ABS Commercial / Esoteric – Associate / Associate Director (NY / Chicago)

The role

An Associate or Associate Director will engage in all aspects of the rating process from collateral analysis to report publication. The role involves transaction analysis, preparing credit memoranda, and conducting ongoing surveillance of rated transactions.

What you will do

• Conduct and assist in transaction analysis including originator/servicer evaluation, collateral performance analysis, modeling and analysis of bond structure, and review of legal structure and documen
• Assist in the preparation of credit memoranda and presentation of transactions to rating committees.
• Prepare and contribute to individual transaction reports for publication.
• Serve as secondary contact to investors and clients or structuring banks.
• Assist in the publication of market commentaries related to topical events or research.
• Engage in ongoing surveillance of rated transactions and updating ratings as warranted.
• Attend and participate in seller/servicer due diligence, investor discussions, or industry events.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study
• Associate level: Minimum of three (3) + years of demonstrated experience in credit analysis within the ABS sector at a Rating Agency, Buy-Side Investor, Credit Research, or similar environment.
• Associate Director level: Minimum five (5) + years of demonstrated experience in credit analysis within the ABS sector at a Rating Agency, Buy-Side Investor, Credit Research, or similar environment.
• Strong Excel skills
• Strong analytical skills relating to transaction evaluation, including loan credit risk assessment and analysis of asset and bond cash flows.
• Proficient with relevant financial modeling software (e.g. Intex)
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and work closely with partners in a collaborative environment.

Nice to have

• Experience in commercial ABS asset classes (including, for example, data centers, PDP oil and gas, communications infrastructure, equipment, or aviation)
• Familiarity with Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT for research, data insights, and general productivity

Benefits

• A hybrid work schedule (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 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

Before you apply

• excel test may be administered as part of the interview process
• writing sample on request

About the company

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.