Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) – Private Equity Principal

Key Responsibilities

• Driving measurable growth through self-originations, relationship development and expansion, referral generation related to TAS engagements.
• Act as an internal thought leader by sharing market trends, transaction insights, and emerging developments affecting private equity clients and portfolio companies.
• Expand GHJ’s visibility and reputation within the Private Equity community through networking, conferences, thought leadership, speaking engagements, and industry participation.
• Stay current on evolving Private Equity market dynamics, transaction trends, technology, operational priorities, and competitive developments.
• Lead Private Equity-sponsored financial due diligence and Quality of Earnings engagements.
• Collaborate closely with M&A Tax and other advisory teams related to tax diligence, structuring, and transaction execution.
• Advise clients throughout the transaction lifecycle, including diligence findings, working capital considerations, EBITDA adjustments, purchase agreement provisions, and key business risks.
• Support clients and deal teams in navigating diligence timelines, data requests, and transaction processes.
• Provide leadership and coaching to engagement teams on critical diligence areas, risk identification, and client communication.
• Deliver high-quality insights and recommendations that support negotiations, value creation, and transaction decision-making.
• Leverage technology and data analytics to improve efficiency, quality, and insight generation.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of TAS methodologies, processes, and best practices, in particular as it relates to Private Equity client needs and trends.

Key Success Metrics

• Originate and lead financial due diligence, generating$1 million+ in annual buy-side TAS revenue
• Develop meaningful relationships with target Private Equity sponsors
• Increase GHJ’s visibility within the middle-market Private Equity community
• Introduce portfolio company opportunities across multiple GHJ service lines
• Lead the development of a scalable Private Equity growth strategy for the firm

Private Equity Growth & Market Development

• Develop sponsor coverage plans for target Private Equity firms
• Cultivate relationships with Private Equity partners, operating partners, deal teams, investment bankers, lenders, attorneys, and other intermediaries.
• Build a repeatable referral ecosystem that generates transaction opportunities.
• Represent GHJ at industry conferences, sponsor gatherings, and industry associations.
• Participate in thought leadership initiatives focused on middle-market M&A and Private Equity trends.
• Coordinate strategic account planning across the firm.
• Partner with Audit, Tax, CAAS, CFO Advisory, and other service leaders to identify opportunities within sponsor and portfolio company relationships.
• Help develop a coordinated Private Equity go-to-market strategy across the firm.
• Facilitate introductions between Private Equity relationships and GHJ service line leaders.
• Identify opportunities for recurring services at both the fund and portfolio company levels.
• Serve as a catalyst for expanding GHJ's presence beyond transaction advisory services.

Leadership and Culture

• Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and growth-oriented culture within TAS and across the broader firm.
• Lead by example through humility, accountability, responsiveness, and professionalism.
• Mentor and develop team members by creating opportunities for learning, exposure, and career advancement.
• Help identify and develop future leaders within the Private Equity niche and TAS practice.
• Encourage an environment of curiosity, innovation, continuous improvement, and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Promote open communication, teamwork, and knowledge sharing across levels and service lines.
• Thrives in an entrepreneurial environment with the opportunity to shape strategy, influence growth, and build long-term market presence.
• Reinforce GHJ’s core values of Bright Minds, Brave Hearts, and Bold Actions through day-to-day leadership and decision-making.
• Support a culture that values flexibility, balance, inclusion, and long-term career development.
• Create an environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute ideas, challenge assumptions, and grow professionally.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong executive presence with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with clients, referral sources, and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop meaningful relationships and drive business development success.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and team-building capabilities.
• Ability to balance market-facing responsibilities with high-quality engagement execution.
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and operate effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Commitment to mentorship, coaching, and talent development.
• Demonstrated alignment with GHJ’s collaborative and people-first culture.
• Ability to lead with empathy, accountability, and integrity while maintaining high standards of excellence.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to originate transaction advisory engagements through direct relationships with middle-market Private Equity firms and transaction intermediaries.
• Existing network of Private Equity sponsors, investment bankers, lenders, attorneys, and other transaction professionals preferred.
• Demonstrated success in business development (self-directed), relationship management, and growth execution.
• Proven experience leading teams and developing talent in a growth-oriented environment.
• Experience collaborating across multiple service lines and driving cross-functional growth initiatives strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience leading or advising on Private Equity transaction advisory engagements.
• CPA or other relevant professional designations strongly preferred.