Associate Lead Analyst 1 (Local Governments)

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.

If you are excited about this opportunity but do not meet every single requirement, please apply! You still may be a great fit for this role or other open roles. We are seeking candidates who model our values: invest in every relationship, lead with curiosity, champion diverse perspectives, turn inputs into actions, and uphold trust through integrity.

Skills and Competencies

• 3–5 years of experience in public policy, municipal finance, public sector accounting, or economics is strongly preferred
• Fundamental credit skills, including both qualitative and quantitative analytical aptitude
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with strong research capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and consistently meet deadlines
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong time management skills with an aptitude for producing high‑quality credit research
• Demonstrated ability to identify analytical and process improvements is desirable
• Able to understand artificial intelligence concepts, preferably with hands-on experience using AI tools to streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency

Education

• Undergraduate degree in Public Policy, Economics, Government Administration, or a related field is preferred
• MBA, MPA, MPP, or similar advanced degree is preferred

Responsibilities

This role is responsible for analyzing local government credits and contributing to accurate, forward‑looking credit opinions through rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis.

• Analyze a wide variety of local government credits using quantitative methods and qualitative judgment
• Develop and maintain in‑depth knowledge of economic trends and debt practices within the local government sector
• Collaborate closely with teammates and other Public Finance Group associates
• Leverage Microsoft tools and technologies, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Copilot, to support analytical work
• Prepare and present portions of rating committee materials, demonstrating emerging judgment and adherence to methodologies
• Ensure timely, accurate workpapers and documentation that support rating accuracy
• Prepare for, participate in, and may lead issuer meetings
• Respond to routine investor inquiries while developing a deeper understanding of issuer and intermediary needs
• Contribute to research outputs, including issuer‑specific and event‑driven publications, and begin to identify and comment on relevant credit themes as analytical capabilities grow
• Use Moody’s tools, data systems, and AI‑supported workflows to enhance analytical rigor and efficiency
• Support process improvement and digital transformation initiatives, including testing new analytical tools

About the Team

Moody’s Midwest team is composed of credit analysts and support staff responsible for the ratings and analysis of debt issued by approximately 3,000 cities, counties, schools, and special districts across the Midwest region. The team focuses on maintaining rating accuracy, delivering insightful analysis of new issues, and clearly communicating analytical conclusions to market participants and other key stakeholders. While the work is driven by robust quantitative analysis, sound judgment is essential, and conclusions are ultimately reflected in forward‑looking written credit opinions.

For US-based roles only: the anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $112,300.00-$154,450.00, depending on factors such as experience, education, level, skills, and location. This range is based on a full-time position. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for incentive compensation. Moody’s also offers a competitive benefits package, including not but limited to medical, dental, vision, parental leave, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, life, disability, and accident insurance, a discounted employee stock purchase plan, and tuition reimbursement.


Moody’s is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Moody’s also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about a reasonable accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

For San Francisco positions, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

This position may be considered a promotional opportunity, pursuant to the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Click here to view our full EEO policy statement. Click here for more information on your EEO rights under the law. Click here to view our Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination statement. Click here to view our Notice to New York City Applicants.
Candidates for Moody's Corporation may be asked to disclose securities holdings pursuant to Moody’s Policy for Securities Trading and the requirements of the position. Employment is contingent upon compliance with the Policy, including remediation of positions in those holdings as necessary.


For more information on the Securities Trading Program, please refer to the STP Quick Reference guide on ComplianceNet


Please note: STP categories are assigned by the hiring teams and are subject to change over the course of an employee’s tenure with Moody’s.