Analyst, ESOP Consulting (Chicago, San Diego)

At Stout, we're dedicated to exceeding expectations in all we do - we call it Relentless Excellence . Both our client service and culture are second to none, stemming from our firmwide embrace of our core values: Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and being Great communicators. Sound like a place you can grow and succeed? Read on to learn more about an exciting opportunity to join our team.

Impact You'll Make

Stout's ESOP Consulting practice is hiring an Analyst to support our client engagements. ESOP Consulting sits within Stout's ESOP Advisory Group, working alongside our Valuation and Investment Banking teams to support ESOP-owned companies across their full lifecycle.

Our practice helps align a company's long-term financial health with the ESOP over a multi-decade horizon. We model and evaluate the various claims on capital, valuation, and operational trajectory, alongside ESOP objectives.

Successful candidates will be intellectually curious, highly technical, detail-oriented, and proficient in financial modeling and leveraging analytical tools.

What You'll Do

• Develop dynamic three-statement financial models, valuation models, and pro forma financial statements.

• Run scenario analysis showing how growth, capital deployment, and ESOP-specific choices trade off against liquidity, borrowing capacity, and other claims on capital.

• Manage engagement logistics, including the timeline, information requests, data room, and model upkeep, and presentations.

• Participate in client and key stakeholder meetings, providing substantive input on strategy and tradeoff evaluation across objectives and stakeholder outcomes.

• Use AI-tools and Python-based software to build and support key project workflows.

• Grow into subject-matter resource on ESOP consulting, sitting at the intersection of corporate finance, valuation, capital planning, and ERISA compliance.

Key Skills / Qualifications

• 0-2 years of relevant experience in financial analysis, private equity or investment banking

• ESOP experience and familiarity preferred, but not required

• BA/BS/MA/MS in Finance, Math, Accounting, Economics, Data Analytics, Computer Science, Liberal Arts, or a related discipline

• Strong academic record of at least a 3.0 or higher (preferred)

• Advance proficiency in Excel, VBA, Python, AI/LLM assisted analysis and workflow design

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with capacity to manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

• Strong analytical, verbal, technical and written skills with ability to interpret complex financial data and synthesize findings.

• Comfortable working through ambiguity and eager to help shape a growing practice.

• Superior communication and interpersonal skills.

• Must be eligible to work in the US, without employer sponsorship, at the time of hire and in the future.

How You'll Thrive:

• Demonstrate accountability and reliability by consistently delivering high-quality results and meeting expectations.

• Exhibit an entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of your work.

• Communicate effectively and respond promptly, ensuring clarity and alignment with stakeholders.

• Apply intellectual curiosity and analytical skills to make meaningful impact on our practice workflows and client deliverables.

• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients to balance competing objectives.

• Demonstrate analytical rigor and meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of the role.

• Leverage structured training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop professionally and achieve your long-term professional growth and career goals.

Why Stout?
At Stout, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program with competitive compensation, benefits, and wellness options tailored to support employees at every stage of life.

We foster a culture of inclusion and respect, embracing diverse perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and success. Our leadership is committed to inclusion and belonging across the organization and in the communities we serve.

We invest in professional growth through ongoing training, mentorship, employee resource groups, and clear performance feedback, ensuring our employees are supported in achieving their career goals.

Stout provides flexible work schedules and a discretionary time off policy to promote work-life balance and help employees lead fulfilling lives.

Learn more about our benefits and commitment to your success.

https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Stout is an Equal Employment Opportunity.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of valid job requirements, qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

Stout is required by applicable state and local laws to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The range for this role considers several factors including but not limited to prior work and industry experience, education level, and unique skills. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.