Business Analyst II

William Blair; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

William Blair is seeking a Senior Business Analyst II in Chicago to serve as an analytical resource across functions. You will gather information, define objectives, deliverables, and forecast outcomes while presenting findings to stakeholders.

Expect collaboration with department teams to improve processes and deliver accurate analyses. The role requires 2–4 years of BA experience, a related bachelor’s degree, and fluent use of SQL, MS Office, and AI-assisted tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• 2–4 years of business analysis experience.
• Finance/Asset Management industry experience preferred.
• Proficiency in SQL for data analysis.
• Experience with AI-enabled tools (Copilot, Claude, Cowork).
• Strong written communication and reports to senior leadership.
• Solid knowledge of databases and ability to query data.
• Detail oriented with strong prioritization skills.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Provide analytical support to William Blair functions or project teams and ensure deliverables align with policies.
• Work with stakeholders to understand business issues and define objectives.
• Define the objectives, vision, scope, goals and deliverables of initiatives.
• Ensure work products are delivered accurately and timely.
• Develop and maintain subject matter knowledge related to focus areas.
• Gather data and background information; use data to perform analysis and forecasts.
• Surface and present data beyond initial descriptions via research and analyses.
• Create detailed documentation and deliverables for initiative objectives.
• Answer questions and troubleshoot issues related to process and analysis.
• Participate in post-project reviews to identify areas for improvement and communicate findings.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement within strategy and operations.
• Additional responsibilities as requested.

Skills

Data analysis

SQL proficiency

AI tools

Communication

Collaboration

Problem solving

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Copilot

Claude

Cowork

MS Office

Job description

Solutions for Today’s Challenges. Vision for Tomorrow’s Opportunities.

Join William Blair, the Premier Global Partnership.

The Senior Business Analyst II will serve as an analytical resource to various William Blair functions. Work with department stakeholders to develop an understanding of the business issues, define objectives, deliverables, etc. Gather required background information, complete analysis and create deliverables. Surface and present new information/findings to stakeholders. Answer questions and troubleshoot issues. Identify opportunities for process improvements.

Responsibilities Include But May Not Be Limited To

• Provide analytical support to various William Blair functions or project teams. Support the achievement of the function's/team's objectives, ensure deliverables are aligned with Strategic Business Management and Business Analysis policies and procedures.
• Work with department stakeholders to gain understanding of business issues
• Define the objectives, vision, scope, goals and deliverables of the initiative.
• Ensure work product is delivered accurately and in a timely manner.
• Develop and maintain strong subject matter knowledge related to the business initiative or area of focus.
• Gather required data and background information. Leverage data to complete analysis, interpret information and make forecasts. Communicate with stakeholders throughout the process.
• Surface and present data beyond what function/team may have initially described based on subject matter expertise and additional research and analyses.
• Create detailed documentation and associated deliverables to support initiative objectives. Abide by business requirements, test strategies, scripts, workflows and the like to ensure successful project delivery.
• Answer questions and troubleshooting issues pertaining to process, methodology, analysis, deliverables or established areas of expertise.
• Participate in post-project session to identify areas for improvement; document and communicate findings to support effective implementation of agreed-upon process changes
• Identify opportunities for process improvement within strategy and operations
• Additional responsibilities as requested.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field required
• 2-4 years of business analysis experience required
• Finance/Asset Management industry experience preferred
• Demonstrated proficiency using AI-enabled tools such as Microsoft Copilot to improve efficiency and effectiveness across business analysis activities.
• Proficiency in SQL for data analysis, including querying, validating, analyzing, and interpreting data to identify trends, support decision-making, and develop business insights.
• Strong data gathering and data analysis skills
• Proficiency in AI tools such as Copilot, Claude, and Cowork
• Development of high-quality written communication and reports to senior leadership
• Solid knowledge of databases and ability to query data and produce results
• Detail oriented and able to prioritize tasks
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Delivers clear, effective communication and commits to understanding others
• Works cooperatively with others to accomplish objectives
• Demonstrates initiative and persistence
• Ability to collaborate and build trusted relationships
• Proficiency in MS Office

A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range at time of posting is below. Base salary does not include other forms of compensation or benefits. Actual base salary within the specified range is based on several factors, including but not limited to applicant's skills, prior relevant experience, specific degrees and certifications, job responsibilities, market considerations and, if applicable, the location of the position.

This role is eligible for either a discretionary annual bonus (based on company, business unit and individual performance) and/or commission-based incentives.

Our featured benefit offerings include medical, dental and vision coverage, employer paid short & long-term disability and life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, Maven family & fertility benefit, parental leave (including adoption, surrogacy, and foster placement), as well as other voluntary benefits.

Salary Range

$90,000—$132,000 USD

About Our Firm

William Blair strives to attract qualified candidates who specialize in investment banking, investment management, private wealth management, and other strategic resource groups. We are committed to empowering our colleagues to deliver client success and engage in our communities. Our firm has delivered trusted advice for nine decades, continuing to deepen our expertise and relationships across asset classes and markets throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet clients’ evolving needs amid dynamic market conditions and varying industries. What sets us apart is that we are an independent partnership, with colleagues who have unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We empower our people to bring their best thinking so we can deliver the tailored, thoughtful work and problem-solving abilities that our clients expect.

William Blair is an equal opportunity employer. It complies with all laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in employment practice because of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, marital status, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from the military service or on the basis of a physical or mental disability that is unrelated to the employee's ability to perform the duties of the job applied for. EOE m/f/d/v

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