Demo

Sponsor Finance, Analyst to Senior Associate

Northwest Bank
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 4/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/15/2026
IL0511 Chicago LPO, OH0701 Columbus Business Center

Job Description

About Northwest Sponsor Finance (NSF)

Northwest Sponsor Finance (“NSF”), a division of Northwest Bank, provides senior credit facilities to private equity backed companies in the lower middle market. NSF’s professionals have collectively completed 200 transactions representing $1B in commitments. As we continue to grow, we’re seeking an Analyst/Associate/Senior Associate to join our team and help underwrite and manage sponsor backed transactions across diverse industries.

Why This Role

You’ll work side by side with senior investment professionals from first look through close—and beyond. Expect meaningful reps in diligence, underwriting, financial modeling, credit memos, and documentation, plus portfolio management including upsizes, add ons, and amendments. You’ll see the full deal lifecycle, get direct exposure to sponsors and management teams, and have a real voice in credit decisions.

Essential Functions

  • Support the underwriting of credit facilities, including preparation of written documents including internal screen and other memos, term sheets and proposal letters, and credit approval presentations
  • Participate in the communication with transaction stakeholders including internal management and credit partners, subordinated lenders, private equity sponsors, and company/borrower
  • Prepare and manage financial models to support underwriting transactions.
  • Conduct industry research to supplement diligence materials and third-party reports
  • Assist with the support, preparation, and presentation of monthly portfolio company reviews
  • Ensure compliance with Northwest’s policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations
  • Navigate Microsoft Office Software, computer applications, and software specific to the department in order to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency
  • Work as part of a team
  • Work with on-site equipment

Preferred Education And Work Experience

  • Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
  • 2-6 years Due Diligence Accounting, Leveraged Finance, Investment Banking, Private Equity, or Private Credit/Direct Lending

General Employee Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

  • Ability to establish effective working relationships among team members and participate in solving problems and making decisions
  • Ability to present and express ideas and information clearly and concisely in a manner appropriate to the audience, whether oral or written
  • Ability to actively listen to what others are saying to achieve understanding, sharing information with others and facilitating the open exchange of ideas and information
  • Ability to establish courses of action for self to accomplish specific goals, develop and use tracking systems for monitoring own work progress, and effectively use resources such as time and information
  • Ability to make right decisions based on perceptive and analytical processes, practicing good judgment in gray areas
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  • Ability to multi-task and manage time and workload efficiently.
  • Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
  • Demonstrates effective working relationship with teammates.
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

This role can be based from our Columbus, Ohio, or Chicago, Illinois, hub locations.

Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Salary.com Estimation for Sponsor Finance, Analyst to Senior Associate in Chicago, IL
$74,968 to $90,424
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