Financial Analyst, M&A & Strategy

Ascend Learning is a national leader in data driven, online educational solutions for learners, educators and employers in high-growth, licensure-driven professions spanning healthcare, fitness and wellness, skilled trades, insurance and financial services. We are passionate about accelerating learning while impacting job readiness, employment success and employee retention with the belief that our work changes lives.

Our culture is intentionally results-driven and selfless with a relentless focus on our customers. We believe in trust, transparency, freedom and responsibility with a commitment to meritocracy, inclusion and diversity of thought. Continual investment in our over 1400 employees is also a core principle realized through ongoing professional development and providing opportunities to grow, develop and lead. Ascend Learning is headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and remote workers in cities across the U.S. and in the U.K.

Job Overview:

Ascend Learning is currently hiring a Financial Analyst, M&A & Strategy with a strong background in finance or accounting with a desire to be an integral part of strategic M&A transactions. The Finance Analyst, M&A will report directly to our Finance Director, M&A & Strategy and be located at our corporate office in Burlington, MA on a hybrid work basis. The Finance Analyst plays a key role within the company and will act in both an operational and strategic manner.

The Financial Analyst, M&A will assist in the financial analysis, planning, and execution of M&A and business development transactions and participate in key strategic planning activities. The candidate will develop strong partnerships with the CFO, M&A Leader, CEO and other key SLT members in addition to integrating with the Controller and Corporate FP&A leader to support the acquisitions process. They will also have significant exposure to business leaders across Ascend. This role offers the candidate a unique opportunity to work in a private equity setting and have significant interaction with key shareholders at Blackstone and The Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board. The ideal candidate will have a strong finance or accounting background and be interested in transactions as well as key strategic projects.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the evaluation, assessment and value quantification of M&A, investment and business development opportunities - Help prepare business cases, build financial models, and highlight financial/operational/strategic risks and opportunities.
• Provide robust quantitative analysis in support of negotiations and deal execution - scenario and sensitivity analysis, discounted cash flow, accretion/dilution analysis, comparable company, and precedent acquisition analyses.
• Assist in financial due diligence efforts in partnership with Finance Director, M&A, Controller, FP&A leader and other key finance team members.
• Assist in developing executive-level materials for CFO, Corporate Development and other senior executives.
• Assist in quantitative analysis to provide proactive insight into business drivers and financial forecasts and results.
• Build strong knowledge of Ascend's business through constant communication with partners across finance and corporate strategy.
• Support internal cross-functional deals team towards successful evaluation, analysis, execution, and integration of targets and partners.

Education & Experience:

• 2+ years of previous public accounting, corporate finance, corporate development, or other relevant business experience
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• Strong quantitative skills, financial acumen, financial modeling, and accounting comprehension
• Demonstrated ability to participate in M&A due diligence activities
• Demonstrated ability to interface with multi-disciplinary teams and senior leadership

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Outstanding ability to analyze and articulate complex sets of metrics into a clear written analysis
• Advanced expertise with Excel and PowerPoint

Other Requirements:

• Hybrid work approach

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer(M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S. based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

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