Associate Analyst

Job Description The Associate Analyst will conduct comprehensive analysis on an assigned portfolio of ratings/credits. The AA will perform holistic evaluations of credit risk by integrating credit inputs prepared by others, including Financial Data Analysts (FDAs), RRS Associates and external parties. In conducting credit analysis for their assigned portfolios, transactions or credit reviews, AAs will actively participate in rating committee discussions and interact with issuers and other market participants, in collaboration with Lead Analysts.
The AA role is integral to Moody's focus on ratings accuracy, research and market outreach. The AA role will focus primarily on Sub Sovereign and Project & Infrastructure Lines of Business (LOB). Position is opened for either AA2 (must have an experience of over 2 years in a related field) or AA3 (Some relevant experience, preferably minimum of 1 year.). Most of the required skills are common to both positions and some are only mandatory for AA2 (indicated when is an AA2 skill).

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Management

• Performs day-to-day credit analysis related to ratings, research, presentations, and investor outreach. Examples of analytical work produced include:
  • Reviewing financial spreadsheets and charts prepared by others, analyzing data and financial statements, building and updating financial forecasts, and writing analytical commentary in accordance with Moody's methodologies.
  • Assisting with proprietary models and new financial projections as applicable, identifying trends in data, and applying analytical skills and judgment to form well-reasoned credit conclusions.
  • Reviewing transaction documents and building knowledge of cash flow.
  • For an AA2 is expected that can monitor portfolio with increasing independence
• Develops strong working knowledge of Moody's methodologies and credit rating best practices, applying these with guidance from Lead Analysts.
• Prepares first draft of rating committee memos, in collaboration with Lead Analysts.
• Demonstrates the ability to understand and identify key factors that affect issuer credit ratings. Escalates matters for discussion with Lead Analyst where appropriate and provides credit specific nuance.
• Interprets and analyzes financial data and other credit inputs provided by others e.g. FDAs and RRS Associates.
• Monitors credit quality and issuer and/or portfolio trends by following market developments, analyzing issuer reporting, and engaging with issuers directly for follow-up clarification and information.
• Monitors and attends earnings calls of companies within assigned portfolio, including monitoring relevant news events, as applicable.
• Attends rating committee meetings and is encouraged to participate, including offering analysis and opinion where appropriate.
• An AA2 may present certain sections in rating committee meetings and is expected an active participation in those meetings.
• May complete Credit Estimates used to assess elements of credit risk in certain rated transactions

Research & Investor Outreach

• Prepares first draft of core research as applicable to the LOB e.g. credit opinions, issuer and sector comments, press releases, pre-sale and new issue reports etc. in collaboration with Lead Analysts.
• Contributes to research strategy, including idea generation and preliminary drafting, adhering to Moody's research standards.
• For an AA2 is expected that can demonstrate ability to craft and follow through on research ideas.
• Attends investor briefings and issuer meetings as required; may help prepare presentation materials; arrives prepared to engage in discussions.
• Builds positive relationships with issuers - displays initiative to understand the issuer's business and proactively responds to issuer enquiries.

Credit Administration

• Performs analytical tasks related to portfolio reviews and other credit projects (e.g. liquidity scrubs).
• Operates applicable ratings and research systems and utilizes software specific to the rating group. Identifies all issues with data for follow up with Lead Analyst.
• Demonstrates sound understanding and judgment in applying Moody's processes, documentation standards and best practices, adhering to all laws and policies
• An AA2 should demonstrate thorough understanding and judgment in applying Moody's processes, documentation standards and best practices, adhering to all laws and policies
• Is expected that an AA2 to actively participate in special projects while concurrently maintaining consistently high performance in core responsibilities. The AA2 also provides significant input into various analytical and statistical projects .

Coaching & Guidance

• Provides clear, concise and constructive guidance in the delegation of work to Associates (if applicable), actively managing workload pipeline in order to provide sufficient time for completion. Seeks Associate Analyst Team Manager (AATM) guidance where needed to determine how to allocate work.
• Provides feedback to AATM on the quality and accuracy of work produced by Associates, along with providing constructive and proactive feedback to Associates and FDAs
• An AA2 also provides initial review and quality assessment of work produced by more junior RRS staff. Provides feedback to AATM on the quality and accuracy of work produced by Associates, along with providing constructive and proactive feedback to Associates and FDAs.
• An AA2 also contributes to training and on-boarding of new staff, serving as a 'buddy' where applicable.
• An AA2 also serves as a resource on more complex credit questions and issues for less experienced staff. Acts as mentor to more junior staff, for topics such as research writing, issuer relationship management and credit process.

Qualifications

• Minimum undergraduate/ first level degree (e.g. bachelor's degree, or equivalent qualifications) for an AA3 or an AA2.
• Accounting background with strong focus in financial analysis is a must for an AA3 or an AA2
• An AA2 must have a minimum 2 years relevant work experience. Graduate/second level degree (Masters, MBA) preferred. Proven credit experience (in related field) required. Progress towards completion of CFA preferred .
• Working knowledge of MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Solid verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to a changing environment and prioritize tasks accordingly.
• Fluent in English is a must, Spanish desirable

Moody's is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

Candidates for Moody's Corporation may be asked to disclose securities holdings pursuant to Moody's Policy for Securities Trading and the requirements of the position. Employment is contingent upon compliance with the Policy, including remediation of positions in those holdings as necessary.