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Debt Finance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate, Debt Finance

New York, NY · On-site

$310K - $420K/yr

Our Debt Finance Practice specializes in advising clients on all aspects of debt-related transactions and financial structuring. We provide legal expertise to borrowers, lenders and other financial ...

Am Law top 10 and one of the world's most elite law firms seeks a highly qualified associate to join their Debt Finance group. The ideal candidate would have 1-6 years of experience in the ...

Debt Finance Associate Attorney

Boston, MA · On-site

$260K - $390K/yr

Direct Counsel is seeking a Debt Finance Associate with 3-6 years of experience to join a premier finance practice representing private equity sponsors, corporate borrowers, lenders, and other market ...

Am Law top 10 and one of the world's most elite law firms seeks a highly qualified associate to join their Debt Finance group. The ideal candidate would have 2-5 years of experience in the ...

Am Law top 50 firm which is consistently ranked among the leading law firms is looking for an associate to join their Debt Finance practice. The ideal candidate must have 1-3 years of finance ...

Am Law top 50 firm which is consistently ranked among the leading law firms is looking for an associate to join their Debt Finance practice. The ideal candidate must have 1-3 years of finance ...

The ideal candidate must have 2 years of debt finance experience. Preferred experience includes sponsored finance, syndicated lending, acquisition/leveraged finance (either borrower or lender side ...

Debt Finance Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$260K - $390K/yr

Direct Counsel is seeking a Debt Finance Associate Attorney to join a highly respected Am Law firm. Location Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Milwaukee, WI; New York, NY; or Salt ...

Debt Finance Associate Attorney

Reston, VA · On-site

$225K - $365K/yr

Debt Finance Associate Attorney Locations: Boston, Chicago, Denver, Washington, DC, Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, New York, Palo Alto, Reston, San Diego, San Francisco Position: Associate ...

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Debt Finance information

See salary details

$21K

$53.4K

$93.5K

How much do debt finance jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for debt finance in the United States is $53,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 40 too old to get into finance?

Debt finance professionals can enter the field at any age, as experience, skills, and certifications like CFA or CPA are valued over age. Many individuals transition into finance later in their careers, and age is rarely a barrier if relevant qualifications and a strong understanding of financial principles are demonstrated.

What is debt finance?

Debt finance refers to the process of raising capital for a business or project by borrowing money, typically through loans, bonds, or other credit arrangements. In this structure, the borrower agrees to repay the borrowed amount with interest over a specified period. Debt finance is commonly used by companies to fund expansion, operations, or acquisitions without giving up ownership stakes. It differs from equity finance, where funds are raised in exchange for shares in the company. Debt financing can offer tax advantages and preserves control for existing owners, but it also introduces repayment obligations and potential financial risk.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

In debt finance, high-level roles such as investment bankers, private equity executives, and senior hedge fund managers can earn annual compensation exceeding $1 million, often including bonuses and incentives. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong analytical skills, and they operate in competitive financial environments. Compensation varies based on performance, firm size, and geographic location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Debt Finance, and why are they important?

To thrive in Debt Finance, you need strong analytical skills, financial modeling expertise, and a solid understanding of credit markets, typically supported by a degree in finance, accounting, or economics. Familiarity with tools like Excel, Bloomberg Terminal, and financial analysis software, as well as certifications such as CFA or CPA, is highly valuable. Excellent communication, negotiation, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for managing client relationships and structuring complex financing deals. These skills ensure effective risk assessment, optimal deal structuring, and successful client outcomes in a fast-paced financial environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in debt finance, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in debt finance frequently encounter challenges such as rapidly changing market conditions, complex regulatory requirements, and the need to assess credit risk accurately. Navigating these issues requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with clients, legal teams, and internal stakeholders. Staying informed of regulatory changes and using robust risk assessment tools can help mitigate potential pitfalls. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is also crucial to ensure all aspects of a transaction are properly evaluated and executed.

What is the difference between Debt Finance vs Loan Officer?

