US Corporates - Credit Analyst, Director, Retail & Consumer - Chicago

At Fitch, we have an open culture where employees are able to exchange ideas and perspectives, throughout the organization, irrespective of their seniority. Your voice will be heard allowing you to have a real impact. We embrace diversity and appreciate authenticity encouraging an environment where employees can be their true selves. Our inclusive and progressive approach helps us to keep a balanced perspective. Fitch is also committed to supporting its employees by advancing conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion. Fitch’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have been established by employees who have joined together as a workplace community based on similar backgrounds or life experiences. Fitch’s ERGs are available to connect employees with others within the organization to offer professional and personal support.

With our expertise, we are not only creating data and information, but also producing timely insights from every angle to influence decision making in this ever changing and highly competitive market. We have a relentless hunger to innovate and unlock the power of human insights and to drive value for our customers. There has never been a better time to make an impact and we invite you to join us on this journey.

US Corporates – Credit Analyst, Director – Retail & Consumer

Fitch’s North American Corporates Group is seeking Director for coverage of the Retail and Consumer sector, either in our New York, Chicago, or Toronto office. 

Qualitative credentials will weigh meaningfully in the selection of the candidate. A healthy sense of intellectual curiosity is critical, along with a demonstrated willingness and ability to attack and explain topics of analytical complexity. Fitch is a team-oriented work environment, so excellent communication skills are essential, as is a high productivity work-ethic and results oriented mindset. 

What We Offer:

• An opportunity to be a lead coverage analyst at a global rating agency.

• A team-oriented work environment.

• Fitch Ratings is a global company with a presence in over 30 countries, offering opportunities to work with diverse teams and clients from around the world.

We’ll Count on You To:

• Perform analysis of key quantitative and qualitative factors influencing the credit quality of companies in the Retail & Consumer sectors;

• Develop and maintain comprehensive financial models;

• Conduct meetings with Retail & Consumer industry management teams;

• Present analysis of companies to internal credit rating committees;

• Involvement in communicating rating rationale to external audiences (primarily institutional investors, sell-side analysts and media) in meetings, conference calls, press releases and written research reports;

• Write timely and effective research on topical issues

• Participate in the evaluation of other credits within Corporates, as well as other related credit groups;

• Represent Fitch in panel discussions and conferences arranged by industry associations, regulatory bodies etc.

• Mentor junior members of the Retail & Consumer sector.

• The role may include managerial responsibilities.

What You Need to Have:

• Bachelor's degree at minimum, MBA or other advanced degree a plus;

• CFA/CPA preferred;

• 8+ years relevant experience, which must include some coverage or knowledge of the Retail & Consumer sectors;

• Capital markets and/or credit analysis experience a plus;

• Employee management experience a plus;

• Expertise in Excel and Word;

• Strong analytical, quantitative, and organizational skills;

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; 

• Ability to shift fluidly between multiple projects as priorities change; 

• Ability to excel in a team oriented environment. 

What Would Make You Stand Out:

• A deep understanding of and a keen interest in Retail & Consumer

• A professional background in capital markets and/or credit analysis and well-developed financial statement analysis skills;

• Experience in interpreting complex legal documents such as bank agreements and bond indentures;

• A strong pattern of leadership and the ability to proactively and successfully interact with various stakeholders, both within and outside of the organization.

Why Fitch?

At Fitch Group, the combined power of our global perspectives is what differentiates us. Our global network of colleagues comes together to accomplish things greater than they ever could alone.

Every team member is essential to our business and each perspective is critical to our success. We embrace a diverse culture that encourages a free exchange of ideas, guaranteeing your voice will be heard and your work will have an impact, regardless of seniority. We are building incredible things at Fitch and we invite you to join us on our journey.

Fitch Group is a global leader in financial information services with operations in more than 30 countries. Wholly owned by the Hearst Corporation, we are comprised of three main businesses: Fitch Ratings | Fitch Solutions | Fitch Learning.

For more information please visit our websites:  

Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch’s credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interests or any appearance of a conflict of interest. Should you be successful in the recruitment process at Fitch Ratings you will be asked to declare any securities holdings and other potential conflicts prior to commencing employment. If you, or your immediate family, have any holdings that may conflict with your work responsibilities, you may be asked to divest yourself of them before beginning work.

Fitch Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.

FOR NEW YORK & CHICAGO ROLES ONLY: Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $140,000 and $180,000. Actual salaries will be determined on an individualized basis and may vary based on factors including but not limited to education, training, experience, past performance, and other job-related factors. Base pay is one part of Fitch’s total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, long-term incentives, and other benefits sponsored by Fitch. 

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