Associate - Lender Due Diligence

Great American Holdings•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

GA Group is hiring an Associate - Lender Due Diligence to join its Field Examination team. The team assists banks, private equity firms, hedge funds, and factors in structuring asset-based loans, drawing on experience across industries, company life cycles, and domestic and international assignments. The Associate will help analyze existing and prospective borrowers’ collateral records and financial reports to determine collateral values supporting asset-based loans. The role’s work can significantly affect client companies and lending institutions. The position involves examining collateral—generally accounts receivable and inventory—to verify its existence and identify weaknesses or deterioration. The Associate helps prepare field examination reports and supporting workpapers, participates in management interviews and client meetings, and coordinates with subject companies and the examination team. Site visits may be required, with travel potentially reaching 20% per month. The role follows a hybrid schedule, with work from the Chicago, Illinois office expected 2–3 days per week and travel as needed for client visits.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
At least 2 years of experience in financial services, lending, transaction advisory services, or auditing, or demonstrated ability to produce high-quality financial analysis.
Advanced knowledge of income statements, balance sheets, and relevant accounting concepts.
Detail-oriented, with effective time management, strong planning skills, and excellent analytical skills.
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Excel operations.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and other office software products in a Windows environment.
Ability to work in the Chicago office and travel as needed for client visits.

Nice To Haves

Experience in financial collateral examination.

Responsibilities

Perform in-depth testing and analysis of collateral, generally accounts receivable and inventory, securing loans to potential or existing borrowers; verify its existence and identify and highlight collateral weaknesses or deterioration.
Assist in preparing field examination reports and supporting workpapers that communicate findings, material variances, conclusions, and recommendations for potential mitigants.
Participate in management interviews at subject companies to gain insight into financial, collateral, and operational management.
Set priorities and work in an organized manner while managing multiple moving deadlines.
Build, maintain, and manage effective relationships and communication with subject companies throughout the field examination process.
Ensure effective and consistent internal communication and coordination within the examination team, keeping members up to date.
Perform site visits as needed; travel could represent up to 20% per month.
Participate in client meetings and report deliveries as needed.