Finance Rotation Program Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title

Credit Analyst – Federal Bank

Position Overview

The Credit Analyst supports prudent lending and risk management activities within a federal banking environment. This role focuses on evaluating the creditworthiness of individuals, businesses, and/or public-sector entities; analyzing financial and non-financial risks; and preparing well-documented recommendations that align with federal banking regulations, internal policies, and risk appetite.

Key Responsibilities

Credit Assessment & Underwriting

• Analyze borrower financial statements, tax returns, bank statements, and other supporting documentation.
• Evaluate key financial ratios, cash flow, leverage, liquidity, and profitability metrics.
• Assess collateral adequacy and loan structure (terms, amortization, repayment sources).
• Prepare detailed credit memoranda for new and existing credit requests with clear recommendations.
• Recommend appropriate credit limits, pricing, covenants, guarantees, and other risk mitigants.
• Ensure all analyses and recommendations comply with applicable federal banking regulations and internal credit policies.

Risk Analysis, Monitoring & Portfolio Management

• Monitor the performance and risk profile of assigned credit relationships and portfolios.
• Identify early warning signs of credit deterioration and propose appropriate actions.
• Conduct periodic reviews and renewals of existing credit facilities.
• Maintain accurate borrower risk ratings and update them promptly when conditions change.
• Contribute to portfolio-level analyses, including concentration risk, stress testing, and scenario analysis.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain credit files in accordance with federal banking standards, internal policies, and audit requirements.
• Support the preparation of materials and responses for internal audits, regulatory examinations, and internal reviews.
• Ensure adherence to KYC/AML, OFAC, and other relevant compliance requirements in the credit process.
• Document credit decisions, conditions, and ongoing monitoring expectations in a clear and auditable manner.

Research & Due Diligence

• Conduct industry, sector, and regional economic research to assess external risks affecting borrowers.
• Analyze business models, management quality, competitive positioning, and other qualitative risk factors.
• Verify financial and legal information through internal systems, public records, and third-party sources as required.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with relationship managers, loan officers, risk management, and compliance teams to structure and review transactions.
• Present credit analyses and recommendations to credit committees and management, as appropriate.
• Communicate credit decisions, conditions, and ongoing monitoring requirements clearly and professionally to internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Preferred: Advanced coursework or certification in credit risk, banking, or public-sector finance.

Experience

• For mid-level roles: 2–4 years of experience in credit analysis, commercial lending, or related roles within a bank or financial institution.
• Experience in a regulated banking environment (federal or similar) is strongly preferred.
• Entry-level roles may accept internship or rotational program experience in lieu of full-time credit experience.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of financial statement analysis and cash flow modeling.
• Proficiency with Excel and financial analysis tools; experience with core banking and credit systems is a plus.
• Solid knowledge of credit risk principles, lending products, and collateral evaluation.
• Familiarity with federal banking regulations and compliance requirements (e.g., safety and soundness standards, KYC/AML basics, and other regulatory guidance relevant to credit).

Competencies / Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with sound judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, especially in drafting credit memos and presenting findings.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
• Demonstrated integrity, discretion, and commitment to regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, risk-conscious environment.

Work Environment & Reporting

• Typically reports to a Senior Credit Officer, Credit Manager, or Risk Management Lead.
• Office or hybrid environment, with regular interaction with relationship managers, risk, compliance, and senior management.
• May be assigned to specific sectors (e.g., commercial, small business, public sector) depending on department structure.