1

Real Estate Financial Analyst Jobs in Chicago, IL

Commercial Real Estate Analyst - Chicago Location: Chicago (In Office) Role Type: Full-Time ... Build and maintain Excel-based financial models supporting: * Lease vs. own analyses * Renewal vs ...

Real Estate Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

We have an immediate opening for an Analyst to assist our Real Estate attorneys in our Real Estate Finance Practice Group. This position requires experience in commercial real estate transactions and ...

Strong financial and analytical skills necessary to present financial business case for new studios. * Prior experience presenting sites in Real Estate Committee * Negotiate all provisions of leases ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Real Estate Financial Analyst information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.4K

$84.3K

$146.4K

How much do real estate financial analyst jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate financial analyst in Chicago, IL is $84,288.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,800.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Real Estate Financial Analyst Do?

A real estate financial analyst is a broker that uses market trends and statistics to project the future of the industry. In this career, you use data to make financial recommendations for a company. You work in an office setting for an investment or lending firm, but you may sometimes travel to meetings with investors or buyers. Your job duties include preparing financial reports, performing market analysis, sourcing or evaluating acquisitions, creating models to predict situations, and budgeting properties. Entry-level careers can begin with a bachelor’s degree in a field related to property management, accounting, or investment banking. Some employers require you to hold a real estate license.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Real Estate Financial Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Real Estate Financial Analyst, you need strong analytical abilities, a solid understanding of real estate finance principles, and typically a degree in finance, real estate, or a related field. Proficiency with financial modeling tools, Excel, and real estate analysis software like Argus is essential, and certifications such as CFA or ARGUS Certification can be advantageous. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills help you convey findings and collaborate effectively with stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate investment analysis, informed decision-making, and successful project execution in a competitive real estate market.

What are some typical challenges Real Estate Financial Analysts face when evaluating new investment opportunities?

Real Estate Financial Analysts often encounter challenges such as limited access to reliable market data, rapidly changing market conditions, and the need to accurately forecast future cash flows and property values. Additionally, analysts must assess various risk factors, including regulatory changes and fluctuating interest rates, while balancing the expectations of stakeholders. Navigating these complexities requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with acquisition, development, and asset management teams.

How to become a real estate financial analyst?

To become a real estate financial analyst, typically a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or real estate is required. Gaining experience with financial modeling, valuation techniques, and proficiency in tools like Excel and Argus is important; obtaining certifications such as the CFA can also enhance prospects. Strong analytical skills and understanding of real estate markets are essential for success in this role.

What does a financial analyst do in real estate?

A real estate financial analyst evaluates property investments by analyzing financial data, market trends, and cash flow projections to support investment decisions. They use tools like Excel and financial modeling techniques to assess property value, risk, and profitability, often working closely with real estate developers, investors, and lenders.

What is the difference between Real Estate Financial Analyst vs Real Estate Analyst?

AspectReal Estate Financial AnalystReal Estate Analyst
Primary FocusFinancial modeling, investment analysis, and valuation of real estate assetsMarket research, property analysis, and site evaluation
Required SkillsFinancial analysis, Excel, valuation techniques, understanding of real estate marketsMarket research, property inspection, data analysis
CertificationsReal estate finance certifications (e.g., CCIM, CFA) often preferredLess emphasis on finance-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentFinancial institutions, real estate investment firms, development companiesReal estate agencies, property management firms, development companies

While both roles involve real estate, a Real Estate Financial Analyst primarily focuses on financial modeling and investment analysis, whereas a Real Estate Analyst concentrates on market research and property evaluation. The financial analyst role requires stronger financial skills and certifications, often working in investment settings, while the analyst role is more about property and market insights.

