Senior Financial Data Analyst

Kirkland & Ellis; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago is seeking a senior analytics professional to support strategic financial insights across the firm. You will build data models, design Power BI reports, and partner with leadership to translate business needs into actionable analytics.

The role requires strong SQL, advanced Excel, and experience with PySpark, Fabric notebooks, and tabular modeling. A CPA/MBA and professional services background are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required; CPA or MBA preferred.
• Six years of progressively responsible accounting/finance experience; law firm or professional services experience a plus.
• Strong SQL querying skills and relational database concepts.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; PySpark, Fabric notebooks, Power BI, DAX, or tabular modeling valued.
• Analytical thinking: interpret and connect findings to business objectives.
• Initiative and problem-solving; proactive in identifying steps and overcoming barriers.

Responsibilities

• Deliver strategic insights through financial modeling, data mining, and analysis for firm and client reporting.
• Build scalable data models transforming transactional data for easy analytics.
• Design and enhance Power BI reports, measures, and DAX solutions.
• Translate business needs by partnering with senior management and stakeholders.
• Develop complex queries using Transact-SQL to extract and present information clearly.
• Analyze datasets to uncover trends, correlations, gaps, and actionable insights.
• Improve tools and processes and support executive reporting.

Skills

SQL querying

Excel

PySpark

Power BI

DAX

Tabular modeling

Analytical thinking

Initiative

Problem solving

Communication

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

CPA

MBA

Tools

Power BI

DAX

Tabular modeling

Microsoft Fabric notebooks

Job description

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don't just meet the standard for legal excellence - we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers' commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You'll Do

• Deliver strategic insights: Support key initiatives through financial modeling, data mining, and analysis, bringing together information from multiple sources for specialized firm and client reporting.
• Build scalable data models: Transform transactional data into intuitive fact-and-dimension models that enable efficient analysis by technical and non-technical users.
• Advance business intelligence: Design and enhance Power BI models, reports, measures, and Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) solutions that improve access to meaningful financial information.
• Translate business needs: Partner with senior management, firm partners, functional leaders, and other stakeholders to understand their goals and identify the most effective data and delivery approach.
• Develop complex queries: Use Transact-SQL and related data tools to extract, organize, validate, and present information in clear, useful formats.
• Uncover trends and opportunities: Analyze complex datasets to identify patterns, correlations, gaps, and insights that support informed decision-making.
• Improve tools and processes: Introduce practical analytical approaches, evaluate the effects of process changes, and contribute to system and process re-engineering efforts.
• Support executive reporting: Prepare accurate, timely reporting for committees, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and other members of senior management.
• Strengthen analytics capabilities: Stay current with Power BI developments and collaborate across teams to improve how financial data is used throughout the firm.

What You'll Bring

• Education: A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, or comparable experience, is required. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) status or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is preferred.
• Experience: At least six years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience; experience in a law firm or professional services environment is a plus.
• SQL expertise: Strong SQL querying skills and experience building complex queries, supported by a solid understanding of relational database concepts.
• Analytics technology: Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are required. Experience with PySpark, Microsoft Fabric notebooks and batch jobs, Power BI reporting, DAX, or tabular modeling is highly valued.
• Analytical thinking: The ability to collect, organize, interpret, and communicate complex information accurately while connecting detailed findings to broader business objectives.
• Initiative and problem-solving: A proactive approach to identifying next steps, exploring solutions, anticipating potential barriers, and gathering input from relevant stakeholders.
• Communication and collaboration: Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the firm, both independently and as part of a team.
• Service and precision: Excellent attention to detail, sound judgment, a commitment to confidentiality, and a strong customer-service mindset.

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

Chicago $100,000 - $138,000

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.