Investment Banking Associate / Vice President - M&A Generalist - Leading Independent Investment Bank

Role overview

An established independent corporate advisory firm in Melbourne is seeking an experienced investment banking or corporate advisory professional to step into a broader, more visible role. The team advises founders, boards, private equity sponsors, family offices, entrepreneurs and major corporates on complex mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and strategic transactions.

The business is known for high-calibre advice, direct access to senior leaders and a practical, hands-on style of execution. With a strong flow of live mandates and ongoing expansion, they are hiring an Associate II/III or an early-stage Vice President who is ready to take on greater responsibility and client exposure.

This opportunity suits someone who wants to move beyond back-end execution support and become more commercially involved, working closely with senior bankers, clients and decision-makers across the entire transaction lifecycle.

What you will do

In this position, you will be a key contributor across active transactions, business development support, client interaction and junior team oversight.

• Take ownership of major workstreams across M&A, capital raisings, strategic advisory and broader corporate finance assignments.
• Develop, assess and supervise financial models, valuation work, scenario analysis and transaction structuring.
• Draft and refine pitch books, information memoranda, board papers, management presentations and transaction-related documents.
• Run due diligence coordination, monitor timelines, flag key issues and ensure delivery standards remain high.
• Engage directly with clients, participate in meetings, support senior bankers and help maintain communication across transactions.
• Lead, review and support Analysts and junior Associates while building their technical and commercial capability.
• Assist with market mapping, sector research, strategic ideation, pitch development and new business activity.

What the firm is looking for

The ideal candidate will bring a strong advisory background and the confidence to operate in a lean, high-performing environment.

• Four to eight years of experience in investment banking, corporate advisory, M&A, transaction services, valuations, private equity or a similar field.
• Demonstrated strength in financial modelling, valuation and transaction execution.
• Hands-on experience creating polished client-facing materials such as pitch books, information memoranda, board papers and deal documentation.
• Ability to manage several workstreams at once, coordinate stakeholders and keep transactions progressing under pressure.
• Strong commercial thinking, attention to detail and the ability to see beyond the numbers.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to work with clients and senior stakeholders.
• Experience checking junior team output and helping others improve their work.
• Strong interest in M&A, capital markets, business strategy and corporate advisory.
• A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Commerce, Economics, Law or a closely related discipline.

Why this role is attractive

• You will be expected to take ownership and play a visible role in transactions rather than remaining behind the scenes.
• You will work alongside experienced advisers with strong networks across corporates, private capital, family offices and entrepreneurs.
• You will advise sophisticated clients on meaningful transactions, strategic choices and capital events.
• You will join an entrepreneurial, agile and well-respected firm.
• You will gain the client exposure, commercial judgement and execution experience needed to progress into more senior advisory roles.
• You will be part of a close-knit, high-performance team that values quality, accountability, commercial thinking and long-term relationships.
• A competitive base salary and performance-linked bonus are offered, based on experience.

Application note

Applicants are invited to be considered for a confidential recruitment process. This role is intended for a high-performing Associate or early-stage Vice President seeking a more senior, client-facing position within a leading independent advisory firm.

Compensation

Salary is not specified as a fixed figure. The package includes a competitive base salary plus a performance-based bonus, with overall remuneration depending on experience.