Funds Ratings - Associate / Associate Director (Chicago)

Job Description

Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is seeking an Associate/Associate Director to join their Funds Ratings team in Chicago. 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. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience and interest in fund investment and credit strategies.

Role involves:

• Assisting with credit research on a variety of funds, closed-end funds, and other investment vehicles.
• Assisting with the development of rating and analytical tools such as cash flow and asset coverage models used to evaluate fund debt structures.
• Assisting in the quantitative and qualitative preparation and presentation of internal credit memos and publications.
• Participating in diligence meetings with fund management teams.
• Developing and maintaining complex spreadsheets and databases.
• Collaborating with KBRA experts in other sectors.
• Assisting in research for internal and publication purposes.
• Independently lead credit ratings process and research efforts on a variety of debt transactions involving investment funds.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or Math related fields.
• Four (4) to Eight (8) years of work experience as a credit analyst.
• Ability to work as an integral part of a highly collaborative team.
• 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 is a plus.

Role offers:

• 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)
• Educational and professional development financial assistance
• Employee referral bonus program