Position Title: Financial Institutions - Associate / Associate Director (Chicago)
Entity: Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Summary/Overview:
KBRA (Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC) is seeking an experienced Associate / Associate Director to join its growing Financial Institutions team. This role will be focused on credit ratings and research primarily on banking institutions. The position will be based in KBRAs Chicago office.
Job Responsibilities:
- Conduct in-depth analysis of financial statements from banks and other financial institutions to develop rating recommendations.
- Create committee memos, detailed research reports, and analytical materials including quantitative and qualitative assessments to support rating decisions.
- Collaborate with team members to produce comprehensive industry reports.
- Present rating recommendations to KBRA rating committees and actively participate in management meetings with rated financial institutions, as well as investor meetings and calls.
- Continuously monitor a portfolio of financial institutions to identify and assess significant developments.
You will be successful in this role if you:
- A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced graduate degree and/or CFA designation is highly desirable.
- A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in a financial institution or credit rating agency.
- Strong proficiency in verbal and written communication, as well as advanced Excel skills.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Relevant expertise in credit analysis, credit ratings, or direct experience in the banking sector.
- 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 $95,000 to $140,000. Offer amounts are determined by factors such as experience, skills, geography, and other job-related factors.
KBRA Benefits
- A hybrid work schedule (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays 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
- At least 3 years of professional experience in a financial institution or credit rating agency
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Advanced Excel skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment
- Expertise in credit analysis, credit ratings, or banking-sector experience
- Advanced graduate degree
- CFA designation
- Familiarity with generative AI tools such as ChatGPT
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.
