Ratings Associate

At Moody's, we unite the brightest minds to turn today's risks into tomorrow's opportunities. We do this by striving to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to be who they are—with the freedom to exchange ideas, think innovatively, and listen to each other and customers in meaningful ways. Moody's is transforming how the world sees risk. As a global leader in ratings and integrated risk assessment, we're advancing AI to move from insight to action—enabling intelligence that not only understands complexity but responds to it. We decode risk to unlock opportunity, helping our clients navigate uncertainty with clarity, speed, and confidence.If you are excited about this opportunity but do not meet every single requirement, please apply You still may be a great fit for this role or other open roles. We are seeking candidates who model our values: invest in every relationship, lead with curiosity, champion diverse perspectives, turn inputs into actions, and uphold trust through integrity.Skills & Competencies1+ years of relevant experience (including internships), ideally in credit analysis within related industry sectors, gained at a recognised financial institution or audit firmExcellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skillsProficiency in MS Excel, Word, and PowerPointProactive approach and ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environmentStrong organizational skills, analytical thinking, and attention to detailAbility to adapt to a changing environment and prioritize tasks effectivelyBasic understanding of fixed income markets and/or credit conceptsStrong modeling experience, including project finance and/or regulated industriesDemonstrated interest in utilities and/or infrastructure industriesPython and SQL skills preferredAccounting knowledge with a strong focus on financial analysis (e.g., through coursework, CFA or equivalent, or relevant work experience)Basic understanding of artificial intelligence concepts, with curiosity and enthusiasm for learning how AI tools can be used to improve processes and drive efficiency. Interest in exploring AI systems and a willingness to develop awareness of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical useEducationMinimum Bachelors Degree or equivalent qualification with a strong academic recordMasters or equivalent qualification preferredFluency in English is essential. Fluency in Spanish, French or German preferredResponsibilitiesPortfolio Management & Credit QualityWorking with lead analysts by performing day-to-day credit analysis related to ratings, research, presentations, and investor outreach. Examples of analytical work may include:Reviewing financial spreadsheets and charts, analyzing data and financial statements, building and updating financial forecasts, and writing analytical commentary in accordance with Moody's methodologiesAssisting with proprietary models and new financial projections as applicable, identifying trends in data, and applying analytical skills and judgment to form well-reasoned credit conclusionsDeveloping a working knowledge of credit fundamentals through a review of components such as transaction documentation, cash flow analysis, or loss allocation rulesPerforming analytical tasks related to portfolio reviews and other credit projectsDeveloping a working knowledge of Moody's methodologies and credit rating best practices, and applying these with guidance from lead analystsCollaborating with lead analysts in preparing the first draft of rating committee memosDeveloping the ability to understand and identify key factors that affect issuer credit ratings. Interpreting and analyzing financial data and other credit inputs provided by internal and external partiesMonitoring 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 informationAttending and participating in rating committee meetings, including to offer analysis and opinion where appropriate. Preparing credit estimates analysis used to assess elements of credit risk in certain rated transactionsResearch, Investor Outreach & Market InteractionContributing to the first draft of core research (such as credit opinions, issuer and sector comments, press releases, pre-sale, and new issue reports) in collaboration with lead analystsContributing to research strategy, including idea generation and preliminary drafting, and adhering to Moody's research standardsAttending investor briefings and issuer meetings as required; helping prepare presentation materials in some cases; arriving prepared to engage in discussionsBuilding positive relationships with issuers displaying initiative to understand the issuer's business and proactively responding to issuer inquiriesCredit AdministrationOperating applicable ratings and research systems and utilizing software specific to the rating groupDemonstrating sound understanding and judgment in applying Moody's processes, documentation standards, and best practices, and adhering to all laws and policiesCoaching & GuidanceProviding guidance in the delegation of work to the data processing teamActively managing workload pipeline to provide sufficient time for completion. Seeking guidance from the manager where needed to determine how to prioritize workProviding feedback to the manager on the quality and accuracy of work produced by the data processing team, while providing constructive and proactive feedbackRisk Identification and EscalationEnsure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to certify relevant key codes as required, complete mandatory required training in a timely mannerAwareness of Moody's risk management approachIncrease awareness of cyber risks and avoidance of vulnerabilities e.g., e-mail use (phishing malware)Ensure high quality of work free errorsWhat To ExpectSupport Analysts on work related to credit ratings, research, and market outreachAnalyze data and financial documents, prepare and run financial models and forecastsDraft rating committee memos; attend and participate in rating committee meetingsDraft and help publish credit research reportsMonitor market developments and news to assess credit quality and industry trendsAttend investor and issuer meetings as required; help prepare presentationsContinuous development of your professional skills through trainings and hands-on workLearn about sustainability, cyber risk, private credit and local financial marketsAbout The TeamThe Ratings & Research Support (RRS) team at Moody's plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the ratings and research process and supporting various analytical departments. The Ratings Associate will work closely with credit rating analysts to ensure that all tasks related to credit ratings, research, and market outreach are completed efficiently and effectively. This role is essential in maintaining the overall productivity and organization of the ratings process, and it supports the larger team by ensuring that all analytical needs are met promptly and accurately.Moody's Project and Infrastructure Finance Group has responsibility for rating debt issued by public and private infrastructure issuers and electric, gas and water utilities. Such issuers include project finance entities that are limited to a special purpose by law, regulation, or contracts, as well as infrastructure and utility companies not contractually limited to a specific activity. Sectors covered by the Project and Infrastructure Finance Group include:Electric, gas and water utilities Project/concession financings in the infrastructure sectors (toll roads, railroads, airports, seaports, hospitals, etc.)Financings of natural resource and energy projects, including power projects and renewable energy projectsStadiums, lotteries, and other limited recourse concession-type financingsMoody's is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.Candidates for Moody's Corporation may be asked to disclose securities holdings pursuant to Moody's Policy for Securities Trading and the requirements of the position. Employment is contingent upon compliance with the Policy, including remediation of positions in those holdings as necessary.For more information on the Securities Trading Program, please refer to the STP Quick Reference guide on ComplianceNetPlease note: STP categories are assigned by the hiring teams and are subject to change over the course of an employee's tenure with Moody's.