Rating Analyst, Rating Analyst, Americas Public Finance - Local Governments Central

S&P Global•Chicago, IL

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

S&P Global Ratings is a leading provider of independent credit risk research. The Americas Public Finance sector is crucial to capital markets, supporting funding initiatives and economic growth. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to this growth in a fast-paced environment within a professional team focused on analytical excellence, customer service, and a supportive, diverse, and collegial atmosphere. The role is key to maintaining market relevance and meeting transaction requirements. As a Rating Analyst on the Local Governments Central Region team, you will lead credit analysis for local government issuers (cities, counties, school districts, special districts, etc.), providing independent, committee-ready credit opinions for investors. This involves meeting with issuers, assessing data, compiling presentations, conducting in-depth research, and performing financial statement analysis to support rating recommendations. You may also handle moderately complex analytical situations, assist clients, participate in investor calls, and contribute to research publications or special projects. This is a junior position with significant potential for upward mobility.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
2+ years of experience in Public Finance experience.
Local Government sector experience preferred.
Strong credit analysis and financial statement analysis capabilities.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with capacity to work under general guidance while exercising decision-making authority.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural teams and independently when required.
Strong time management and organizational skills with consistent delivery of high-quality work and adherence to deadlines.
We require all candidates who reach the final stage of our interview process to attend at least one in-person interview, which is ordinarily at your nearest S&P Global Ratings office. This must be completed before we can proceed to an offer.

Nice To Haves

Master's in business, public policy, public administration, or related field preferred.
Experience advising on complex local government finance issues and providing analytical perspectives to senior staff.
Proven ability to conduct in-depth research and comprehensive financial analysis.
Proven ability to build relationships across teams and functions.
Initiative in identifying problems and suggesting process improvements.
Change-ready mindset and willingness to adopt evolving analytical workflows, including AI-human collaborative processes.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary analyst on credit transactions and prepare well-supported rating recommendations for rating committees, with clear rating reports supporting our credit opinion.
Conduct comprehensive credit analysis and in-depth research to evaluate creditworthiness of local government issuers.
Perform detailed financial statement analysis to assess fiscal health and credit risk factors.
Serve as an active, vocal voting member of the rating committee, which deliberates rating outcomes and reviews materials prior to publication.
Publish timely and insightful credit reports as well as contribute to relevant research pieces.
Demonstrate strong knowledge of ratings criteria and financial statement analysis, while staying informed on relevant news and issues affecting credit quality in the municipal bond market.
Contribute to team initiatives to improve relative business area processes and efficiency.
Provide guidance and clarification to support the team in delivering quality work.
Resolve issues that are often varied and non-routine using previous experience and analytical skills.
All employees are required to work from the office a minimum of 2 days per week.