Associate - Financial Restructuring, Chicago

US.020 Houlihan Lokey Financial Advisors, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Houlihan Lokey Financial Advisors, Inc. is seeking an Associate in Financial Restructuring to work on a range of engagements, including debtor- and creditor-side assignments spanning capital markets, refinancing, M&A, and broader restructurings.

The role emphasizes exposure to financial advisory products and industries, with responsibilities in advising on restructurings, raising financing, distressed M&A, and bespoke special situations while collaborating across teams.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting and finance.
• Undergraduate degree with exemplary academic record.
• 3+ years of relevant work experience in restructuring advisory, leveraged finance, or similar roles.
• Strong analytical/technical abilities including complex financial modeling in Excel and use of AI tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment managing multiple project deliverables simultaneously.
• Operational financial modeling and valuation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with all levels of staff.
• Very strong work ethic and careful attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Advising companies and stakeholders in out-of-court and in-court restructurings.
• Raising third-party financing.
• Providing distressed M&A advisory services.
• Advising in bespoke special situations with one or multiple constituents.
• Participating in complex negotiations on behalf of clients.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Public speaking

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Excel

AI tools

Job description

Business Unit: Financial Restructuring Group Industry: General

Job Description

An Associate in Financial Restructuring will work on a variety of transactions within the Financial Restructuring business, including debtor‑ and creditor‑side engagements ranging from capital markets and refinancing transactions to M&A and broad restructurings. The group offers a unique opportunity for Associates to gain exposure across financial advisory and investment banking products and industries.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advising companies and stakeholders in out‑of‑court and in‑court restructurings
• Raising third‑party financing
• Providing distressed M&A advisory services
• Advising in bespoke special situations with one or multiple constituents
• Participating in complex negotiations on behalf of clients

Qualifications

Teamwork is essential to the firm’s success. At the same time, creativity and new ideas are encouraged. Associates are given substantial responsibility and are encouraged to help grow our business. The ideal candidate should be motivated, creative, and outgoing in addition to the qualifications below.

• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting and finance
• An undergraduate degree, including an exemplary academic record, from an accredited institution
• 3+ years of relevant work experience, including restructuring advisory, leveraged finance, or similar roles
• Strong analytical/technical abilities, including complex financial modeling in Excel and use of AI tools
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment managing multiple project deliverables simultaneously
• Operational financial modeling and valuation experience
• A demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with all levels of staff
• Very strong work ethic and careful attention to detail

Compensation and Benefits

Houlihan Lokey is committed to providing its employees with an exciting career opportunity and competitive total compensation package, which may include other components such as discretionary incentive compensation. The firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible salary range for this role at the time of posting is: $175,000‑$200,000. Actual salary at the time of hire may vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant qualifications, skills, and experience and the location where this position may be filled. Houlihan Lokey provides a competitive benefits package.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.