AspectDebt FinanceLoan Officer
Primary RoleArranging and managing debt funding for companies or projectsEvaluating and approving individual loan applications
Work EnvironmentCorporate finance departments, investment banksBank branches, lending institutions
Required CredentialsFinance degrees, certifications like CFA or CPA often preferredFinancial or banking certifications, sometimes licenses
Industry UsageUsed in corporate and project financingUsed in retail and commercial banking

Debt Finance professionals focus on structuring and securing debt for organizations or projects, often working in corporate finance settings. Loan Officers evaluate individual loan applications, primarily in banking environments. While both roles involve lending, Debt Finance is more strategic and large-scale, whereas Loan Officers handle day-to-day retail or commercial loans.

What professions make 500,000 a year?

In debt finance, senior roles such as investment bankers, private equity managers, and hedge fund executives can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and incentives. These positions typically require advanced degrees, strong analytical skills, and extensive industry experience. Compensation varies based on firm size, location, and individual performance.

What is the highest paid finance job?

In finance, chief investment officers and hedge fund managers tend to be among the highest paid roles, often earning multi-million dollar salaries and bonuses. Senior positions requiring extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong analytical skills typically command the highest compensation in the industry.
More about Debt Finance jobs
What cities are hiring for Debt Finance jobs? Cities with the most Debt Finance job openings:
What states have the most Debt Finance jobs? States with the most job openings for Debt Finance jobs include:
Infographic showing various Debt Finance job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,410 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Debt Finance Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Beachwood, OH

$220K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Debt Finance Associate with 3–6 years of experience to join a growing and sophisticated Debt Finance practice in Cleveland. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney looking to work on a broad range of middle-market and complex financing transactions while representing lenders, borrowers, private equity sponsors, debt funds, and financial institutions.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience handling secured lending transactions, credit facilities, and debt finance matters from inception through closing.

Responsibilities
  • Represent arrangers, agents, lenders, and borrowers in syndicated and bilateral credit facilities
  • Draft, review, and negotiate:
    • Credit and loan agreements
    • Security agreements
    • Guarantees
    • Intercreditor agreements
    • Subordination agreements
    • Promissory notes
    • Fee letters
    • Commitment letters
    • Term sheets and amendments
  • Advise clients on secured lending transactions and collateral matters under UCC Articles 8 and 9
  • Conduct transaction due diligence, including review of organizational documents, searches, management agreements, and disclosure schedules
  • Negotiate and coordinate third-party deliverables, including control agreements, bailee waivers, insurance endorsements, and related documents
  • Organize and manage complex financing closings
  • Collaborate with private equity sponsors, debt funds, banks, and middle-market companies on sophisticated financing transactions
Qualifications
  • 3–6 years of debt finance or banking experience
  • Experience representing lenders and/or borrowers in syndicated and bilateral credit facilities
  • Experience with:
    • Secured term loans
    • Asset-based lending facilities
    • Cash flow credit facilities
    • Leveraged acquisition financings
    • First lien, second lien, and unsecured facilities
  • Strong drafting and negotiation experience involving financing documents
  • Knowledge of secured transactions and UCC Articles 8 and 9
  • Experience managing transaction closings and financing due diligence
  • For candidates with 4+ years of experience, familiarity with legal opinions and opinion diligence is preferred
  • Active Ohio Bar admission required
Preferred Experience
  • Middle-market secured lending transactions
  • Venture debt financings
  • Investment-grade financings
  • Cross-border financings
  • Project finance transactions
  • Restructuring and workout matters
  • First lien, second lien, and mezzanine financings across a variety of industries
Compensation & Benefits
  • For Cleveland, the expected salary range is $220,000 – $250,000
  • Compensation is determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic market, and other relevant factors
  • Performance- and hours-based bonus opportunities
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Hybrid work environment
  • Opportunity to work on sophisticated debt finance transactions with national clients
  • Significant client exposure and hands-on responsibility
  • Collaborative team environment with strong mentorship and professional development opportunities

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.