2026 Summer Financial Analyst (Class of 2027) | Corporate Finance, Chicago Capital Markets
Houlihan Lokey
Business Unit:
Corporate FinanceIndustry:
CM - Capital Markets GroupOverview
Houlihan Lokey’s Private Capital Markets & Advisory team provides capital-raising services across industries and for various capital needs. We are the largest and most active capital raising and advisory team at a non-balance sheet bank, raising approximately $18bn across 80 closed transactions in the twelve months ending Sep-2024.
The team engages with a wide variety of clients, including private equity-backed companies, public, and, family and management-owned businesses. We achieve outlier results for our clients by leveraging direct relationships with various types of private market asset managers, including private credit funds, mezzanine debt and structured equity funds, pension funds, insurance companies, family offices and special situations investors. The group specializes in structure-agnostic capital solutions across the capital structure, including unitranche and second lien term loans, asset-backed facilities, and junior debt and minority equity instruments.
We are uniquely positioned to address our client’s most complex capital structure needs. The team has an unparalleled track record of delivering bespoke financing solutions for companies at various stages of the corporate lifecycle. We leverage deep industry expertise and real-time knowledge of / insight into viable private capital markets solutions based upon significant volume of recently-closed transactions and active deals in market. In a capital markets environment that is rapidly changing and increasingly complex, it is critical for clients to hire trusted advisors to help them optimize capital structure with tailored solutions.
Job Description
Private Capital Markets transaction processes involve similar stages to M&A deals, e.g. creating marketing materials (CIM, three-statement financial model), spearheading counterparty diligence, coordinating management meetings, and ultimately structuring/negotiating the financing to close. Summer Financial Analysts will gain valuable experience with respect to (i) technical proficiency in cash flow and three-statement modeling, (ii) organizational skills and experience running investor outreach processes, and (iii) superior understanding of capital structure and the private credit and private equity capital markets.
During the summer, candidates will work alongside full-time professionals on live deals across a variety of transaction types, including acquisition financing for leveraged buyouts, dividend recapitalizations, refinancings, growth capital and distressed and special situations.
Key features of the role include:
Significant experience with three-statement / cash flow modeling
Deep understanding of capital structure
Primarily raising capital for private equity-backed companies with complex capital structure needs
‘Structure agnostic’ – direct experience with a broad spectrum of flexible capital solutions that are available in today’s market
Industry agnostic approach provides exposure to various sectors and business models
Vast majority of time spent on live deals vs. pitching
Observe market outreach to diverse universe of private market investors to address client financing needs
Qualifications
Expected Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree with a graduation date between Dec-26 and Jun-27
Basic knowledge of accounting principles and a keen interest in finance
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong work ethic and leadership skills
Strong analytical and computer skills (Excel)
Ability to work cooperatively in a team-oriented environment
Salary Range
Houlihan Lokey is committed to providing its employees with an exciting career opportunity and competitive total compensation package. The firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible salary range for this role at the time of posting is:
$110,000.00Actual salary at the time of hire may vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant qualifications, skills, and experience and the location where this position may be filled.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.