Underwriter I, Sponsor Finance - Analyst Development Program (Chicago, IL)

This is a hybrid role, with the expectation that time working will regularly take place inside and outside of a company office.

The Sponsor Finance Group within First Citizens Bank is hiring an Underwriting Analyst to participate in the Commercial Bank Analyst Development Program. Sponsor Finance maintains long-standing relationships with middle market private equity firms across the U.S. We provide financing for leveraged buyouts, acquisition financing, debt refinancing, and recapitalizations.  We closely work with private equity firms, potential borrowers, and other lenders.  In conjunction with our financing capabilities, we also provide access to the full breadth of First Citizens banking products.

Underwriting analysts will build a broad and deep technical skillset through online coursework and on the job training as launchpad for continued success. Analysts will focus on understanding credit policies & procedures, underwriting fundamentals, core values and strategic priorities of the Bank. Analysts will spend time learning financial analysis and excel modeling and application-specific systems related to their specific business units.

About the Analyst Development Program:

As an Analyst you will participate in the Commercial Bank Analyst Development Program which is designed to build a broad and deep technical skillset through formal classes, online coursework, and on the job training.

The program starts in July 2027, on-site at our New York City Office with an 8-week intensive curriculum where participants learn about:

• Underwriting fundamentals
• Financial Analysis and Excel Modeling
• First Citizens Bank Core Values
• Application-specific training on systems
• Business unit overviews with team leaders
• Strategic priorities of the Bank
• Credit Policies and Procedures

Following the 8 weeks, Analysts join their teams and stay connected with colleagues through training and professional development sessions. We provide a superior foundation and launchpad for continued success for our Analysts as they begin their careers.

Upon completion of the ADP program, candidates will join the Sponsor Finance Team and work within a team construct to assist in the credit underwriting and portfolio management of diverse debt solutions for middle-market companies. Analysts will:

• Prepare cash flow models, conduct independent industry research, assist in the underwriting of credits, and manage accounts post-close.
• Assist in preparing new business requests, waiver and amendment requests or add-on financing requests for existing borrowers.
• Prepare historical financial analysis and projection models for new and or existing borrowers.
• Maintain credit files in preparation for internal or external audits.
• Ensure compliance with all FCB policies and procedures.
• Firm understanding of FCB systems and resources

Position Specific Skills:

• Partnerships and Collaboration
• Communication (Written and Verbal)
• Critical thinking skills

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree and 0 years of experience OR High School Diploma or GED and 4 years of experience in coursework or internship in commercial lending or credit Analysis, financial statement analysis, and finance fundamentals. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree completed upon start of the program.
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Major or concentration in quantitative field including math, business, finance, accounting or economics
• Ability to demonstrate strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Previous internship experience in an analytical role within a financial services institution.

The base pay for this position is generally between $36.06/hour and $43.27/hour. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment. 

First Citizens benefits programs are designed to meet our associates where they are in life. Full-time associates (20+ hours) are offered a comprehensive benefits program, with customized offerings, including those designed to support families, however defined. More information regarding our benefits offerings can be found here: https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits