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Transaction Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Transaction Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Associate/Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Economics and/or equivalent experience. 6+ years of experience in real-estate transactions; minimum 5 years of portfolio management experience.

Transaction Tax Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$172K - $187K/yr

As the Transaction Tax Manager you'll lead innovative tax planning, consulting, and compliance ... Manage, develop, train, and mentor Senior Associates, Staff, and Interns on M&A projects and assess ...

Showing results 21-40

Transaction Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18K

$79.3K

$134.9K

How much do transaction associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for transaction associate in Chicago, IL is $79,297.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $98,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges transaction associates face when supporting high-volume transactions, and how can they effectively manage these situations?

Transaction Associates often handle a large number of transactions daily, which can lead to challenges such as maintaining accuracy under tight deadlines and prioritizing tasks efficiently. To manage these situations, it is important to develop strong organizational skills, leverage available transaction management systems, and communicate proactively with team members. Attention to detail and the ability to stay calm under pressure are key to ensuring that all documentation is processed correctly and client needs are met promptly. Regular training and staying updated on compliance requirements also help Transaction Associates navigate high-volume periods more effectively.

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

To thrive as a Transaction Associate, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in finance or business, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with financial software, transaction management systems, and proficiency in Excel are typically required, and certifications such as CFA or FINRA registration may be beneficial. Excellent communication, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask help build strong client relationships and ensure accuracy in high-pressure environments. These combined skills are crucial for efficiently processing transactions, minimizing errors, and maintaining client trust in financial operations.

What skills do you need to be a transaction associate?

A transaction associate needs strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and proficiency with financial software and data entry. Good communication skills and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment are also important for managing transactions accurately and providing customer service.

What does a transaction associate do?

A Transaction Associate assists with the execution and management of financial transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, or capital raising activities. They typically support senior members of the team by performing market research, preparing financial models, drafting presentations, and managing documentation. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with clients and internal teams. Transaction Associates often work in investment banks, private equity firms, or corporate finance departments.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Transaction Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,297 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Senior Transaction Manager

Cresa

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Description
At Cresa, we believe our clients deserve better. A better space to work, create, build, grow. A better outcome for their people and organization. A better partner who puts their needs first, helping them navigate the landscape, tilting the playing field in their favor and giving them an insider's edge.
Our mission is to find and foster the best environment for every business. Our purpose is to think beyond space - strengthening those we serve and enhancing quality of life for our clients and employees. We are built to champion our clients' aspirations through real estate. When considering partnership, we strive to connect with those who share our values: Work Together, Create Value, Be Tenacious, Enhance Community, and Embrace Diversity.
We believe in being the change. We work together to find new ways of doing things that create value for our clients - and for each other. Because there is not much that feels better than collaborating to make a positive difference each day.
At Cresa, we offer an opportunity to be part of something bigger. To learn, advance, mentor and be recognized. Your voice will be heard, and you will be valued for both your individual and team contributions.
Summary
Management of end-to-end real estate transaction activities for complex or high-profile portfolio of properties on behalf of our corporate clients. This role manages internal and external resources and other stakeholders in the execution of lease renewals, new site acquisitions, disposal of excess space through subleasing, sale, and alternative transaction strategies.
This position must sit in Chicago, IL.
Essential duties and responsibilities
  • Core competency in the ability to lead and direct real estate transactions from beginning to end including complex site selection, financial analysis, contract negotiations, zoning and entitlements, and site development. Both industrial and office experience required with retail experience preferred.
  • Capable of managing multiple projects, tasks and stakeholders concurrently and in an organized manner. Program management and workstream management skills are key to success.
  • Ability to incorporate clients' business drivers, market intelligence and challenges to manage complex transactions and demonstrate value.
  • Develops a wide range of considerations and relevant documents, including but not limited to project initiation forms (PIFs), market comparable reports, Broker Opinions of Value (BOVs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), location comparison packages, letters of intent, and broker's opinions of value.
  • Experience and ability to examine, analyze, and interpret complex financial assessments including NPV (net present value), cash flow projections and IRR (internal rate of return) to advise clients accordingly.
  • Demonstrated skill in preparing, recommending, and implementing a portfolio-wide transaction strategy for acquiring and disposing of real estate properties.
  • The ideal candidate will have real estate development, business, finance and strategy experience that enables them to foster proactive engagement and develop innovative options for our clients.
  • Capability to effectively interact with senior stakeholders in the clients' organization (Finance, IT, Procurement, HR, Construction, Legal, Tax, etc)

Qualifications
  • Active Real Estate License required in the state of Illinois.
  • Healthcare transaction management experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills - attention to detail is critical.
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and proven experience working with cross-functional teams.
  • Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Experience with Smartsheet and other project management/workflow management tools preferred.
  • Ability to work across multiple time zones to accommodate global initiatives.
  • Associate/Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Economics and/or equivalent experience.

6+ years of experience in real-estate transactions; minimum 5 years of portfolio management experience.
Physical Requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
NOTE: The job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; supervisors may assign other duties as deemed necessary.
Cresa is committed to developing and maintaining a diverse workforce. Cresa strongly believes in equal opportunity extended to all individuals in all aspects of the employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, belief, creed, age, sex, pregnancy or maternity (including childbirth and related conditions), family responsibility (e.g. child care, elder care), nationality, ethnic or national origin or ancestry, citizenship, marital status, civil partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, veteran's status, genetic information, political view or status as a qualified individual with a disability, protected leave status or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.