Financial Analyst

Southern Arkansas University; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% company-paid health insurance

Generous PTO

401(k) with 7% employer contributions

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Brailsford & Dunlavey is seeking a Financial Analyst for their Early Career Program in Chicago, IL. This position offers recent graduates the chance to build a comprehensive finance toolkit while working closely with the CFO. The role involves foundational finance tasks, leading to more strategic involvement in financial planning, analysis, and operations. The annual salary range is $65,000-$75,000 with robust benefits including 100% company-paid health insurance and generous PTO. Join a company committed to diversity, inclusion, and community impact.

Qualifications

• Strong academic performance and demonstrated analytical ability.
• Intellectual curiosity and a desire to understand how businesses operate.
• Willingness to start with fundamentals and build expertise from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day accounting and financial operations with accuracy.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Assist in monthly, quarterly, and annual financial processes.

Skills

Analytical ability

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

Job description

Financial Analyst (Early Career Program)

This is an opportunity to build a complete finance toolkit early in your career, combining technical depth, business insight, and leadership exposure. If you’re someone who wants to learn fast, take on increasing responsibility, and shape your career intentionally, this role is designed for you.

Location: Chicago, IL
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, 2-3 days in office per week
Experience Level: Recent Graduate (0–2 years)
Reporting Line: This role reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), providing early-career exposure to senior leadership decision-making and enterprise-level finance strategy.

About Brailsford & Dunlavey

Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D) leads the planning, development, and management of the places that shape and strengthen our communities. Since 1993, B&D has supported colleges and universities, K-12 school districts, municipalities, and sports organizations as they pursue bold, mission-driven visions in the built environment.

Delivering this work requires more than strong client service—it depends on a disciplined, well-run firm behind the scenes. B&D’s Accounting & Finance team plays a critical role in sustaining the firm’s ability to serve mission-driven institutions by ensuring financial integrity, operational rigor, and long-term stability across the organization.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a high-potential, intellectually curious Financial Analyst to join our early career rotational program. This role is intentionally designed to provide broad exposure across core finance functions, building a strong foundation in accounting and operations before expanding into more strategic areas such as Treasury, FP&A, and enterprise finance.

You’ll begin by mastering the fundamentals that underpin strong financial organizations and progressively take on more complex, forward-looking responsibilities. Along the way, you’ll gain visibility into how financial decisions are made, influence outcomes, and develop the skills needed to accelerate into leadership roles.

Program Structure

This rotational experience is designed to evolve over time:

Phase 1: Foundations (0–12 months)

Build a deep understanding of the business and financial operations through hands-on experience in:

• Accounting processes (month-end close, reconciliations, journal entries)
• Billing, collections, and cash application
• Financial controls and data integrity
• Operational finance workflows and systems

Phase 2: Expansion (12–24 months)

Transition into more analytical and forward-looking finance functions:

• Financial Planning & Analysis (budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis)
• Treasury (cash management, liquidity planning, banking relationships)
• Business partnership and performance insights
• Process improvement and automation initiatives

Phase 3: Acceleration (24+ months)

Take on broader, more strategic assignments based on strengths and interests:

• Leading cross-functional projects
• Supporting senior leadership decision-making
• Driving financial strategy for business units
• Preparing for advancement into senior analyst or finance leadership tracks

Key Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day accounting and financial operations with accuracy and attention to detail
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Assist in monthly, quarterly, and annual financial processes
• Partner with teams across the organization to understand drivers of performance
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling efforts
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and scalability
• Present insights and recommendations to finance leadership over time

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
• Strong academic performance and demonstrated analytical ability
• Intellectual curiosity and a desire to understand how businesses operate
• Willingness to start with fundamentals and build expertise from the ground up
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally
• Proactive mindset with a desire to take ownership and drive impact
• Interest in long-term career growth in finance and leadership

What Makes This Role Different

• Transparent development path: You will start in foundational roles by design and grow into more strategic work.
• Broad exposure early: Gain experience across multiple finance disciplines within your first few years.
• Accelerated growth: High performers will have the opportunity to move into leadership-oriented roles earlier in their careers.
• Real impact: You won’t just observe—you’ll contribute meaningfully to how the business operates and makes decisions.

What Makes B&D Different?

Impactful Mission: People who are motivated by meaningful work tied to mission, culture, and long-term community impact

Learning and Development: We cultivate leaders through mentorship and learning opportunities, supported by a dedicated Learning and Development Department. The Association for Talent Development has recognized B&D as a Champion of Learning for four consecutive years.

Robust Benefits: 100% Company-paid premiums for health, dental, and prescription insurance for employees and children, cell phone reimbursement, generous PTO, 401(k) 7% employer contributions, paid parental leave, and more.

Strong Culture and Values: Entrepreneurship, collaboration, inclusion, and an unrelenting drive for excellence are at the heart of everything we do.

This role's target base annual salary range is currently $65,000-$75,000. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education, experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate, and pay relative to other team members.

The company benefits listed above are a summary of the benefits. Specific details, availability, and eligibility requirements apply in accordance with company policies.

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. participates in E-Verify.