Associate Analyst 2

The Associate Analyst 2 (AA2) will work with lead analysts in assigning and monitoring credit ratings; researching, drafting, and publishing research; and other activities. The AA2 will perform a comprehensive analysis on assigned credits with an increasing level of initiative and independence. The AA2 will perform holistic evaluations of credit risk by integrating credit inputs prepared by internal and external parties. In conducting credit analysis for their assigned credits, transactions, or credit reviews, AA2s will actively participate in rating committee discussions and interact with issuers and other market participants, in collaboration with lead analysts.

The AA2 role is integral to Moody’s focus and ratings accuracy, research, and market outreach. The AA2 will work on an increased number of tasks with higher levels of complexity. The AA2 will work on an increased number of tasks with higher levels of complexity. The AA2 will typically focus primarily on one rating group, with the potential for cross-training in and/or working for other rating groups.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Portfolio Management & Credit Quality**
Working with lead analysts by performing day-to-day credit analysis related to ratings with increasing complexity, research, presentations, and investor outreach. Examples of analytical work may include:

- Reviewing financial spreadsheets and charts, analyzing data and financial documents, building and updating financial forecasts, and writing analytical commentary in accordance with Moody’s methodologies.
- Proficient knowledge of credit fundamentals through review of transaction documentation cash flow analysis, or loss allocation rules.
- Monitoring portfolio with growing independence.
- Preparing the first draft of rating committee memos, in collaboration with lead analysts.
- Demonstrating the ability to understand and identify key factors that affect issuer credit ratings.
- Advancing matters for discussion with lead analyst where appropriate and providing credit-specific nuance.
- Interpreting and analyzing financial data and other credit inputs provided by internal and external parties.
- Monitoring credit quality and issuer and/or industry trends by following market developments and relevant news events, analyzing issuer reporting (including, in some rating groups, monitoring and attending earnings calls), and engaging with issuers directly for follow-up clarification and information.
- Attending and participating in rating committee meetings including offering analysis and opinion where appropriate.
- Preparing credit estimates used to assess elements of credit risk in certain rated transactions.
- ** Research, Investor Outreach & Market Interaction**:

- Collaborating with lead analysts in preparing the first draft of core research (such as credit opinions, issuer and sector comments, press releases, pre-sale and new issue reports). The end product requires mínimal editing for publication to an external audience.
- Contributing to research strategy, including idea generation and preliminary drafting, and adhering to Moody’s research standards.
- Demonstrating the ability to craft and follow through on research ideas.
- Attending investor briefings and issuer meetings as required; helping prepare presentation materials in some cases; arriving prepared to engage in discussions; presenting certain sections in some cases.
- Building positive relationships with issuers displaying initiative to understand the issuer’s business and proactively responding to issuer inquiries.
- **Credit Administration**:

- Demonstrating competency in processing ratings and research through internal systems and using software specific to the rating group.
- Actively participating in special projects while concurrently maintaining consistent dedication to core responsibilities. Providing significant input into various analytical and statistical projects.
- **Coaching & Guidance**:

- Providing clear, concise, and constructive guidance in the delegation of work to the data processing team (if applicable), actively handling the workload pipeline to provide sufficient time for completion. Seeking manager’s guidance where needed to resolve how to prioritize work.
- Providing initial review and quality assessment of work produced by more junior RRS staff.
- Providing feedback to the manager on the quality and accuracy of work produced by the data processing team, while providing constructive and proactive feedback.
- Contributing to training and onboarding of new staff, serving as a ‘buddy’ where applicable.
- Serving as a resource on more complex credit questions and issues for less experienced team members. Acting as a mentor to more junior staff, on topics such as research writing, issuer relationship management, and credit process.
- Serving as a resource on more complex credit questions and issues for less experienced staff. Acting as a mentor to more junior staff, on topics such a