Associate, Credit, US Direct Lending

About the role

Ares is seeking an Associate for the Direct Lending Group in the Los Angeles office. This group is one of the largest self-originating direct lenders to the U.S. middle market, operating through Ares Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: ARCC), the largest business development company in the United States by both market capitalization and total assets. The platform manages over $148 billion in total AUM as of September 30, 2024. The Los Angeles team consists of over 25 investment professionals dedicated to U.S. Direct Lending, primarily industry generalists.

This position offers significant exposure to all phases of the investment process and requires strong analytical and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work well with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Support sourcing, underwriting, and credit analysis of potential new investments.
• Assist in deal closings and post-closing portfolio management and investment monitoring.
• Perform detailed financial and market analysis for new debt and/or equity investments.
• Screen new investment opportunities.
• Prepare complex Excel financial models, including cash flow analysis, debt sizing, and structuring.
• Draft investment committee memos.
• Analyze investment performance, update valuations and financial models, and track relevant market activities.
• Prepare quarterly portfolio reports summarizing performance changes and updating forecasts.
• Assist in investment closings.
• Meet with management teams and sponsors for new investment assessments and portfolio monitoring.
• Provide additional support to senior management as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent.
• Minimum of 1.5 years of relevant investment banking or principal investing experience by the start date.
• Strong quantitative, financial, and analytical skills.
• Advanced MS Excel modeling skills (v-lookup, macros, pivot tables) and MS PowerPoint proficiency.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Creative problem solver with exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Impeccable integrity and trustworthiness.

Pay

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $175,000.00. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• 401(k) program with company match.
• Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) and Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution.
• Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance.
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit.
• Access to a world-class medical advisory team.
• Mental health app with coaching, therapy, and psychiatry.
• Mindfulness and wellbeing app.
• Financial wellness benefit, including access to a financial advisor.
• New parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance.
• Emergency backup care.
• Matching gift program.
• Education sponsorship program.