Associate Director, M&A

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Associate Director, M&A based in Canada.

This is a high-impact M&A role supporting the full acquisition lifecycle for a global portfolio of vertical-market software businesses. You will work closely with senior leadership while gaining increasing ownership of transactions from initial target identification through closing. The role combines financial modelling, valuation, commercial assessment, due diligence, and relationship management. You will engage directly with business owners, senior executives, investment bankers, lawyers, accountants, and other transaction stakeholders. The environment is entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and highly analytical, with significant exposure to mid-market transactions. As your experience develops, you will have the opportunity to independently lead acquisitions and take on broader leadership responsibilities. This is an excellent opportunity for a high-performing finance professional looking to build a long-term career in M&A and technology investing.

Accountabilities: Support the Vice President of M&A across the complete transaction lifecycle, with a clear path toward independently leading acquisitions from origination through closing.

Identify and qualify potential acquisition targets by assessing strategic fit, deal probability, business quality, and early information provided by owners and senior executives.

Conduct detailed financial analysis of target companies, reviewing financial statements and underlying data to identify trends, assess performance, and evaluate business strength.

Build sophisticated financial models in Excel to analyze transaction economics, forecast performance, and determine appropriate valuation ranges.

Support valuation and investment analysis by translating financial, operational, and market information into actionable transaction insights.

Coordinate and facilitate due diligence activities across multiple internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring processes remain organized and on schedule.

Build and maintain strong relationships with acquisition targets and key decision-makers throughout the transaction process.

Prepare clear reports, analyses, presentations, and other materials for senior leadership and transaction stakeholders.

Manage multiple transactions, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-moving environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy and professionalism.

Contribute to the broader M&A strategy by applying sound commercial judgment and identifying opportunities that align with the organization's acquisition approach.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of progressive professional experience in a top-tier accounting, capital advisory, investment banking, management consulting, transaction services, and/or private equity environment.

Approximately 2–3 years of mid-market transaction experience , with demonstrated exposure to executing deals.

Experience working with small, owner-managed businesses as clients or acquisition targets.

Buy-side M&A experience is advantageous but not mandatory.

CPA/CA, CFA, and/or MBA credentials are considered assets.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint , with exceptional financial modelling capabilities.

Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail, particularly when evaluating financial statements, business performance, and transaction data.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality reports, conduct research, and communicate complex findings clearly.

Strong relationship-management abilities and the confidence to interact professionally with senior executives, business owners, investment bankers, lawyers, accountants, and other stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, work under tight deadlines, and maintain high-quality output in a fast-paced environment.

Strong commercial judgment, business acumen, initiative, and a high level of personal drive.

Willingness and flexibility to work variable hours and travel when required to support transaction closings.

Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment while progressively taking ownership of complex M&A processes.

The role is based in Toronto , with an expectation of working onsite approximately 2–3 days per week .

Benefits

Base salary: CAD $126,000–$154,000 per year for eligible positions in Ontario and British Columbia.

Compensation may vary based on work location, professional experience, expertise, and other job-related factors.

Opportunity to gain end-to-end exposure to M&A transactions , from target identification through closing.

Increasing opportunity to independently lead acquisition processes as experience and performance develop.

Direct exposure to senior executives, business owners, advisors, and other high-level transaction stakeholders.

Opportunity to develop advanced expertise in financial modelling, valuation, due diligence, and transaction execution.

Career development potential within a growing global technology and investment environment.

Inclusive and diverse workplace committed to equal employment opportunity.

Reasonable workplace accommodations available for candidates with disabilities throughout the application process.

Hybrid working arrangement in Toronto, with onsite collaboration approximately 2–3 days per week.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1