ABS - Director (Chicago)

Position Title: ABS – Director (Chicago)

Entity: Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Summary/Overview:

KBRA (Kroll Bond Rating Agency) is seeking an experienced credit analyst to join our Asset-Backed Securities (ABS) team in our expanding Chicago, IL office. The ideal candidate will have experience across ABS sectors, both consumer (such as auto loans, consumer loans, credit cards, etc.) and commercial/esoteric (data center, equipment, communications infrastructure, aviation etc.). A 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 and managing and mentoring junior staff.

About the Job:

• Conduct transaction analysis including originator/servicer evaluation, collateral performance and loan pool analysis, modeling and analysis of bond structure, and review of legal structure and documentation
• Serve as lead analyst and primary contact with clients, deal arrangers and investors on transactions
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of credit memoranda and presentation of transactions to rating committees, and transaction reports for publication
• Lead the development of rating methodologies (as necessary), and special topic and market commentaries
• Surveil and monitor rated transactions and update existing ratings as warranted
• Attend and participate in investor discussions or industry events (which may require travel)
• Manage a team of junior analysts, mentoring and fostering their professional development

You will be successful in this role if you have:

• More than ten (10) years of demonstrated experience in credit analysis within the ABS sector at a rating agency, buy-side investor, credit research, or similar environment. Direct experience with both consumer and commercial ABS asset classes is a plus
• Strong Excel skills (excel test may be administered as part of the interview process)
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and work closely with partners in a collaborative environment
• Strong analytical skills relating to transaction evaluation, including asset credit risk assessment, and analysis of asset and bond cash flows
• Demonstrated ability to make independent, well-reasoned credit decisions under time-sensitive conditions
• Proficient with relevant financial modeling software (e.g. Intex)
• Strong oral and written communications skills (writing sample on request)
• Exceptional attention to detail
• 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 $165,000 to $195,000. 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
• Cell phone provided

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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