Financial Operations Analyst Jobs in Chicago, IL

About Akuna: 

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker - meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models.  

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm's first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world - Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London, and Singapore. 

What you'll do as an Operations Analyst at Akuna: 

As an Operations Analyst, you will play a critical role in supporting and scaling Akuna's trading operations by owning complex operational workflows,identifyingissues independently, and driving solutions. This role requires strong analytical thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to execute accurately under aggressive timelines. 

You will work closely with internal teams and external counterparties to ensure the integrity of trading operations, with a particular focus on exchange connectivity, fee structures, and operational controls. This role requires someone who can quickly understand complex systems, communicate clearly, and be trusted to take workstreams end-to-end. 

This role is best suited for candidates who thrive in autonomous, high-expectation environments. In this role, you will: 

• Operate in a fast-paced trading environment with daily interaction across trading, compliance, finance, and business development teams
• Own operational processes end-to-end, from investigation and analysis through execution and follow-up, with accountability for accuracy and timeliness
• Assess,maintain, and troubleshoot exchange connections, mappings, and related operational workflows, exercising judgment when issues arise
• Analyze,validate, and reconcile exchange and broker fee schedules,identifydiscrepancies, and proactively drive resolution
• Provide real-time operational support and research for new initiatives, exchange launches, and broker relationships
• Serve as a primary operational point of contact with external parties including brokers, clearing firms, and exchanges
• Lead broker onboarding and KYC processes, independently managing timelines and deliverables
• Perform monthly market data and cost analysis, delivering clear, actionable reporting to internal stakeholders
• Maintain and continuously improve internal documentation to ensure processes areaccurate, scalable, and well-controlled
• Identifyinefficiencies, risks, or control gaps and independently propose and implement process improvements
• Support ad hoc projects that require analytical thinking, ownership, and execution rather than task-based administrative support 

Qualities that make great candidates: 

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• 3-5 years of experience in clearing, trading, or other financial services.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take full ownership of responsibilities without the need for repeated instruction orhand-holding
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex operational issues and make sound, defensible decisions
• Advanced Excelskills;SQL experiencerequired; Python a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate problems, decisions, and outcomes
• Proventrack recordof managing multiple priorities and meeting aggressive deadlines in high-accountability environments
• High attention to detail combined with the ability to think critically about broader operational impact
• Self-motivated, proactive, and comfortable operating in situations with ambiguity
• Collaborative, professional, and reliable, witha strong senseof accountability to the team 

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want all groups to feel empowered to apply, even if you don't meet every qualification. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us! 

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $75,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.