Position Title: ABS Commercial / Esoteric – Associate / Associate Director (NY / Chicago)
Entity: Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY or Chicago, Illinois, United States
Summary/Overview:
KBRA (Kroll Bond Rating Agency) is seeking an experienced credit analyst to join our Commercial Asset-Backed Securities (ABS) team. The position is open to candidates in our New York City Office or Chicago Office. The ideal candidate will have experience in commercial ABS asset classes (including, for example, data centers, communications infrastructure, equipment, or aviation); this is preferred, but not required. Successful candidates will possess an ability to be highly adaptable and show strong critical thinking skills. An Associate or Associate Director within the ABS group holds an integral role on the transaction rating team, engaging in all aspects of the rating process from collateral analysis to report publication.
About the Job:
- 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 documentation.
- 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, working under the guidance and direction of senior team members.
- 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 (which, in some cases, may require travel).
You will be successful in this role if you have:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study required.
- 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 (excel test may be administered as part of the interview process)
- 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 (writing sample on request).
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to take initiative, work independently, and work closely with partners in a collaborative environment.
- Familiarity with Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT for research, data insights, and general productivity is a plus.
Salary Range:
The anticipated annual base salary range for this full-time position is $100,000 to $150,000. Offer amounts are determined by factors such as experience, skills, geography, and other job-related factors.
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
About Us:
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. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority pursuant to the Temporary Registration Regime. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider.
More Info:
KBRA encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study
- Minimum 3+ years of credit analysis experience in the ABS sector
- Strong Excel skills
- Proficient with financial modeling software (e.g. Intex)
- Strong oral and written communications skills
- Familiarity with Generative AI tools
Kroll Bond Rating Agency Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Kroll Bond Rating Agency and has not been reviewed or approved by Kroll Bond Rating Agency.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with employer match—often immediately vested—and a pension program are part of the offering. These features strengthen long‑term financial benefits beyond base pay.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid vacation, holidays, and paid family/disability leave are part of the package, with generous PTO available in many roles. This breadth of time off stands out within the overall package.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — A predictable hybrid schedule (commonly Tuesday–Thursday in office) and wellbeing resources are standard components. These elements support day‑to‑day flexibility and work‑life balance.
Kroll Bond Rating Agency Insights
What We Do
KBRA was established in 2010 in an effort to restore trust in credit ratings by creating new standards for assessing risk and by offering accurate and transparent ratings. KBRA provides the investment community with an alternative solution by delivering timely and in-depth research. KBRA is a full service global rating agency whose mission is to set a standard of excellence and integrity.
