Investment Associate Jobs in Florence, SC (NOW HIRING)

Raines Co. - Your Future is Now!

Position Summary: 

Raines Company is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Investment Analyst to join its growing investments team in Florence, South Carolina. This is a high-impact, in-office, hands-on role at the intersection of hospitality real estate, corporate finance, and investment strategy. The Investment Analyst will be responsible for supporting the full life cycle of hotel investment activity — from initial market identification and underwriting through closing, asset management, and disposition.

The ideal candidate is analytically rigorous, intellectually curious, and capable of building and managing complex financial models. This individual will work closely with senior leadership on new development opportunities, acquisition underwriting, investor reporting, and market research, and will have significant exposure to all facets of the company's investment platform.

Established in 1988 as a family-owned business, Raines Company is a fully integrated hospitality real estate firm specializing in hotel investments, development, and management. With a portfolio spanning new development, acquisitions, and asset management across the southeastern United States, Raines Company provides a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment for professionals who are passionate about the hospitality industry and real estate investment.

We offer comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits, 401K, a generous PTO program, and the opportunity to join a winning culture recognized for rewarding our best with opportunities to advance their career within the company. 

Essential Job Functions 

• Investment Underwriting & Financial Modeling

  •  Build, maintain, and stress-test detailed financial models for hotel acquisitions, new development projects, and dispositions, including cash-on-cash returns, IRR, equity multiple, and NPV analyses.

  •  Develop and refine proforma operating statements, sources and uses schedules, debt waterfall structures, and investor return models.

  •  Perform sensitivity analyses and scenario modeling to evaluate the impact of key assumptions on investment returns.

  •  Assist in structuring joint venture agreements and investment vehicles, including preferred equity, mezzanine debt, and common equity structures.

  Acquisitions & New Development

  •  Support the sourcing, screening, and evaluation of hotel acquisition and new development opportunities across target markets.

  •  Conduct thorough due diligence on prospective investments, including review of historical financials, STR reports, market data, franchise agreements, management contracts, and title/survey materials.

  •  Coordinate with third-party consultants, lenders, brokers, and legal counsel during the transaction process.

  •  Prepare investment committee memoranda and presentation materials summarizing investment thesis, risk factors, and projected returns.

  Market Research & Competitive Analysis

  •  Conduct in-depth market research on target hotel markets, including supply and demand dynamics, competitive set analysis, RevPAR trends, occupancy and ADR benchmarking, and market positioning.

  •  Monitor hotel transaction activity, cap rate trends, brand performance, and macroeconomic factors affecting the hospitality investment landscape.

  •  Utilize industry tools including STR, CoStar, HVS, CBRE, and other data sources to support investment analysis.

  Asset Management & Investor Reporting

  •  Prepare and distribute periodic investor reports, including quarterly performance reports, capital account statements, and variance analyses comparing actual results to underwritten projections.

  •  Track and analyze hotel-level financial performance across the portfolio, identifying trends, variances, and value-creation opportunities.

  •  Support asset management initiatives including budget review, capital expenditure planning, brand re-flagging analysis, and disposition strategy.

  •  Maintain organized investment files, data rooms, and tracking databases for the portfolio.

  General Finance & Administrative Support

  •  Assist in the preparation of lender packages, including loan requests, financial projections, and supporting documentation.

  •  Support capital markets activities, including refinancing analyses and equity raise materials.

  •  Perform ad hoc financial analysis and special projects as directed by senior leadership.

Experience and Education: 

Education

•  Bachelor's degree in Finance, Real Estate, Accounting, Economics, or a related field preferred.

•  Master's degree (MBA, MS Finance, MS Real Estate) or CFA/CPA candidacy a plus.

Experience

•  1–3 years of experience in real estate investment, investment banking, private equity, hotel finance, or a related analytical role preferred.

•  Prior hospitality industry experience or exposure to hotel financial statements (P&L, STR reports, USALI) is a strong plus.

•  Recent graduates with exceptional academic credentials and demonstrated financial modeling ability will be considered.

Technical Skills

•  Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex financial model construction, dynamic formulas, and scenario/sensitivity analysis. Argus experience a plus.

•  Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

•  Experience with or ability to learn industry platforms including STR, CoStar, and hotel property management systems.

•  Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely.

Competencies

•  Exceptional quantitative and analytical skills with a strong attention to detail and accuracy.

•  Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

•  Strong intellectual curiosity and genuine interest in hospitality real estate and investment.

•  High degree of professional integrity and discretion in handling confidential investment information.

•  Team player with a collaborative attitude and strong interpersonal skills.

•  Competitive base salary: $60,000 – $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

•  Performance-based bonus eligibility.

•  Health, dental, and vision insurance.

•  Paid time off and company holidays.

•  Professional development support, including industry conference attendance and continuing education.

•  Significant exposure to senior leadership and direct involvement in the full investment life cycle from day one.

Raines is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This description is a summary of primary responsibilities and qualifications. The job description is not intended to include all duties or qualifications that may be required now or in the future. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pre-employment background check required.

EEO/D/V

Application Tips: We encourage job seekers to protect themselves from email and recruiting scams. Please note: 1) We do not accept applications via email or fax; 2) We never ask for money as part of the application process; 3) We only contact job applicants from approved email domains.