Sr Credit Associate

The Department

The Credit Strategy & Standards (CSS) Group is a team within MIS that acts to ensure the consistency and accuracy of our credit ratings and rating approaches but does not directly manage our relationships with issuers. Within CSS there are distinct groups that focus on different aspects including: the development and maintenance of credit rating methodologies, frameworks and quantitative tools; the review of methodologies, models and rating actions, including the approval of new methodologies; enhancing ratings quality and consistency; and identifying and prioritizing emerging strategic credit issues and cross-rating group approaches.

The Role

The Senior Credit Associate role is integral to Moody’s focus on ratings accuracy, research, and market outreach. The key function of the role is to provide analytical, statistical, research and logistical assistance to the Credit Strategy & Research (CSR), working closely with more senior colleagues. The CSR team provides thought leadership on emerging credit risks, leads cross-sector research and helps drive alignment within the rating agency around the factors that drive credit risk.

The Senior Credit Associate role will typically focus primarily on one department within CSR, with the potential for cross-training in and/or work for other rating groups. This job is focused mostly on Latin America.

Key Responsibilities

• Performing analysis relating to macroeconomic and/or financial forecasts including on topics such as consumer and labor market trends, key Latin America policy changes, elections, and trade
• Support the Latin America Strategy & Research function in monitoring and analyzing regional trends, macroeconomic developments, policy changes and country-specific and sector-specific economic, fiscal, and political developments.
• Developing the ability to understand and identify key factors that affect sector credit trends (i.e. sovereigns, corporates, banks, infrastructure).
• Gathering and analyzing financial and credit data, preparing charts, updating financial models, and preparing required documentation
• Assist in the drafting and visualization of macroeconomic data analysis, public policy analysis and thematic research publications
• Developing a working knowledge of credit fundamentals including of Moody’s methodologies and credit rating best practices.
• 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, infographics or other media assets.
• Collaborating in preparing analysis for outreach presentations
• Lead and project manage internal newsletters and memoranda

CSS Administration

• Operate applicable 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 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.

Experience & 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 economics, Public Policy or Finance preferred.
• Exhibits good communication skills and can articulate ideas clearly; Displays excellent interpersonal capabilities
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese not required but preferred
• 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

Additional Experience / Qualifications

• Familiarity with Latin American public policy and Latin American economies.
• Strong knowledge of macroeconomic principles.
• Quantitative and data analysis skills.