What are the most commonly searched types of Real Estate Financial Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Real Estate Financial Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Real Estate Financial Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Real Estate Financial Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Real Estate Financial Analyst job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,288 per year, or $40.5 per hour.
Real Estate Financial Analyst

Real Estate Financial Analyst

Cabrera Capital Markets

Chicago, IL • On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Cabrera Capital Partners is a national real estate development and investment platform focused on disciplined growth through long-term relationships. We partner with institutional capital and local stakeholders to originate and execute real estate opportunities across diverse markets. Our platform-driven strategy spans multiple real estate sectors, and emphasizes fundamentals, alignment, and repeatability, delivering durable assets and sustainable value.
The Real Estate Financial Analyst is a core contributor to how we source, underwrite, and execute deals. You will work directly with senior leadership across the full transaction lifecycle, from initial market screening through investment committee approval and into asset management. The work is fast-moving, intellectually demanding, and consequential. Operates with a high degree of autonomy in financial analysis and deal support. Exercises judgment in underwriting assumptions, analytical framing, and investment recommendations provided to senior leadership. We are a small team, which means your output matters immediately and visibility is high.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Underwriting & Financial Analysis:
  • Build and own complex cash flow models across property types including industrial, multifamily, student housing, and mixed use
  • Develop, review, and stress test operating pro formas and investment return models (IRR, equity multiple, cash on cash) across a range of capital structures
  • Sensitize assumptions across key variables (e.g., rent growth, vacancy, cap rates, construction costs, financing terms) and translate outputs into relevant investment conclusions
  • Support debt and equity structuring analysis, including joint venture and waterfall modeling

Market & Property Research:
  • Conduct primary and secondary market research using institutional data platforms (e.g., CoStar, Green Street, MSCI, or equivalent), as well as site visits, broker conversations, and local market intelligence
  • Synthesize research into clear written investment theses and underwriting memoranda with a defined point of view
  • Track sector, submarket, and competitive trends and maintain comparable and benchmarking analyses

Deal Execution & Investment Process:
  • Support transactions from initial screening through LOI, due diligence, and closing
  • Prepare investment committee materials including executive summaries, underwriting exhibits, risk assessment, and recommendation frameworks
  • Coordinate with third party consultants, brokers, lenders, and legal counsel throughout the diligence and closing process
  • Maintain pipeline tracking, deal logs, and internal investment databases

Property / JV / Platform FP&A & Reporting:
  • Support property and JV level financial performance analysis, connecting underwriting assumptions to actual and forecasted results
  • Analyze and communicate deal cash flows and partner economics, clearly showing sources and uses of capital across CCP and its partners
  • Prepare property, JV, and portfolio level reporting that explains performance, returns, and variance to plan for internal and external stakeholders

Presentation & Communication:
  • Build polished, boardroom ready investment decks and IC approval materials
  • Distill complex financial and market analysis into clear, decision oriented narratives for senior leadership and external stakeholders
  • Support preparation of materials for LP reporting, investor communications, and capital raising initiatives as needed

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Requirements:
Technical Skills:
  • Advanced Excel required, including dynamic model building and the ability to build models from scratch
  • PowerPoint fluency, with the ability to develop clear, well structured presentations that effectively communicate analysis and recommendations
  • Ability to automate repetitive analytical tasks (Python, VBA, or equivalent) is a meaningful differentiator
  • Actively uses AI tools to accelerate research, drafting, and analysis, thoughtfully balancing their use with independent thinking

Professional Qualities:
  • Exercises sound judgment, with the ability to identify key insights, prioritize relevant information, and filter out noise in both data and discussions
  • Strong written communication skills demonstrated through clear, analytical memos, emails, and presentation materials
  • Resourceful and self directed, with a demonstrated ability to find answers independently
  • Intellectual curiosity about markets, capital flows, and the drivers of real estate value
  • Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments and building process where none exists
  • Demonstrates persistence and follow through to bring work to completion without requiring close oversight

Education & Work Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree required in finance, real estate, economics, or a related analytical field
  • 2 to 4 years of experience at an institutional real estate firm (investor, owner, operator, developer, REPE, REIT, or institutional advisory)
  • Demonstrated experience owning financial models, not just populating templates
  • Exposure to multiple property types and full cycle transaction experience through closing strongly preferred
  • CFA candidacy, MSRE, or MBA a plus, but not required

Benefits Package:
We offer a competitive and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial future:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • 401(k) with Employer Match
  • Profit Sharing Program
  • Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts (FSA/HSA)
  • Commuter Benefits (Pre-tax transit & parking)
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • Life & AD&D Insurance Options
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Pet Care Discount Program