Senior Analyst, Corporate Strategy

San Diego, CA
Full Time
Mid Level
Ascent is a leading provider of innovative financial products and student support services that enable more students to access education and achieve academic and economic success. Everything Ascent offers is designed with the best-in-class teams and technology to increase every student's ability to plan, pay, and succeed in their education and career. Ascent's planning tools and financing resources are co-created by students for those in college, graduate school, and career training programs. Ascent offers financial wellness education, student success services, and one-on-one and digital career coaching that put students' academic and professional goals within reach. Ascent has been widely recognized for its strong culture – named “Best Places to Work” by the San Diego Business Journal for the past 5 years – and as an industry leader – named “Best Student Loan” by NerdWallet for the past 3 years.

The Senior Analyst, Corporate Strategy ("Senior Analyst") will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the company and report directly to the COO/CFO.  This individual will provide crucial analytical and strategic support across a variety of initiatives and be involved in high-level decision-making processes.  The role will focus on financial modeling, corporate strategy, capital markets and investor relations.  The Senior Analyst will be a key team member in support of Ascent’s overall corporate goals. He or she will work closely across departments on analyses to bring an integrated perspective. These areas will include Product, Marketing, Business Development, Finance, Capital Markets and Operations.

Responsibilities:
  • Provide strategic insight and recommendations on key business initiatives and assists in managing cross-functional projects and priorities.
  • Support debt and equity capital raises, including preparing presentations, due diligence materials, and coordinating with investors and external advisors.
  • Support capital markets initiatives, including building cash flow models, due diligence materials, and coordinating with investment banks, external advisors and investors.
  • Develop detailed financial models to evaluate future growth scenarios, funding needs and potential capital structures.
  • Conduct in-depth market analysis, identifying potential investment opportunities and strategic partnerships.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership on long-term corporate strategy, business development opportunities, and organizational growth initiatives.
  • Provide data-driven recommendations to support key strategic decisions, such as market expansion, product diversification or M&A activities.
  • Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes that could impact the strategic direction.
  • Assist with operational and financial planning and execution, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall strategy.
  • Analyze key performance metrics and identify areas for operational improvement and lead special projects that drive operational efficiency and business growth.
  • Conduct on-going competitive analyses and the research and development of new business ideas.

Education, Experience & Other Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s Degree required. Finance, economic, mathematics or other quantitative subject preferred. Master’s degree in an analytical subject a plus.
  • 3-5 years of analytics and financial service experience with a history a professional development; consumer loan industry a plus.
  • At least 2 years of experience in investment banking, corporate development, or in the financial technology industry.
  • Excellent skills in Microsoft Office Suite, in particular Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Proficiency in SQL preferred.
  • Excellent ability to communicate and present complex topics to senior management.
  • Ability to derive, execute and present on detailed business analysis that can drive high-level business decisions.
  • Ability to solve problems and resolve conflicts to achieve a positive outcome. Able to work independently in a team environment without close supervision. 
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills, as well as attentiveness to details and a commitment to follow up. Able to effectively manage several tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Willingness/ability to work late hours when faced with tight deadlines. 

Qualities we look for in our candidates:
  • An eagerness to learn and grow your skills. A drive to succeed, a sense of urgency, and a passion for the work. 
  • Self-starter with an upbeat attitude. 
  • All-around good team player who is approachable and dedicated to helping others succeed.

Competitive pay with bonus, and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but not limited to:
  • Compensation includes base salary of $90,000 - $120,000 commensurate with experience, plus bonus and options.
  • Company Stock Options
  • 401(k) + Company Match
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Annual HSA contribution of $1,600
  • Life insurance, disability, and critical illness
  • 14 Paid Holidays! Eleven (11) + Two (2) Community Days + Your Birthday!
  • Snacks and drinks in the office
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Generous paid leave policies
  • $2,000 Vacation Incentive Plan after 3 years + $1,000 Sabbatical Day
  • Wellness, Work from Home funds, and more!
 
 
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