Ratings Associate - Corporate Finance

At Moody's, we unite the brightest minds to turn today’s risks into tomorrow’s opportunities. We do this by striving to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to be who they are—with the freedom to exchange ideas, think innovatively, and listen to each other and customers in meaningful ways. Moody’s is transforming how the world sees risk. As a global leader in ratings and integrated risk assessment, we’re advancing AI to move from insight to action—enabling intelligence that not only understands complexity but responds to it. We decode risk to unlock opportunity, helping our clients navigate uncertainty with clarity, speed, and confidence.

The Rating Associate will work with lead analysts in assigning and monitoring credit ratings; researching, drafting, and publishing research; and other activities. The Rating Associate will perform an evaluation of credit risk by integrating credit risk inputs prepared by internal and external parties. In conducting credit analysis for their assigned credits, transactions, or credit reviews, the Rating Associate is expected to participate in rating committee discussions and interact with issuers and other market participants, in collaboration with lead analysts. The Rating Associate role is integral to Moody’s focus on ratings accuracy, research, and market outreach. The Rating Associate role will typically focus primarily on one rating group, with the potential for cross‑training in and/or work for other rating groups.

Skills & Competencies

• Relevant work or project experience, including internships
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Experience with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., PowerBI, TABLEAU, KNIME, Alteryx) preferred
• Excellent verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong organization skills, analytical thinking, and attention to detail
• Eagerness to learn and adopt emerging technical applications in the financial industry, including AI‑driven tools, automation and data analytics
• Proactive with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast‑paced, innovative environment; ability to prioritize tasks
• Fundamental understanding of fixed income markets or credit preferred
• Demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence, including the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, foster collaboration, and approach challenges with empathy and self‑awareness
• Exemplifies unwavering integrity by consistently acting with honesty, transparency, and accountability, ensuring trust and credibility in all interactions and decisions
• Strong skills in data interpretation and storytelling, with the ability to analyze complex datasets, extract actionable insights, and effectively communicate findings to diverse audiences in a clear and compelling manner
• Python and SQL skills preferred

Additional Experience / Qualifications

• Accounting knowledge with a strong focus on financial analysis (e.g., through coursework, CFA or equivalent), or relevant work experience is preferred

Language Requirements

• English is required, additional fluency in German or Russian is preferred

Education

• Minimum undergraduate/first‑level degree (e.g. Master’s Degree, or equivalent qualifications) with a strong academic record (minimum GPA of 3.0 in the US)
• Finance or accounting background preferred
• Availability to start Immediate

Responsibilities

• As a Ratings Associate, you will be part of a global team and you will collaborate closely with Credit Rating Analysts to assign and monitor credit ratings of companies in major global industries, playing a crucial role in assessing their credit risk and performance.
• You will participate in key stages of the credit rating process and contribute to the rigorous evaluation and assignment of credit ratings by participating in credit rating committee discussions.
• You will utilize advanced digital tools and AI technologies to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the quality of your data analysis.
• Ratings Associates are part of a dynamic team that makes a significant impact on the global capital markets.

What To Expect

• Support Analysts on work related to credit ratings, research, and market outreach
• Leverage digital tools and AI-driven solutions to enhance analytical capabilities, improve efficiency, and focus on solving complex, high‑value challenges
• Analyze data and financial documents, prepare and run financial models and forecasts
• Draft rating committee memos; attend and participate in rating committee meetings
• Draft and help publish credit research reports
• Monitor market developments and news to assess credit quality and industry trends
• Attend investor and issuer meetings as required; help prepare presentations
• Continuous development of your professional skills through trainings and hands‑on work
• Learn about sustainability, cyber risk, private credit and local financial markets

About The Ratings & Research Support (RRS) team at Moody's plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the ratings and research process and supporting various analytical departments. The Ratings Associate will work closely with Credit Rating Analysts to ensure that all tasks related to credit ratings, research, and market outreach are completed efficiently and effectively. This role is essential in maintaining the overall productivity and organization of the ratings process, and it supports the larger team by ensuring that all analytical needs are met promptly and accurately.

Moody’s is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.