Position Title: Funds Ratings - Associate / Associate Director (Chicago)
Entity: Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Chicago, IL
Summary/Overview:
Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC. is seeking an Associate/Associate Director to join our growing Funds Ratings team in the Chicago office. The Funds team assigns and monitors credit ratings on various debt instruments issued by funds, closed-end funds, and other fund vehicles. KBRA’s growing ratings portfolio encompasses funds which leverage a variety of asset growth and income generation strategies including fixed income securities, private equity, private credit, real estate, and middle market lending. A strong candidate will have extensive experience and interest in fund investment and credit strategies.
About the Job:
- Assist with credit research on a variety of funds, closed-end funds, and other investment vehicles.
- Assist with the development of rating and analytical tools such as cash flow and asset coverage models used to evaluate fund debt structures.
- Assist in the quantitative and qualitative preparation and presentation of internal credit memos and publications.
- Participate in diligence meetings with fund management teams to assess their investment acumen, risk management skills, and overall ability to develop and successfully execute strategies.
- Develop and maintain complex spreadsheets and databases.
- Ability to leverage and seamlessly collaborate with KBRA experts in other sectors such as project finance, corporate finance, financial institutions, and structured finance.
- Assist in research for internal and publication purposes.
- Associate Directors will have the ability to independently lead credit ratings process and research efforts on a variety of debt transactions involving investment funds, and other related vehicles and to Lead/assist in the development of rating and analytical tools such as cash flow models used to evaluate fund debt structures.
You will be successful in this role if you have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or Math related fields or any subject that results in strong analytical skills.
- Four (4) to Eight (8) years of work experience as a credit analyst with experience in fund lending, investing, or structured finance is a significant plus.
- Ability to work as an integral part of a highly collaborative team and across disciplines in a challenging and dynamic environment.
- Ability to manage time and resources in a fast-growing company.
- Effective oral and written communications skills.
- Proficiency in Advanced Excel, ability to cash flow model is a significant plus.
- Extremely high attention to detail.
- Proficiency in SQL and VBA for querying databases a strong advantage.
- Successful progression towards CFA a plus.
- 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 $130,000. Offer amounts are determined by factors such as experience, skills, geography, and other job-related factors.
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 in Finance, Business, or Math related fields
- 4 to 8 years of work experience as a credit analyst
- Proficiency in Advanced Excel with cash flow modeling skills
- Proficiency in SQL and VBA for querying databases
- Progress towards CFA
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.
