Overview
Sr. Financial Analyst Jobs in Greater Chicago Area at Merchant First
Title: Sr. Financial Analyst
Company: Merchant First
Location: Greater Chicago Area
Position: Sr. Financial Analyst
Location: Chicago, IL Remote or Lakewood, NJ (Hybrid)
Merchant First operates in the alternative financing space and provides fast and flexible funding solutions that help small and medium-sized businesses access capital when they need it most. Through technology-driven underwriting and data analytics, we deliver same-day and next-day funding options with repayment structures designed around real-world cash flow.
Our platform combines experienced operators with advanced analytics and AI tools to make faster and smarter credit decisions while delivering a seamless experience for our clients. As we continue to scale, we are building a high-performing finance organization to support data-driven decision making across the business.
If you’re looking to join a company that moves quickly, embraces innovation, and makes a real impact on the businesses we serve, Merchant First is the place to build your career.
About the Role
We are adding a Senior Financial Analyst to join our team, who will play a key role in building scalable financial processes as the company grows. This position will report directly to the CFO. The ideal candidate is an analytical problem solver and strong communicator with experience in financial planning, modeling, and business analysis in either public accounting, financial services, or corporate finance. This is a unique opportunity to work and strategically partner directly with the CFO, CEO and Chairman by driving forecasting, budgeting, reporting cadence, financial analysis and the generation of meaningful data visualization dashboards and presentations. The role also includes developing financial models to evaluate strategic initiatives and business scenarios. The successful candidate must be able to think and act both strategically and tactically, communicate effectively both verbally and in written form, and apply logical reasoning and present alternatives.
Key Responsibilities
As a member of a lean and growing finance team, the Sr. Financial Analyst will contribute across a range of FP&A and strategic finance activities. Roles and responsibilities will include:
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Support the company’s annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes
- Develop and maintain financial models supporting business planning, funding activity, and strategic initiatives
- Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reporting packages for executive leadership
Performance Analysis
- Monitor actual results vs. budget/forecast, identify key drivers of variance, and provide actionable insights
- Analyze operational and financial data to support decision-making across the organization
- Key business metrics will include funding volume, portfolio performance, repayment behavior and deal economics
Executive Reporting
- Prepare board and executive-level presentations
- Translate complex financial data into clear dashboards and visualizations
Process & Systems Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve FP&A processes, reporting automation, and data quality
- Support development of scalable financial reporting infrastructure as the company grows
Qualifications
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including complex financial modeling
- Experience with financial planning, forecasting, and variance analysis
- Ability to analyze large datasets using Excel, SQL, or other query tools
- Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, Qlik, or similar platforms
- Familiarity with QuickBooks or other accounting systems preferred
- Ability to translate financial and operational data into actionable insights
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting to senior leadership
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
- 4+ years of experience in FP&A, corporate finance, financial services, or public accounting
- MBA, CPA, or CFA preferred but not required
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation and performance incentives
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
- Collaborative team that is energized by solving problems together
- Ability to work closely with leadership and see your ideas turn into reality
