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University Associate, Risk Advisory, Forensics

Ankura · Chicago, IL · $50,000–$120,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 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.

About your past

Tell me about a time you had to be skeptical of information someone gave you.

What they are checking: Whether they have professional skepticism, which forensic work depends on.

Tell me about a time you worked through a large volume of detailed documents or data.

What they are checking: Whether they have the patience and accuracy for document-heavy investigation work.

Why are you drawn to investigations and litigation consulting?

What they are checking: Whether their interest is real and specific enough to sustain them through demanding work.

What would you do

You're working on a whistleblower matter and learn something about a person you know socially. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they recognize conflicts of interest and confidentiality obligations right away.

About the work

What is forensic accounting, and how is it different from a financial statement audit?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the purpose of forensic work, which is answering a specific question that may end up in court.

How would a Ponzi scheme typically show up in bank records?

What they are checking: Whether they can think about money flows, like new investor funds paying old investors, in practical terms.

You're asked to reconstruct a company's books from bank statements because the records are incomplete. How would you start?

What they are checking: Whether they can approach reconstruction methodically, which the practice lists as a core service.

What is a purchase price dispute, and what usually causes one?

What they are checking: Whether they understand closing working capital adjustments and accounting disagreements after a deal.

How would you approach calculating lost profits in a commercial dispute?

What they are checking: Whether they grasp the basic idea of comparing what happened to what would have happened without the harm.

How do you keep track of where every number in your analysis came from?

What they are checking: Whether they understand sourcing and tie-outs, which experts must defend under cross-examination.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Ankura.

Ankura is a team of excellence founded on innovation and growth. Practice Overview: This position supports the Ankura Risk, Forensics & Compliance Business Group - one of five practices focused on client delivery services across the Firm. Role Overview: Ankura’s Forensics practice provides clients with our expertise in Investigations, Accounting Advisory, Litigation, Arbitration, and Disputes, which includes: • 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 . • Expert Services . Responsibilities: An ideal candidate should have an interest in forensic accounting, investigations, litigation consulting, and the other related areas described above. Responsibilities will include applying technical accounting, forensic accounting, and analytical skills to various client situations. As an intern, Ankura will provide you with the opportunity to experience a variety of projects working collaboratively on small, diverse teams with skilled, intelligent, driven, and successful individuals. Ankura is focused on hiring people that will serve as the foundation of a growing firm dedicated to its people and culture while delivering high-quality service to our clients. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following: • 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; etc. • 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 . Requirements: • A Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Accounting , Finance, or related field with an expected graduation date between December 2026 and June 2027. • Applicants should have an interest to pursue 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 Possess excellent communication (verbal and written), computer, and organizational skills, plus strong quantitative and qualitative analytical, mathematical, and research skills. • deadlines in an always-changing environment. • 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. • Please note that this role requires 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). Ankura is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the said markets and considers a broad range of factors including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled . The range does not include additional benefits outside of salary. At Ankura, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each role. A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range is between $50,000 to $120,000; this range is not a promise of a particular wage . Ankura is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Posters, if you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, submit an online application, or participate in an interview/assessment, please email accommodations@ankura.com or call toll-free +1.312-583-2122. This email and phone number are created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues unrelated to a disability, will not receive a response.

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