Senior Valuation Specialist (Remote-Chicagoland Candidates Only)
<div><strong>Summary</strong><br/><br/>This position supports a valuation practice that provides fair-value measurements, complex financial instrument modeling, and audit-ready valuation analyses for CPA firms, banks, and investment funds. This role focuses on developing robust valuation models, analyzing market data, and preparing high-quality deliverables used for financial reporting under U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The ideal candidate combines strong quantitative skills with a deep understanding of financial instruments, valuation methodologies, and the reporting requirements of financial institutions and investment entities.<br/><br/><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong><br/><ul><li>Develop and maintain valuation models for fixed income structured products (CLO, CMBS, etc.), private credit, distressed debt, private equity, derivatives, and other complex financial instruments.</li><li>Develop comprehensive financial models encompassing discounted cash flow, market multiple, market transactions, and option pricing analyses.</li><li>Gather and report market data (yield curves, credit spreads, liquidity metrics) to ensure accurate and timely model inputs.</li><li>Conduct model validation including sensitivity analysis, back-testing, and documentation of model assumptions and limitations.</li><li>Build and maintain effective control processes to monitor and track changes in the assumptions of valuation models</li><li>Challenge and refine prices using market data, comparable instruments, and model-based approaches.</li><li>Identify control gaps and process pain points; design and implement improvements to reduce manual work and operational risk.</li><li>Support internal teams and external clients to address valuation questions and ensure transparency in methodologies.</li><li>Contribute to process improvements and automation projects</li></ul><br/><br/><strong>Qualifications</strong><br/><ul><li>Bachelor's or master's degree in finance, economics, mathematics, or a related quantitative field.</li><li>5+ years experience valuing financial instruments for a CPA firm or an independent valuation firm.</li><li>Experience building valuation models (DCF, Comp Multiple and Option Models)</li><li>Strong understanding of valuation techniques including market, transaction and income approaches for private equity, preferred and fixed income instruments.</li><li>Solid knowledge of valuation procedures and techniques across diverse asset classes equities, fixed income, derivatives, structured products, and private assets</li><li>Strong knowledge of ASC 820 fair value measurement principles.</li><li>Expertise in advanced Excel and other complex modeling systems</li><li>Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative market data sources such as Bloomberg, Trepp, Intex, Cap IQ, etc.</li><li>Strong communication skills and experience interacting with teammates and clients</li><li>Ability to train and lead staff</li><li>Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.</li><li>Experience with valuation of <strong>Level 2 and Level 3 assets</strong>.</li></ul><br/><strong>Preferred</strong><br/><ul><li>Certified or progressing toward CFA, CPA, CVFI, or Series 7.</li><li>Experience working with or supporting CPA firms, audit teams, or financial statement preparation.</li><li>Familiarity with fund valuation practices and bank regulatory reporting.</li></ul><br/><br/><strong>Core Competencies</strong><br/><ul><li>Self-starter with ability to work independently and collaboratively</li><li>Quantitative modeling and analytical rigor</li><li>Technical understanding of financial instruments</li><li>Precision and attention to detail</li><li>Ability to communicate complex valuation concepts clearly</li><li>Client-service mindset and responsiveness</li><li>Strong documentation and organizational skills</li></ul><br/><br/><strong>Physical Requirements: </strong><br/><ul><li>Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks.</li><li>Frequent use of computer, keyboard, and office equipment.</li></ul><br/><br/><strong>Remote Work Environment Requirements: </strong><br/><ul><li>Dedicated, quiet workspace free from distractions to maintain focus and accuracy.</li><li>Reliable high-speed internet connection to support secure document processing and collaboration.</li><li>Ability to meet deadlines in a remote setting while maintaining attention to detail.</li><li>Strong self-discipline and time management skills to work independently and efficiently.</li><li>Comfortable using remote communication tools (e.g. email, Microsoft Teams, Zoom) for team collaboration.</li></ul><br/><br/><strong>Benefits:</strong><br/><br/>This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and good work/life balance.<br/><ul><li>Health insurance</li><li>Paid Time Off</li><li>Disability insurance</li><li>Paid holidays </li><li>401k with employer contribution</li><li>Remote work environment</li><li>Generally, promotion within firm</li></ul><br/><br/></div>
