Ares is currently seeking an Associate to add to our Alternative Credit Group in New York, focused on the investment-grade Private Placement debt strategy. The qualified candidate will have a credit investor’s mindset and a successful track record of analyzing, structuring, negotiating, and monitoring corporate credit and asset-oriented financing solutions.

The Associate will be directly involved in all facets of the investment analysis process including financial modeling, due diligence, industry research, legal documentation, and portfolio monitoring/management. He or she will interact directly with portfolio company management teams. Finance experience with exposure to public and / or private corporate credit and / or structured credit, is critical for success in this role.

Primary functions and responsibilities:

• Financial Modeling & Analysis: Thoroughly analyze and underwrite potential investments including reviews of historical financials, development of cashflow projection models and investment analyses. Apply various qualitative and quantitative methods, including data analysis and scenario analysis, to assess the relative risk and relative value of potential investments.
• Due Diligence: Support the deal team throughout the transaction due diligence and closing processes. Collect due diligence materials, utilize information and findings in the underwriting of investments, and coordinate with third party diligence providers to facilitate the review and closing of transactions.
• Research: Support investment team by performing company-specific and industry research for each investment opportunity.
• Work independently under limited supervision as this job entails investing in private placement securities across a wide variety of placements, including corporate investment grade, financials, REITs, project finance, infrastructure, insurance notes, and credit tenant loans.
• Investment Recommendation: Assist in the development of Investment Committee memos and supporting analysis and investment rationale; ensure the quality, completeness and accuracy of the analysis that precedes investment recommendations as well as manage the overall delivery of associated materials required for decision making.
• Portfolio Management: Work with the asset management team to provide support to and oversight of certain investments in the portfolio
• Portfolio Monitoring: Monitor a portfolio of investments, prepare credit update memos and makes recommendations (buy, sell, hold) to portfolio managers. Coordinate investment process with other functional areas within the company (Legal, Compliance, other Portfolio Managers, etc.).
• Contribute to various Team and Group projects to further strengthen or enhance our investment process.

Qualifications:

• Superior academic achievement in a strong undergraduate program is required.
• 2+ years of finance experience with direct exposure to corporate credit, asset-based finance, and / or structured products.
• Prior buyside experience or financial institutions group (FIG) investment banking experience is strongly preferred.
• Private placement experience is required
• Sophisticated financial modeling and analytical capabilities.
• Self-motivated and driven; ability to work effectively in a collegial, fast moving, demanding, and dynamic environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills that demonstrate an ability to articulate a clear, concise analysis of investment risk and relative value.
• Evidence of intellectual curiosity, creative problem-solving skills, and adaptability.

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