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Investment Banking Principal/VP

Fifth Third Bank · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Walk me through a transaction you led execution on, from kickoff to close.

What they are checking: Whether they have truly run processes rather than supported someone else who did.

Tell me about a time a deal fell apart. What did you do in the moment, and what did you learn?

What they are checking: Whether they handle setbacks with judgment and take lessons forward.

How do you develop analysts and associates while still meeting tight deadlines?

What they are checking: Whether they invest in people, which the posting names as part of the role.

What part of being a VP do you find hardest, and how have you worked on it?

What they are checking: Honest self-awareness about the step from doing the work to leading it.

What would you do

How do you decide what goes into a pitch book for a first meeting with a CEO?

What they are checking: Whether they focus a pitch on the client's situation and a clear idea rather than generic credentials.

Two MDs both want your best analyst on their deal this week. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage competing priorities upward and allocate people fairly.

A buyer asks for exclusivity early in a sale process. How do you advise the seller?

What they are checking: Whether they protect competitive tension while weighing the certainty a committed buyer offers.

How do you keep strong relationships with clients after a deal closes?

What they are checking: Whether they see coverage as long-term relationship building that leads to the next mandate.

About the work

What's your approach to reviewing an associate's LBO or merger model before it goes to an MD?

What they are checking: Whether they know where models usually break and check the logic, not just the formatting.

How would you explain to a client why their business may trade below a competitor's multiple?

What they are checking: Whether they understand drivers like growth, margins, scale, and customer concentration, and can deliver hard news.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Fifth Third Bank.

Make banking a Fifth Third better® We connect great people to great opportunities. Are you ready to take the next step? Discover a career in banking at Fifth Third Bank. ABOUT THE ROLE: Provide leadership in the pitching and execution of CIB transactions while providing support to the Managing Directors in the day to day management of the team's Associates and Analysts to ensure that junior resources are allocated appropriately across the groups projects and that the high-priority projects are getting the appropriate attention. The Principal will play a leadership role in the oversight of the groups modeling and analytical capabilities with limited supervision will be responsible for ensuring that the team is creating and delivering high-quality analysis and materials. The Principal will be the point person in creating high-impact pitch materials and will run the execution processes for transactions. The Principal may be responsible for direct day to day supervision of Associates and Analysts, providing employees timely, candid and constructive performance feedback; developing employees to their fullest potential and providing challenging opportunities that enhance employee career growth; identifying and developing appropriate talent pool to ensure adequate bench strength and succession planning; recognizing and rewarding employees for accomplishments. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES: The responsibilities for this role are below; you may support projects of varying complexity based on skill and organizational priorities. • Understand and evaluate complex financial models. • Perform complex financial analysis. • Create high-impact presentation materials using PowerPoint, Excel, Word and other relevant software programs. • Work well as part of a team in a high stress environment. • Develop good working relationships with peers and senior bankers in Corporate & Investment Bank and the rest of the organization. • Manage priorities while working on a number of high priority opportunities simultaneously. • Apply a strong background in credit and corporate finace to CIB transactions. • Serve as support to senior bankers and be capable of making internal and external presentations to support the efforts of the Managing Directors on the team. • Interact independently with all important constituencies in the course of executing and closing transactions. • Ensure adherence to risk, compliance, confidentiality, and information barrier requirements across all workstreams. • Other Duties: Performing other duties as assigned, adapting to new tasks or shifts in priorities as necessary to support your team’s and the company’s mission. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; MBA or relevant advanced degree/certification (e.g., CFA) strongly preferred but not required. • 7-10 years of total M&A investment banking experience, including prior Associate-level responsibilities. • Proven track record of success in working as a part of a team to originate, and close complex financial transactions. • Excellent presentation skills, both oral and written. • Strong relationship building skills. • Strong Credit Skills • The ability to interact effectively with senior executives inside and outside our organization. • Expertise in one or more industries. • Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 79, and Series 63 licenses (or ability to maintain/obtain within company policy). • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. REQUIRED SKILLS: • Expertise in reviewing complex financial models and valuation work product; ability to translate analytical and credit findings into actionable recommendations. • Strong client-facing communication skills; capable of leading portions of meetings, managing expectations, and delivering concise updates. • Deep familiarity with legal documentation, diligence scopes, and transaction processes; adept at navigating issues and driving resolution. • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality; sets standards for accuracy, consistency, and presentation. • Demonstrated ability to develop and mentor junior talent and to foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture. • Fluency with financial databases and platforms (e.g., Bloomberg, Capital IQ). SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: • Successful candidates will demonstrate a higher degree of proficiency (typically from 5-7 years of practical experience or advanced academic exposure) across the following areas: • Execution Leadership: Anticipate roadblocks, manage critical paths, and ensure on-time, on-quality delivery across complex engagements. • Client Impact: Elevate client dialogue with insights on valuation, credit, process strategy, and market dynamics. • Commercial Acumen: Support origination with idea generation and by identifying cross-sell opportunities across the platform. • Team Building: Develop junior talent through structured feedback, training moments, and role-modeling of best practices. • Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate operational, reputational, and compliance risks. DOING THE RIGHT THING: Our employees take pride in doing the right thing for customers and colleagues as well as being accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and following policies and procedures that protect all our valuable assets —including you ​ . Investment Banking Principal/VP At Fifth Third, we understand the importance of recognizing our employees for the role they play in improving the lives of our customers, communities and each other. Our Total Rewards include comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation offerings to give each employee the opportunity to be their best every day. Compensation for this position is largely incentive-based. Incentive compensation is combined with either a base salary or a draw to determine total cash compensation, and incentive compensation is based upon company, line of business and/or individual performance. More information can be obtained upon request. Our extensive benefits programs are designed to support the individual needs of our employees and their families, encompassing physical, financial, emotional and social well-being. You can learn more about those programs on our 53.com Careers page at: https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/careers/benefits.html or by consulting with your talent acquisition partner. LOCATION -- Cleveland, Ohio 44114 Attention search firms and staffing agencies: do not submit unsolicited resumes for this posting. Fifth Third does not accept resumes from any agency that does not have an active agreement with Fifth Third. Any unsolicited resumes – no matter how they are submitted – will be considered the property of Fifth Third and Fifth Third will not be responsible for any associated fee. Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

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