Credit Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Working at PPM America, Inc.

PPM is a US-based institutional asset manager. Established in Chicago in 1990, PPM exists to consistently support institutional clients in achieving their long-term value goals. We take a hard work, straight talk, full transparency and humility approach to our work. Our success is supported by a team-based culture that encourages debate, collaboration and consistency. At the center of our belief is the fact that our best ideas to date have and can come from any team member anywhere in our firm. We believe the success of our investment culture is best demonstrated by the strong retention of our clients and investment professionals. PPM was again named one of the Best Places to Work in Money Management by Pensions & Investments in 2024. We attract professionals who exhibit humbleness, directness, and dedication. PPM's values guide our internal conduct and help define the type of relationships we share with our investors, affiliates, and other valued partners. Above all, PPM is passionate about giving back to our clients, to each other, and to our community. We understand that community and purpose are just as important as the job description when finding your next career.

Values

At PPM, our values are reinforced in our culture every day. We act like owners. Integrity guides all that we do, and we are committed to exercising sound judgment in every decision that impacts the company and serves our clients. We are passionate about investment performance and driving results. We are relentless in our efforts to provide best in class service. We strive to build strong and lasting relationships with our clients, seeking to gain trust in everything we do. We work collaboratively with transparency and accountability. We operate as a team. We rely on each other, are accountable to each other, and respect each other. We value differences and unique perspectives and embrace the principle that great ideas can come from anyone. We embrace change. We are not afraid to challenge the status quo in search of a better, smarter or faster solution. We value learning, challenge ourselves and motivate others. We are also committed to positively impacting our community. As a firm, we invest time, experience and fundraising efforts with our non-profit partners.
At PPM, we offer volunteer opportunities to get involved with a network of peers and support the causes that are important to you. Your passion and talents can make a lasting impact on our organization and our community. Additionally, our employees go the extra mile every day and the benefits of working at PPM reflect our commitment to supporting and enhancing their personal and professional lives. The plans and programs listed below are offered in collaboration with our parent company.
Fixed Income Research Department

The Fixed Income Research team is comprised of intellectually curious, collaborative professionals who formulate investment ideas for inclusion in PPM's wide range of debt-focused client portfolios. As sector experts, analysts assess the credit quality of companies and industries through qualitative and quantitative analysis by following news, analyzing financials, and speaking to industry experts. Analysts then evaluate trading levels of these companies' debt instruments to formulate investment recommendations, collaborating with the firm's traders and portfolio managers to implement these views into portfolios.

Job Purpose

The individual will join the Credit Analysis group as a member of the investment team for PPM's core portfolios of corporate bond and loans.

Essential Responsibilities

• Quantitative and qualitative credit analysis of the holdings in PPM's portfolios and research of new investment ideas;

• Preparation of written reports for new investments and ongoing monitoring of investments; Verbal presentations to senior management and other professional staff at PPM America;

• Support work for senior credit analysts on various projects, including industry research, analytics and automation of various reporting.

Other Duties

• Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to analyze companies and industries by reviewing a high volume of information - e.g., financial statements, company presentations and third party research reports - with the judgment to identify the most relevant areas for further investigation;

• Familiarity with financial statements and the ability to quickly build accurate Excel financial models;

• Strong written and verbal presentation skills with an appreciation of the value of succinct, clear writing;

• Track record of professional and academic achievement with intellectual curiosity and a passion for financial and industry analysis;

• Personal characteristics such as resourcefulness, self-motivation, discipline and comfort forming an original opinion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree - Distinguished academic record with an undergraduate Degree in Finance, Accounting and/or Economics is required.

• 1-3 years of post-undergraduate work experience in finance, accounting or consulting related fields is required.

• Previous work conducting original research and communicating the results in writing is preferred.

• Direct exposure to investing or credit training is preferred.

• Interest in or progression toward a CFA is preferred.

Benefits

At PPM, we offer volunteer opportunities to get involved with a diverse network of peers and support the causes that are important to you. Your passion and talents can make a lasting impact on our organization and our community. Additionally, our employees go the extra mile every day and the benefits of working at PPM reflect our commitment to supporting and enhancing their personal and professional lives. The plans and programs listed below are offered in collaboration with our parent company.

• Competitive salary and bonus

• Medical, dental and vision coverage

• For eligible employees, $2 for $1 matching on 401k contributions, up to a max matching contribution of 12% of your eligible compensation.

• Tuition and professional certification reimbursement

• Paid parental leave

• Adoption assistance

• Holidays and paid time off

• Paid time off to volunteer

Base Pay:

$75,000.00 - $95,000.00. The base salary for this position may vary depending on experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. In addition to the base salary, this role will be eligible to participate in our annual bonus program. This role will also be eligible for compensated personal time off and holidays, health benefits, 401(k) plan with generous matching and other benefit programs according to the Company's employment policies and subject to the formal terms of such plans and programs.