Corporate Credit Research Analyst

Jackson • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

PPM America, Inc. (PPM) is a US-based institutional asset manager established in Chicago in 1990. PPM is committed to consistently supporting institutional clients in achieving their long-term value goals through a hard work, straight talk, full transparency, and humility approach. The company fosters a team-based culture that encourages debate, collaboration, and consistency, believing that the best ideas can come from any team member. PPM's success is demonstrated by the strong retention of its clients and investment professionals. The Fixed Income Research team comprises intellectually curious, collaborative professionals who formulate investment ideas for PPM’s debt-focused client portfolios. As sector experts, analysts assess the credit quality of companies and industries through qualitative and quantitative analysis, including following news, analyzing financials, and speaking with industry experts. They then evaluate trading levels of these companies’ debt instruments to formulate investment recommendations, collaborating with traders and portfolio managers to implement these views into portfolios. The Credit Analysis group is seeking an individual to join the investment team for PPM's core portfolios of corporate bonds and loans.

Requirements

• 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
• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

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

Benefits

• Volunteer opportunities
• Competitive salary and bonus
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• $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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level