Human Resources M&A Senior Associate

RSM•Chicago, IL

13d

About The Position

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM. The Deals Human Resources Advisory Senior will support clients who are contemplating or have completed a transaction by assessing human capital risks and opportunities during mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions. This role involves analyzing HR operations, compliance, compensation structures, and workforce dynamics to provide actionable insights that align with deal objectives and integration strategies. This role may also support executing the separation, stand up or integration of the human resource function after a transaction.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
Experience: Minimum of 3 years of HR experience, preferably in consulting, M&A/transaction advisory or HR operations.
Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
Familiarity with HR compliance, compensation structures, and HRIS systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Business acumen and understanding of HR’s role in value creation.
Ability to interpret complex HR data and translate into actionable insights.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft office products, especially Excel and PowerPoint
Collaborative mindset and client-service orientation.
Desire and ability to leverage artificial intelligence to expedite business processes and aid in advising clients.

Nice To Haves

Certifications (Preferred): SHRM-CP or PHR certification.

Responsibilities

HR Due Diligence Execution Perform comprehensive reviews of HR operations, HR compliance, organizational design, talent management, and compensation and benefits programs and design models.
Evaluate compliance with employment laws, data privacy regulations, and workplace safety standards across multiple jurisdictions.
Analyze compensation and benefits programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans (defined benefit, defined contribution, and non-qualified plans) incentive plans, severance, and retention agreements.
Assess HR technology platforms (HRIS/HCM) for scalability, integration readiness, and optimization opportunities.
Risk Identification & Reporting Identify legal, regulatory, and operational risks impacting transaction value.
Prepare diligence reports summarizing findings, risks, and recommendations for deal structuring and integration planning.
Stakeholder Engagement Collaborate with diligence team and client teams to gather data and clarify requirements.
Communicate findings clearly and professionally in written reports and client meetings.
Human Resource Advisory Provide insights to accelerate Day 1 readiness and integration strategies.
Support development of workforce planning and HR synergy opportunities.
Support establishment of human resource function for entities formed through carve-out transactions

Benefits

At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people.
We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients.
Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits .
All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership.
RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at careers@rsmus.com .
RSM does not intend to hire entry level candidates who will require sponsorship now OR in the future (i.e. F-1 visa holders).
If you are a recent U.S. college / university graduate possessing 1-2 years of progressive and relevant work experience in a same or similar role to the one for which you are applying, excluding internships, you may be eligible for hire as an experienced associate.
RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records.
For those living in California or applying to a position in California, please click here for additional information.
At RSM, an employee’s pay at any point in their career is intended to reflect their experiences, performance, and skills for their current role.
The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, education, skills, work experience, certifications, location, etc.
As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.
Compensation Range: $81,400 - $153,500
Individuals selected for this role will be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on firm and individual performance.