Finance Jobs Near Chicago

Chicago, a major financial hub, offers a diverse range of finance jobs, attracting both seasoned professionals and recent graduates. From established corporations to innovative startups, the city’s financial landscape provides ample opportunities across various specializations.

Investment Banking: Chicago boasts a strong presence of bulge-bracket investment banks like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley, as well as prominent middle-market firms. These companies offer roles in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), equity and debt underwriting, financial restructuring, and advisory services. Entry-level positions include analyst and associate roles, demanding strong analytical skills, financial modeling expertise, and a rigorous work ethic.

Asset Management: Chicago is a major center for asset management, with firms managing trillions of dollars in assets. Companies like Citadel, Balyasny Asset Management, and Northern Trust Corporation offer opportunities for portfolio managers, research analysts, traders, and investment strategists. These roles require deep understanding of financial markets, investment strategies, and risk management principles.

Hedge Funds: Chicago’s vibrant hedge fund industry provides opportunities for individuals with a strong understanding of derivatives, quantitative analysis, and risk management. Roles include portfolio managers, quantitative analysts (“quants”), traders, and risk managers. These positions often demand advanced degrees in mathematics, statistics, or finance, along with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.

Commercial Banking: Major commercial banks like Bank of America, BMO Harris Bank, and Fifth Third Bank have a significant presence in Chicago. These institutions offer roles in corporate lending, commercial real estate finance, treasury management, and relationship management. These positions require strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as a solid understanding of credit analysis and financial statement analysis.

Financial Planning and Wealth Management: The demand for financial planners and wealth managers is growing, catering to individuals and families seeking guidance on investment strategies, retirement planning, and estate planning. Firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) offer opportunities for financial advisors, portfolio managers, and client service associates. These roles require strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of financial products and services.

Fintech: Chicago’s growing fintech sector offers innovative opportunities in areas such as online lending, payments, and blockchain technology. Companies like Avant, OppFi, and tastytrade are disrupting traditional financial services and creating new roles in software engineering, data science, and product management, all with a financial focus. A blend of technical skills and financial acumen is highly valued in this space.

Insurance: Several large insurance companies, such as Allstate and CNA Financial, are headquartered in or have significant operations in Chicago. These companies offer roles in actuarial science, underwriting, risk management, and claims adjusting, providing opportunities for individuals with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

To find these jobs, resources like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and company websites are invaluable. Networking with professionals in the Chicago finance community is also crucial, and attending industry events and career fairs can provide valuable connections and insights.