JobsAkuna Capital

Operations Analyst

Akuna Capital · Chicago, IL · Middle Office

Posted Aug 26, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Walk me through a time you found a discrepancy in a fee schedule or invoice that nobody else had caught. How did you dig into it and what did you do once you confirmed it?

whether the candidate proactively reconciles details rather than waiting for someone to flag a problem

Tell me about a project or workstream you owned completely, from figuring out what was wrong to actually fixing it, with no one telling you the steps along the way.

evidence of true end-to-end ownership versus task execution

Tell me about a time you had to manage a broker or exchange relationship where the other side was slow or unresponsive and you had a deadline. What did you do?

external stakeholder management and persistence without becoming adversarial

Describe a time you noticed a process was error-prone or inefficient and you changed it yourself rather than just flagging it to someone else.

initiative in building or improving controls, not just following documented steps

Tell me about a mistake you made on something with financial consequences. What happened and what did you change afterward?

accountability and whether they build real safeguards after errors instead of just apologizing

Give me an example of when you had to make a judgment call on an operational issue without a clear playbook or without time to ask your manager first.

decision-making autonomy and comfort with ambiguity, a repeated theme in the posting

Technical

How comfortable are you writing SQL to pull and reconcile large sets of trade or fee data, and can you describe a query or analysis you built that mattered to a real decision?

actual hands-on SQL fluency versus resume-listed familiarity

What's the most complex Excel model or workbook you've built for reconciliation or reporting, and what made it more than a simple spreadsheet?

depth of Excel skill beyond basic formulas, since the job leans on advanced Excel daily

Have you used Python for any of your analysis work, and if so, what did it let you do that Excel or SQL couldn't?

whether Python is a real plus skill or just a checkbox on the resume

What do you know about how options exchanges connect to market makers, at a conceptual level, and why would connectivity or mapping issues actually matter for a firm like Akuna?

baseline understanding of market structure and why this operational work is high stakes

Situational

Say an exchange changes a fee structure or a mapping overnight and trades start settling incorrectly the next morning. What do you actually do in the first hour?

how the candidate triages a live operational break under time pressure and who they loop in versus handle alone

Explain how you'd approach onboarding a new broker, including KYC, if you were told to just take it and run with it.

whether the candidate understands onboarding workflows and can structure ambiguous work independently

You're juggling a monthly cost report due today, a fee discrepancy that needs escalation, and a new exchange connectivity question from trading, all at once. How do you decide what to work on first?

prioritization judgment under competing urgent demands typical of a trading floor

How do you explain a technical or operational issue, like a break in exchange connectivity, to someone in compliance or finance who doesn't work with the systems day to day?

clarity of written and verbal communication across non-technical stakeholders

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Akuna Capital.

<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">About Akuna:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration,&nbsp;cutting-edge&nbsp;technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Our Founding Partners</span><em><span data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;</span></em><span data-contrast="auto">first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London, and Singapore.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">What&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;do as an Operations Analyst&nbsp;at Akuna:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276,"469777462":[9360],"469777927":[0],"469777928":[4]}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">As an Operations Analyst, you will play a critical role in supporting and scaling Akuna’s trading operations by owning complex operational workflows, identifying issues independently, and driving solutions. This role requires strong analytical thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to execute accurately under aggressive timelines. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">You will work closely with internal teams and external counterparties to ensure the integrity of trading operations, with a particular focus on exchange connectivity, fee structures, and operational controls. This role requires someone who can quickly understand complex systems, communicate clearly, and be trusted to take workstreams end-to-end. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">This role is best suited for candidates who thrive in autonomous, high-expectation environments. </span><span data-contrast="auto">In this role, you will: </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="18" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Operate in a fast-paced trading environment with daily interaction across trading, compliance, finance, and business development teams </span></li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="18" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Own operational processes end-to-end, from investigation and analysis through execution and follow-up, with accountability for accuracy and timeliness </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="18" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Assess, maintain, and troubleshoot exchange connections, mappings, and related operational workflows, exercising judgment when issues arise </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="18" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Analyze, validate, and reconcile exchange and broker fee schedules, identify discrepancies, and proactively drive resolution </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="18" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Provide real-time operational support and research for new initiatives, exchange launches, and broker relationships </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="18" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Serve as a primary operational point of contact with external parties including brokers, clearing firms, and exchanges </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="18" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Lead broker onboarding and KYC processes, independently managing timelines and deliverables </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="18" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Perform monthly market data and cost analysis, delivering clear, actionable reporting to internal stakeholders </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="18" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Maintain and continuously improve internal documentation to ensure processes are accurate, scalable, and well-controlled </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="18" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Identify inefficiencies, risks, or control gaps and independently propose and implement process improvements </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="18" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Support ad hoc projects that require analytical thinking, ownership, and execution rather than task-based administrative support <span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Qualities that make great candidates:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field </span></li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">3-5 years of experience in clearing, trading, or other financial services. </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Demonstrated ability to work independently and take full ownership of responsibilities without the need for repeated instruction or hand-holding </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex operational issues and make sound, defensible decisions </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Advanced Excel skills; SQL experience required; Python a plus </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate problems, decisions, and outcomes </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Proven track record of managing multiple priorities and meeting aggressive deadlines in high-accountability environments </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">High attention to detail combined with the ability to think critically about broader operational impact </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Self-motivated, proactive, and comfortable operating in situations with ambiguity </li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Collaborative, professional, and reliable, with a strong sense of accountability to the team <span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"><em data-renderer-mark="true"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want all groups to feel empowered to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!<span class="fabric-text-color-mark" data-renderer-mark="true" data-text-custom-color="#172b4d">&nbsp;</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"><em data-renderer-mark="true">In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $75,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.</em></span></p>

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