Senior Financial Analyst

Buckingham Search; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckingham Search is seeking an experienced FP&A professional to join a privately held real estate investment firm. You will analyze financial and operational performance across a vertically integrated portfolio and partner with senior leadership to build models, evaluate opportunities, and provide strategic insights.

The ideal candidate has 5–10 years in FP&A, strong Excel skills, and prior real estate exposure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field; MBA is a plus.
• 5-10 years of FP&A or financial analysis experience.
• Prior real estate experience is required, ideally with exposure to investments, portfolio analysis, or property-level performance.
• Strong financial modeling skills, including budgeting, forecasting, sensitivity/variance analysis.
• Advanced Excel skills, pivot tables, and large datasets handling.

Responsibilities

• Analyze large datasets from multiple sources to identify trends and opportunities for profitability and efficiency.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize financial models for budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario planning.
• Support strategic real estate investment decisions, including land development and hold-versus-sell assessments.
• Prepare quarterly reporting packages and financial presentations with clear, actionable insights.
• Monitor debt financing terms, covenants, and performance across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to drive improvements.
• Lead ad hoc analyses and strategic projects supporting investment and operational objectives.

Skills

Financial modeling

Advanced Excel

Multitasking

Data analysis

Communication

AI tools (ChatGPT)

Attention to detail

Strategic thinking

Presentation skills

Education

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

MBA or similar advanced degree

Tools

Pivot tables

ChatGPT

Job description

Join a privately held real estate investment firm specializing in manufactured housing, where your financial expertise will directly influence investment decisions, portfolio performance, and long-term growth.

As a key member of the FP&A team, you’ll go beyond traditional reporting to analyze financial and operational performance across a vertically integrated real estate portfolio. You’ll partner closely with senior leadership to develop financial models, uncover trends, evaluate investment opportunities, and turn complex data into actionable business insights.

This is an opportunity for a hands‑on financial professional who enjoys connecting the numbers to the bigger picture, solving complex problems, and helping drive strategic decisions across the business.

Responsibilities:

• Drive Financial Analysis: Analyze large datasets from multiple sources to identify trends, evaluate performance, and uncover opportunities for improved profitability and operational efficiency.
• Build & Enhance Financial Models: Develop, maintain, and optimize financial models for budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario planning.
• Influence Investment Decisions: Support strategic initiatives and real estate investment decisions, including land development, hold-versus-sell analysis, and debt defeasance evaluations.
• Deliver Meaningful Insights: Prepare quarterly reporting packages and financial presentations that translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Monitor Portfolio Financing: Track debt financing terms, covenant requirements, and performance across the real estate portfolio.
• Partner with Leadership: Work closely with senior team members and vertically integrated business units to evaluate performance, improve processes, and implement best practices.
• Support Strategic Initiatives: Take ownership of ad hoc analyses and special projects that support the firm’s broader investment and operational objectives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; an MBA or other advanced degree is a plus.
• 5-10 years of relevant financial analysis or FP&A experience.
• Prior real estate experience is required, ideally with exposure to real estate investments, portfolio analysis, or property-level financial performance.
• Strong financial modeling skills, including budgeting, forecasting, sensitivity analysis, and variance analysis.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and working with large, complex datasets.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, take ownership of projects, and deliver accurate work under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to connect detailed financial data to broader business objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings to stakeholders.
• Interest in leveraging AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to improve analytical efficiency and modeling processes.
• High attention to detail, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to integrity and quality.

The Ideal Candidate

You’re a strategic thinker who enjoys digging into the details without losing sight of the bigger picture. You take initiative, ask thoughtful questions, and look for ways to improve how things are done. You thrive in a collaborative environment, communicate openly, and take pride in producing high-quality work that makes a measurable impact.

Beyond technical expertise, you bring a proactive mindset, strong professional integrity, and a genuine interest in helping the business and its communities succeed.