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Trade Finance Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the Manager, Trade Finance, you will perform complex and interpretive financial ... Number of Days in Office: 3 #LI-GS1 #LI-Hybrid #LI-Associate Compensation Pay Range:$64,000-$95,000 ...

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Trade Finance Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.4K

$72.5K

$142.2K

How much do trade finance associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for trade finance associate in Chicago, IL is $72,492.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $79,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a trade finance associate do?

A Trade Finance Associate is responsible for supporting international and domestic trade transactions by facilitating financial products and services such as letters of credit, guarantees, and documentary collections. They review and process trade documents, ensure compliance with regulations, and coordinate with clients, banks, and internal teams to ensure smooth transaction flow. Their role is crucial in mitigating risks and ensuring payments are made efficiently in global trade operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trade finance associate?

To thrive as a Trade Finance Associate, you need a strong understanding of international trade, financial products, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with trade finance platforms, SWIFT messaging systems, and documentary credit management tools is commonly required, along with certifications such as CDCS (Certified Documentary Credit Specialist). Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing complex transactions and client relationships. These competencies ensure accurate processing, risk mitigation, and seamless facilitation of global trade operations.

What are some typical challenges a trade finance associate might face when handling international transactions?

Trade Finance Associates often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulatory requirements, managing tight transaction deadlines, and ensuring accurate documentation for cross-border deals. Working with clients and counterparties in different time zones can also require flexible communication and strong organizational skills. Staying up-to-date with evolving compliance standards and anti-money laundering regulations is essential to ensure smooth and secure transactions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Trade Finance jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Trade Finance jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Trade Finance Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Trade Finance Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Trade Finance Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,549 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Energy & Natural Resources Finance Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Chicago, IL

$235K - $365K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Energy & Natural Resources Finance Associate Attorney

Location: Chicago, IL
Salary: $235,000–$365,000

Direct Counsel is seeking an Energy & Natural Resources Finance Associate Attorney to join a leading global law firm's Energy & Natural Resources Industry Group in Chicago. This opportunity is ideal for a mid-level associate with 3–5 years of experience in sophisticated financing transactions, including commercial lending, trade finance, securitizations, receivables and supplier financings, and other secured and unsecured financing matters.

The successful candidate will work on complex domestic and cross-border transactions while taking meaningful responsibility for transaction management, client service, and the supervision of junior attorneys and paralegals.

Responsibilities
  • Represent borrowers, lenders, financial institutions, and other clients in sophisticated financing transactions.

  • Draft, review, and negotiate documentation for large syndicated financing facilities.

  • Handle commercial lending, trade finance, securitization, receivables financing, supplier financing, and other secured and unsecured financing transactions.

  • Support domestic and cross-border financing transactions from initial structuring through closing.

  • Analyze transaction structures and identify and address legal and commercial risks.

  • Coordinate with clients, opposing counsel, financial institutions, and other transaction participants.

  • Manage transaction workstreams and ensure matters progress efficiently toward closing.

  • Supervise and manage the work of junior associates and paralegals.

  • Work collaboratively with attorneys across the firm's finance and industry practices.

  • Develop and maintain strong client relationships while providing practical, business-oriented legal advice.

Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.

  • 3–5 years of experience handling sophisticated finance transactions.

  • Extensive drafting experience involving large, syndicated financing facilities.

  • Experience with commercial lending, trade finance, securitizations, receivables or supplier financings, and/or other secured and unsecured financing transactions.

  • Experience with domestic and cross-border financing transactions.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage and supervise junior associates and paralegals.

  • Experience working with clients in the commodities industry is a plus, but not required.

  • Excellent legal drafting, writing, oral communication, and organizational skills.

  • Strong leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal abilities.

  • Intellectual curiosity, commitment to professional development, and sound judgment.

  • Active Illinois Bar admission or eligibility for admission through reciprocity required.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive base salary of $235,000–$365,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

  • 401(k) retirement plan.

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

  • Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.

  • Accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance.

  • Paid family leave, sick time, and vacation.

  • Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.

  • College savings and education assistance programs.

  • Transportation benefits.

  • Backup childcare and pet insurance.

  • Excess liability insurance.

  • Opportunity to work on sophisticated domestic and cross-border financing transactions across a broad range of industries, with meaningful responsibility for clients, transactions, and junior team members.