Associate (Contract)- Strategy, Corporate Finance, M&A Advisory

About Jeffrey Pine ConsultingJeffrey Pine Consulting is a rapidly growing boutique advisory firm that specializes in strategy, corporate finance and M&A advisory services. We work with founder- and family-owned businesses, delivering proven expertise with continuity across the business lifecycle.Our team members have led companies as CEOs and CFOs, and backed 80+ private businesses as investors. With backgrounds at firms like Goldman Sachs, Slalom, Blackstone, and NBCUniversal—we bring both financial acumen and operating experience to every client.About the RoleWe are seeking an exceptional Associate to join our team to play a key role in high-impact engagements with founder- and family-owned businesses. This early-career role combines analytical thinking, financial expertise, and client collaboration to help our clients navigate their most critical business decisions and transformative transactions across their entire business lifecycle.As an Associate, you will work alongside senior advisors, supporting business owners, CEOs, and their leadership teams. You'll contribute to engagements that address complex challenges to deliver sophisticated solutions including formulating growth strategies, optimizing operations, and executing M&A transactions. You will develop into a long-term partner who treats our clients' businesses like your own.Please note: At this time, we are only considering U.S.-based candidates for this position.Key ResponsibilitiesClient Engagement & DeliverySupport and execute on deliverables for multiple concurrent engagements across strategy, corporate finance, and M&A for small and mid-sized founder- and family-owned businessesAssist senior team members in managing client accounts, providing personalized service and hands-on support throughout every phase of a client’s business lifecycleCollaborate on creative, tailored solutions to unique business challenges while maintaining uncompromising integrity, and consistent communication with the engagement team Contribute to exceptional quality deliverables and outcomes that align with client objectivesCorporate FinanceApply financial and analytical rigor to help solve problems and surface opportunitiesBuild and maintain sophisticated financial modelsConduct unit economics analysis, customer retention analysis, and sales effectiveness studiesAssist with capital allocation decisions and forward planning with actionable insightsM&A AdvisoryHelp senior team members prepare for and execute strategic M&A opportunities, from tuck-ins to extraordinary liquidity eventsSupport both buy-side and sell-side M&A advisory engagements with rigorous attention to detailAssist senior team members in guiding clients through the entire transaction process — from valuation and CIM development through due diligence, negotiation, and closingSupport fundraising advisory services to finance growth plansContribute to smooth, efficient transaction processes while clients continue running their day-to-day businessesStrategy & OperationsPartner with senior-level team members to create sustainable strategies for our clients’ profitable growth, grounded in data and factsSupport growth strategy development for new products and markets, strategic reviews, and long-range planningHelp develop actionable strategic roadmaps that balance quick operational wins with longer-term prioritiesAssist senior team members in implementing strategic initiatives for clientsTeam & CultureCollaborate with team members to deliver exceptional client outcomesDevelop skills by working closely with senior advisors on client engagementsContribute to a collaborative culture focused on continuity, expertise, and long-term client partnershipsQualificationsRequired2-4 years of progressive experience in strategy consulting, investment banking, corporate development, private equity, or a related fieldStrong foundation in financial modeling, valuation, unit economics, and corporate finance principlesExposure to or experience supporting M&A transactionsExceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skillsAbility to develop trusted client relationships grounded in integrity and resultsPreferredExperience at a top-tier strategy consulting firm, investment bank, or private equity firmFamiliarity with founder-led or family-owned businesses and an understanding of their distinct challengesExposure to the business lifecycle — from growth-stage strategy through mature company transformations and exitsExperience contributing to proposal development to support pursuits of new business opportunitiesIndustry knowledge in sectors relevant to founder- and family-owned businessesLocation in Southern California or the DMV area (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia)What Makes This Role DifferentContinuity Across the Business Lifecycle You won't parachute in for a single client project and move on. You'll grow alongside senior team members and clients, building relationships across multiple engagements. Focus on Founder- and Family-Owned Businesses You'll work exclusively with a traditionally underserved segment of the market, developing deep expertise in the unique opportunities and challenges they face.Long-term Partnership Model You'll contribute meaningfully to client engagements, developing skills across strategy, finance, and M&A faster than you would in a larger firm.What We OfferA collaborative culture built on core values of integrity, respect, client centricity, and execution excellenceWe pursue client engagements that make a double bottom-line (financial and societal) impact where possibleOpportunity to work as a practitioner, not just an Associate, with businesses that value continuity and qualityOpportunity to make impactful contributions at a fast-growing boutique firm where personalized service and hands-on guidance define our approachCollaborative, entrepreneurial culture with significant autonomy Direct impact on the professionalization of entrepreneurial, double bottom line businesses delivering commercial results and social impact.Competitive compensation including bonus potentialContract to full-time hire pathway Flexible work arrangements that respect work-life balance