University Associate, Risk Advisory, Forensics

Ankura Consulting Group•Chicago, IL

About The Position

This position supports the Ankura Risk, Forensics & Compliance Business Group, which focuses on client delivery services. The Forensics practice provides clients with expertise in Investigations, Accounting Advisory, Litigation, Arbitration, and Disputes, including Forensic Accounting and Financial Investigations, Accounting, Fraud, and Independent Fact-Finding Investigations, Ponzi Schemes, Whistleblower, Embezzlement, and Kickback Matters, Forensic Accounting and Reconstruction of Books and Records, Purchase Price Disputes, Commercial Litigation, Damages Analysis, and Expert Services. Ankura is a team of excellence founded on innovation and growth, focused on hiring people who will serve as the foundation of a growing firm dedicated to its people and culture while delivering high-quality service to clients.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field with an expected graduation date between December 2025 and June 2026.
Interest in pursuing a CPA license or other advanced certifications upon graduation and completion of state requirements.
Ability to work well independently, as well as collaboratively with colleagues.
Possess strong team-oriented personality characteristics: hard-working, thoughtful, and collaborative, with a positive outlook and confidence.
Ability to adapt quickly in handling multiple, evolving tasks and/or engagements, and re-prioritized deadlines in an always-changing environment.
Possess excellent communication (verbal and written), computer, and organizational skills, plus strong quantitative and qualitative analytical, mathematical, and research skills.
Highly motivated, eager to learn, willing to travel as needed, and able to motivate others.
Technical accounting, financial, and economic skills, along with familiarity and knowledge of application of SEC rules, regulations, and disclosures.
Understanding of and experience with application and/or research of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and/or generally accepting auditing standards (“GAAS”).
Proficient with PC environments and related software, including Microsoft Office applications, specifically advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.
Permanent authorization to work in the U.S. (i.e. U.S. citizen or permanent resident).
Internships and full-time University Associate roles are not eligible for U.S. immigration sponsorship, work visa or any other temporary work authorization (i.e. OPT, CPT).

Responsibilities

Applying accounting, financial, and analytical skills to various client issues, such as detailed analysis of transactional data, underlying books and records, and financial statements; tracing of flow of funds; calculations of damages in complex disputes; review of revenue recognition procedures.
Assist with designing and implementing analysis, investigation, and project-specific workplans.
Developing and performing analyses to assess complex fact patterns and preparing reports and schedules summarizing findings for review by senior colleagues and clients.
Documenting and maintaining detailed workpaper records that reflect assumptions, information sources, and methodologies and procedures underlying all analytical tasks.
Ensuring delivery of high-quality work product and deliverables within established timeframes and budgets.
Performing day-to-day client engagement activities, including interaction with internal Ankura team members and other stakeholders involved in the engagement and developing productive working relationships with colleagues and clients.
Contributing to the overall success of the firm by participating in pitches, proposals, internal and external networking events, marketing the firm externally to prospective clients, and corporate social responsibility events.