Credit Associate

Description

The Credit Associate role is integral to Moody’s focus on ratings accuracy, research, and market outreach. Credit Associates work closely with more senior colleagues to build analysis which develops our qualitative and quantitative assessment of credit risks. This will include simple statistical scrutiny as well as more sophisticated modelling and estimation work. They may also contribute to external research and outreach as appropriate. The analysis may serve as inputs to Moody’s ratings, contribute to rating performance and assessment exercises that help refine and improve our ratings and methodologies or directly support the development and assessment of analytical methodologies and models.
The Credit Associate role will typically focus primarily on one department within CSS, with the potential for cross-training in and/or work for other rating groups.

Responsibilities

Credit Quality

• Performing day-to-day analysis related to credit, methodology development and rating accuracy, which may include the following:
  • Performing analysis relating to macroeconomic and/or financial forecasts
  • Interpreting and analyzing financial data and other credit inputs
  • Gathering and analyzing financial and credit data, preparing charts, updating financial models, and preparing required documentation
  • Collaborating with ratings teams to develop, build, and maintain analytical tools for financial analysis.
  • Building and maintaining databases (such as the default database)
  • Developing a working knowledge of credit fundamentals including of Moody’s methodologies and credit rating best practices.
  • Developing the ability to understand and identify key factors that affect issuer credit ratings.
  • Undertaking analysis to support the development or assessment of methodologies, models and other analytical frameworks.
  • Monitoring the credit industry by following market developments. Identifying emerging trends and issues and providing analysis for senior management and publication
  • Contributing to research, including through idea generation and preliminary drafting. Work with colleagues to draft presentations.
  • Collaborating in preparing analysis for outreach presentations

CSS Administration

• Operate applicable ratings and research systems and utilize software specific to MIS and CSS.
• Demonstrate sound understanding and judgment in applying Moody’s processes, documentation standards, and best practices, and adhere to all laws and policies.
• Contribute to projects and methodological work as required, taking a lead role where appropriate.
• Provide ad-hoc support on other tasks as needed.

Risk Identification and Escalation

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to certify relevant key codes as required. Complete mandatory required training in a timely manner.
• Awareness of Moody’s risk management approach.
• Increase awareness of cyber risks and avoidance of vulnerabilities e.g., e-mail use (phishing malware).
• Ensure high quality of work free errors.

Qualifications

• Minimum undergraduate/first-level degree (e.g. Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent qualifications) in a relevant subject (eg finance, economics)
• Master’s degree in a relevant subject preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written communication, and presentation skills
• Proficient in MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Coding experience would be a significant advantage, eg R, VBA or Python.
• Proactive and able to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Strong organization skills, analytical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Able to work using own initiative without close supervision, and exercise sound judgement.
• Ability to adapt to a changing environment and prioritize tasks accordingly.
• Some understanding of fixed income markets and/or credit knowledge is preferred. Previous experience of publishing research is desirable
• Relevant experience in credit or methodologies (including internships) is useful but not essential