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Experienced Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Experienced Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.8K

$145.5K

$319.9K

How much do experienced associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for experienced associate in Chicago, IL is $145,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $218,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities and team dynamics for an experienced associate in a professional services firm?

As an Experienced Associate in a professional services firm, you can expect to handle more complex tasks than entry-level associates, such as leading small project segments, preparing client deliverables, and conducting in-depth research or analysis. You’ll often collaborate closely with senior associates, managers, and clients, contributing your expertise while also mentoring junior team members. The work environment is typically fast-paced and team-oriented, with frequent opportunities to participate in cross-functional projects. This role is a key stepping stone toward senior positions, offering exposure to diverse projects and the chance to build strong professional relationships.

What is an experienced associate?

Experienced Associates are professionals who have several years of industry experience and typically work in consulting, accounting, or other professional services firms. They are responsible for handling more complex tasks than entry-level associates, often supervising junior staff and contributing to client projects. Their expertise allows them to provide valuable insights, manage client relationships, and support project delivery. The specific duties can vary depending on the industry and firm, but the role generally requires strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an experienced associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Experienced Associate, you typically need a relevant bachelor's degree, analytical skills, and a solid understanding of business fundamentals. Proficiency with data analysis tools, Excel, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is often required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities help differentiate top performers in this role. These skills enable Experienced Associates to deliver high-quality work, support project goals, and contribute effectively to organizational success.

What is the difference between Experienced Associate vs Staff Accountant?

AspectExperienced AssociateStaff Accountant
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, relevant certifications often preferredBachelor's degree, CPA or similar certifications advantageous
Work EnvironmentPublic accounting firms, consulting firms, corporate finance teamsAccounting departments in corporations, public accounting firms
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in accounting, finance, consulting sectorsPrimarily in accounting, finance, and auditing roles
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry to mid-level accounting rolesCompared for accounting career progression

The main difference between an Experienced Associate and a Staff Accountant lies in their roles and responsibilities. Experienced Associates typically have more hands-on experience and may handle more complex tasks, while Staff Accountants focus on core accounting functions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but the Experienced Associate often has a broader scope of work and greater independence within the team.

Can an experienced associate be entry-level?

An experienced associate typically has prior work experience and advanced skills, so they are generally not considered entry-level. Entry-level positions usually require little to no prior experience and focus on training new employees. However, job titles and requirements can vary by company, so it's important to review specific job descriptions.
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Experienced Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Experienced Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Experienced Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,466 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Experienced Associate, Portfolio Valuations

Lincoln International

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Lincoln International, Inc. (NYSE: LCLN) is a trusted investment banking advisor to business owners and senior executives of leading private equity firms and their portfolio companies and to public and privately held companies. Our services include mergers and acquisitions advisory, private funds and capital markets advisory, and valuations and fairness opinions. The global enterprise is comprised of a tightly integrated team of more than 1,400 professionals in more than 30 offices in 14 countries, offering an unobstructed perspective on the global private capital markets, backed by superb execution and a deep commitment to client success. With extensive industry knowledge and relationships, timely market intelligence and strategic insights, we forge deep, productive client relationships that endure for decades. Connect with us to learn more at www.lincolninternational.com.
At Lincoln International, we know that the success of our global organization is a direct outcome of the strength of our people. We encourage diversity of thought and create talent density by attracting, retaining and engaging high performers from all demographics, backgrounds and perspectives. We value diversity, equity and inclusion as a catalyst to foster innovation and creative problem solving, access the best candidates and adapt to a highly dynamic, competitive environment. We know that employing a diverse team and valuing the unique perspectives of our people allows us to better understand and serve the needs of our clients.
Lincoln International is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage you to read more about our commitment to diversity and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) efforts.
Lincoln International follows a hybrid work structure with an emphasis on in office collaboration.
Our employees work in-office Monday through Thursday each week, with the option to work remotely or from the office on Fridays.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Lincoln International is seeking a Associates to join our rapidly growing Valuations & Opinions Group. Successful candidates have strong cognitive and interpersonal abilities, want to develop their professional and personal skills and are motivated by the prospect of building a leading valuations practice.
The Associate position at Lincoln International involves interacting closely with the firm's senior bankers and clients' senior executives. Our Associates are heavily involved in every aspect of a valuation and ultimately, master the ability to execute a valuation from start-to-finish. In addition, Associates are expected to contribute to Analysts' development and support new business development efforts.
The Associate position within the Valuations & Opinions Group provides an excellent opportunity to become an expert in valuations. Responsibilities at Lincoln International are often more entrepreneurial than at other firms providing self-motivated individuals with many opportunities to contribute to a dynamic and growing platform. Successful Associates are assertive, motivated self-starters with the desire and potential to succeed in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Key Responsibilities include:
  • Preparing, completing, and reviewing financial models and sophisticated valuation analyses
  • Writing and reviewing valuation reports and presentations
  • Coordinating recurring valuation projects with team members including providing oversight to analysts
  • Interacting with clients and preparing deliverables
  • Maintaining proprietary valuation databases
  • Tracking the capital markets and analyzing any changes within the markets
  • Preparing marketing materials for meetings with potential clients
  • Supporting the senior members of the Valuations & Opinions Group

Qualifications:
The Associate position at Lincoln International is extremely challenging, offers an excellent learning experience and provides a solid foundation upon which an individual can build a future business career.
  • Excellent analytic foundation with advanced understanding of financial statements and various valuation methodologies (DCF, LBO, comparable company analysis, etc.)
  • Proficiency at financial modeling with advanced Microsoft Excel skills
  • Strong writing skills and experience with PowerPoint and Microsoft Word
  • Effective organizational skills and the aptitude to manage people and work products
  • Strong communication skills and experience interacting with teammates and clients
  • Three to five years of professional experience in valuations
  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or Economics from top tier institution; strong academic record (both undergraduate and graduate)
  • Active CPA and/or minimum of CFA Level I is preferred, but not required

Additional Information:
Lincoln International is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status.
The salary range for this role is $150,000 to $200,000 on an annual basis. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. This range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in Georgia, Texas, Illinois, New York or California. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs.
This job may also be eligible for discretionary bonus pay.**
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and retirement benefits to eligible employees.
You can apply for this role through LinkedIn or Lincoln's Company Page, or through Lincoln's Internal Jobs Board if you are a current employee.
Click here to view Lincoln International's Candidate Privacy Notices.
Lincoln International is a trade name for Lincoln International, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates, which include the following licensed entities: (i) Lincoln International LLC and MarshBerry Capital, LLC (United States), SEC-registered broker-dealers and a members of FINRA (www.finra.org) and SIPC (www.sipc.org) (investment banking services) and (ii) Lincoln International LLP (FRN 474606) and IMAS Corporate Finance LLP (FRN 553889) (United Kingdom), authorized and regulated by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority. No entity affiliated with Lincoln International, LP provides banking or securities brokerage services, nor is any such affiliate subject to FINMA supervision in Switzerland or similar regulatory authorities regarding such activities in other jurisdictions. Retail clients are NOT the intended recipients of our communications or services and should not act upon this communication.
© 2026 Lincoln International LLC. All Rights Reserved.
110 North Wacker Drive | 51st Floor | Chicago | Illinois | 60606 | United States.