Financial Analyst

Financial Analyst – JLL
Location: Chicago, IL office - minimum 3 days per week required
What this job involves:
Join JLL's Americas Leasing Advisory Finance team as a Financial Analyst and play a pivotal role in driving strategic decision-making through comprehensive financial analysis and reporting. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to work at the intersection of finance and commercial real estate leasing operations, where you'll partner directly with Americas Retail local finance teams and business operations to deliver critical insights that shape JLL's retail leasing strategy. Based in our dynamic Chicago office, you'll contribute to JLL's continued growth by coordinating corporate planning processes, monitoring financial performance, and implementing system improvements that enhance our competitive advantage in the marketplace.
What your day-to-day will look like:

Produce accurate monthly financial statements and deliver comprehensive variance analysis, including revenue schedules, labor reports, expense reviews, and team profitability assessments to support operational excellence
Collaborate with Americas Retail Leasing teams to provide analytical support, maintain performance dashboards, and deliver insightful month-end commentary that drives business decisions
Manage large financial datasets to identify key trends, business drivers, and variances while overseeing Accounts Receivable objectives through diligent maintenance and research activities
Support annual budget planning and quarterly forecasting processes by partnering with leadership teams to research corrections, implement changes, and ensure strategic alignment across departments
Generate routine and ad hoc reports, presentations, and financial documentation for both internal stakeholders and external clients, maintaining JLL's reputation for analytical excellence
Drive continuous improvement initiatives in reporting systems, analytics platforms, and dashboard development to enhance business leadership decision-making capabilities
Serve as a liaison between National Retail Leasing teams and operations groups, explaining budget discrepancies and supporting forecast adjustments with data-driven recommendations
Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field with strong academic foundation in financial analysis principles
2-5 years of demonstrated financial analysis experience, preferably in commercial real estate, professional services, or similar client-focused industries
Proven experience managing large datasets and proficiency with modern finance and business intelligence technologies including EPM, OneStream, PAX, Tableau, or Smartview
Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint with ability to create sophisticated financial models, pivot tables, and executive-level presentations
Strong analytical problem-solving abilities combined with excellent time management skills and attention to detail while maintaining big-picture perspective
Self-starter mentality with ability to work independently and excel in fast-paced, customer service-oriented environments
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated interpersonal sensitivity and ability to collaborate effectively across organizational levels
Preferred Qualifications:

Previous experience in commercial real estate finance, leasing operations, or property management sectors with understanding of industry-specific metrics and terminology
Familiarity with JLL systems, processes, or other professional services firm environments that emphasize client service excellence
Experience with data visualization tools beyond basic Excel charting, including advanced dashboard creation and automated reporting solutions
Knowledge of accounting principles and financial statement preparation, including month-end close processes and variance analysis methodologies
Project management experience or certification with ability to coordinate cross-functional initiatives and drive process improvement efforts
CPA, CFA, or other relevant professional certifications demonstrating commitment to finance career development
Experience working in matrix organizational structures with multiple stakeholder groups and competing priorities