Operations Analyst

Waterton Search • Chicago, IL

6h • $60,000 - $75,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

In this highly visible role, you will support the Operations and Capital teams by delivering financial and operational analysis that enhances portfolio performance. You will contribute across budgeting, forecasting, underwriting, and performance reporting, translating complex data into actionable insights that inform decision making across the real estate portfolio.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 0-2+ years of experience in a similar role and/or relevant internship experience
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, including pivot tables, lookup formulas, and macros
• An intermediate skill of Power BI and Microsoft SQL Server
• Basic understanding of budgeting and forecasting tools and processes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to synthesize large volumes of information into clear insights and actionable recommendations
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities with high attention to detail
• Ability to travel up to 25% as business needs require

Responsibilities

• Financial Analysis: You will partner closely with the Operations and Capital teams to analyze revenue and expense performance, provide insights that support sound business decisions, and help optimize net operating income. This includes delivering monthly, in‑depth analysis of underperforming assets to identify trends and changes in financial and service‑related metrics. You will also analyze new lease and renewal activity within rent optimization and property management systems to assess replacement rent growth.
• Reporting: You will support the development and enhancement of performance reporting using Power BI to meet the analytical needs of the Operations and Capital teams. You will create, maintain, and refine custom reporting solutions by integrating data from multiple operating systems, including REBA Rent, Yardi, ApartmentIQ, Vena, and other platforms, enabling revenue and operations teams to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Budgeting and Reforecasting: You will play a key role in portfolio‑wide budgeting and reforecasting activities by supporting performance benchmarking, producing ad hoc reporting, and assisting with initial budget setup. In partnership with the Capital Program Management team, you will track capital expenditures and variances and assist with the reforecasting of capital improvement plans throughout budgeting and reforecasting cycles.
• Acquisition and Disposition Due Diligence: Your responsibilities will also include supporting acquisition and disposition activity through the due diligence process. This includes gathering and analyzing data, developing operational underwriting budgets for acquisitions, and assisting with dispositions by evaluating financial performance, identifying value creation opportunities, and collaborating with operations teams to ensure diligence materials are complete, accurate, and timely.
• Collaboration and Culture: As a collaborative team member, you will actively support departmental and organizational objectives by embracing the Waterton Way, sharing best practices, identifying opportunities for process improvement, and contributing to the refinement and implementation of new and existing Standard Operating Procedures.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and incentive program participation
• Full suite of benefits, including Medical, Dental, Life, Disability, and even pet insurance
• 401k + match
• Generous paid time off, volunteer time off, and paid holidays
• A commitment to life-long learning through learning plans that include internal and external trainings, as well as consideration for tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts and wellness initiatives, like an onsite gym.
• Hybrid work environment (based on business or position needs)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern