Associate, Portfolio Valuation and Fund Advisory (Structured Products) - Dallas or New York

Responsibilities

• Analyzing and valuing various structured products, asset-backed loans, loan pools and other illiquid securities
• Determining relevant valuation assumptions based on historical performance, collateral type, and economic scenarios
• Utilizing a discounted cash flows framework to derive value indications at appropriate market discount margins / yields
• Performing market research; calibrating proprietary valuation models to incorporate market-based assumptions
• Reviewing and compiling published financial information, such as industry research reports, remittance data, and market data across a wide range of asset classes
• Aiding in the preparation of client deliverables including valuation reports, pitch materials and information requests
• Participating in due diligence meetings/discussions and assisting in responding to auditor questions regarding valuation analyses prepared by Houlihan Lokey
• Presenting valuation analyses and conclusions internally to review committees, externally to our clients’ senior management and boards of directors, and to fiduciaries
• Performing quantitative and qualitative assessments on distribution reports, financial statement, and other sources of information, as required
• Researching and providing initial draft on (a) general economic conditions, (b) industry-specific conditions and trends, and (c) various investment attributes of illiquid securities
• Aiding with sales and marketing initiatives for prospective and existing clients
• Performing other ad-hoc research, analytics, and support for the FVA project teams as required

Qualifications

• Associate candidates should have 3-5+ years of work experience
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business, applied mathematics, statistics, engineering, or equivalent quantitative field
• A fundamental understanding of financial valuation theory, methodologies, and applications
• Knowledge of various structured products including, but not limited to, Residential and Commercial Mortgage Securities (RMBS and CMBS), Asset-Backed Securities (ABS), and Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLO)
• Understanding of basic probability and statistical concepts
• Strong analytical abilities including demonstrated ability to model discounted cash flows
• Strong problem solving skills and the ability to work through complex financial models to determine the key assumptions, implicit caveats and limitations
• Strong knowledge of Excel
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to prepare reports and presentations to team and clients, including graphic and written sections
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with team members
• Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment
• An exceptional work ethic and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and interact with clients and internal management
• Flexibility to travel to client site for due diligence meetings as required