Investment Banking Associate - Boutique Investment Bank - Los Angeles, CA

Christopher Whitney is working exclusively with a boutique investment bank providing strategic advisory and execution expertise to founder-led, sponsor-backed, and public companies across the media, entertainment, digital content, and broader communications ecosystem.Position OverviewWe are seeking an Investment Banking Associate to join the firm's Los Angeles office. The Associate will play a key role in supporting live transactions, business development initiatives, financial analysis, and client presentations. This role offers meaningful responsibility, direct exposure to senior bankers and clients, and the opportunity to work on a broad range of strategic and financial advisory assignments within the media sector.The ideal candidate combines strong technical skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in the evolving media landscape, including digital media, advertising, content, information services, and entertainment.Key ResponsibilitiesExecute a range of advisory assignments, including sell-side and buy-side M&A, capital raises, strategic alternatives reviews, and other corporate finance transactionsBuild and maintain detailed financial models, including operating models, valuation analyses, merger models, LBO analyses, and scenario analysesPrepare high-quality client materials, including pitch books, confidential information presentations, management presentations, board materials, and transaction marketing materialsConduct industry and company research across the media ecosystem, including market mapping, competitive analysis, buyer/investor screening, and trend analysisSupport transaction execution processes, including due diligence coordination, data room organization, buyer/investor communication, and process trackingDraft and review transaction documentation, including teasers, CIMs, management presentations, and other marketing materialsCoordinate with clients, counterparties, legal counsel, accountants, and other advisors throughout the transaction lifecycleAssist senior bankers with business development efforts, idea generation, and client relationship managementHelp mentor analysts and contribute to a collaborative, high-performance team environmentQualificationsMinimum of 2.5 years of direct M&A experienceFully competent with Excel, PowerPoint and WordStrong financial analytical skillsWell-presented and ability to communicate effectively and professionally as there will be significant client contactFINRA Series 79 License and Series 63 License or the ability to obtain bothBachelor’s degree required; concentration in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field preferred