaction analysis, and deal execution for private equity firms and their portfolio companies.
The Associate will play a key role in financial analysis, modeling, and diligence workstreams, working closely with experienced team members to support transaction insights and client deliverables.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support buy-side and sell-side financial due diligence engagements, including Quality of Earnings (QoE), EBITDA, and working capital analysis
• Build and maintain financial models and Excel-based analyses
• Analyze financial and operational data to identify transaction risks, trends, and value drivers
• Assist with data collection, organization, and financial profiling for diligence engagements
• Support preparation of client presentations and diligence reports
• Help manage engagement timelines and deliverables across deal teams
• Collaborate with internal team members and clients to support deal execution and transaction analysis
  

What We're Looking for:

• 1.5–4 years of experience in transaction advisory, financial diligence, consulting, investment banking, audit, or corporate finance
• Background from Big 4 or mid-tier accounting firms, consulting firms, or strong corporate finance programs preferred
• Strong financial statement analysis and financial modeling skills
• Advanced Excel proficiency
• Ability to analyze financial and operational data and communicate insights clearly
• Strong interest in M&A, private equity, and transaction advisory
  

Nice to have:

• Exposure to analytics tools or financial reporting technologies such as Power BI, Alteryx, or SQL
• CPA, CFA, or CMA (or progress toward certification)

Why Blue Ops?

• Direct exposure to private equity transactions
• Hands-on experience across the full M&A lifecycle
• Opportunity to work with PE firms and portfolio company leadership
• Fast-paced consulting environment with strong career development opportunities