Funds Ratings - Associate / Associate Director (Chicago)

About the role

Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC is seeking an Associate/Associate Director to join our growing Funds Ratings team in the Chicago office. The Funds team assigns and monitors credit ratings on various debt instruments issued by funds, closed-end funds, and other fund vehicles. KBRA's growing ratings portfolio encompasses funds which leverage a variety of asset growth and income generation strategies including fixed income securities, private equity, private credit, real estate, and middle market lending.

Responsibilities

• Assist with credit research on a variety of funds, closed-end funds, and other investment vehicles.
• Assist with the development of rating and analytical tools such as cash flow and asset coverage models used to evaluate fund debt structures.
• Assist in the quantitative and qualitative preparation and presentation of internal credit memos and publications.
• Participate in diligence meetings with fund management teams to assess their investment acumen, risk management skills, and overall ability to develop and successfully execute strategies.
• Develop and maintain complex spreadsheets and databases.
• Ability to leverage and seamlessly collaborate with KBRA experts in other sectors such as project finance, corporate finance, financial institutions, and structured finance.
• Assist in research for internal and publication purposes.
• Associate Directors will have the ability to independently lead credit ratings process and research efforts on a variety of debt transactions involving investment funds, and other related vehicles and to Lead/assist in the development of rating and analytical tools such as cash flow models used to evaluate fund debt structures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or Math related fields or any subject that results in strong analytical skills.
• Four (4) to Eight (8) years of work experience as a credit analyst with experience in fund lending, investing, or structured finance is a significant plus.
• Ability to work as an integral part of a highly collaborative team and across disciplines in a challenging and dynamic environment.
• Ability to manage time and resources in a fast-growing company.
• Effective oral and written communications skills.
• Proficiency in Advanced Excel, ability to cash flow model is a significant plus.
• Extremely high attention to detail.
• Proficiency in SQL and VBA for querying databases a strong advantage.
• Successful progression towards CFA a plus.
• Familiarity with Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT for research, data insights, and general productivity is a plus.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or Math related fields or any subject that results in strong analytical skills.
• Must have four (4) to eight (8) years of work experience as a credit analyst with experience in fund lending, investing, or structured finance.
• Must have the ability to work as an integral part of a highly collaborative team and across disciplines in a challenging and dynamic environment.
• Must have the ability to manage time and resources in a fast-growing company.
• Must have effective oral and written communications skills.
• Must have proficiency in Advanced Excel, ability to cash flow model is a significant plus.
• Must have extremely high attention to detail.
• Must have proficiency in SQL and VBA for querying databases.
• Preferred to have a successful progression towards CFA.
• Preferred to have familiarity with Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT.

Skills

• Strong analytical skills.
• Experience in fund lending, investing, or structured finance.
• Collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Time management and resource management skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Advanced Excel proficiency.
• Cash flow modeling skills.
• SQL and VBA proficiency.
• CFA certification.
• Knowledge of Generative AI tools.

Benefits

• A hybrid work schedule (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays in the office)
• Competitive benefits and paid time off
• Paid family and disability leave
• 401(k) plan, including employer match (100% vested)
• Employee referral bonus program

About Us

Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority pursuant to the Temporary Registration Regime. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider.

More Info

KBRA encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

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