Associate, Credit, US Direct Lending

We are one of the largest self-originating direct lenders to the U.S. middle market. Our direct lending business in the U.S. is conducted through Ares Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: ARCC), a leading specialty finance company. ARCC is the largest business development company in the United States by both market capitalization and total assets. In addition to Ares Capital Corporation (“ARCC”) our public BDC, we have a number of separately managed accounts and commingled funds that brings total AUM for the platform to over $148 billion as of September, 30th 2024. You can learn more about our portfolio companies here.

The U.S. Direct Lending team primarily operates out of offices in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. The Los Angeles team has over 25 investment professionals dedicated to U.S. Direct Lending, with most being industry generalists.

Strong analytical and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to work well with limited supervision are of critical importance. This position presents candidates with a unique opportunity to join a growing group that offers significant exposure to all phases of the investment process.

Primary functions and essential responsibilities:

The Associate will provide support for the sourcing, underwriting and credit analysis of potential new investments, assist in deal closings and be involved in post-closing portfolio management and investment monitoring.

Key responsibilities include:

• Performing detailed financial and market analysis that forms the basis for decisions on new debt and/or equity investments of the firm

• Screening new investment opportunities

• Preparing various complex excel financial models including cash flow analysis, debt sizing and structuring

• Preparing investment committee memos

• Analyzing investment performance including maintaining and updating investment valuations and financial models as well as keeping track of relevant current market activities

• Preparing quarterly portfolio reports summarizing changes in performance and updating forecasts

• Assisting in investment closings

• Meeting with management teams and sponsors when assessing new investment opportunities and monitoring the existing portfolio

• Additional duties include providing direct support as deemed necessary by senior management

Qualifications: ​

• Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent require

• Minimum of 1.5 years of relevant investment banking or principal investing experience by the start date

• Strong intellect with solid quantitative, financial and analytical skills

• Advanced MS Excel modeling skills (v-lookup, macros, pivot tables) and MS PowerPoint skills

• Self-motivated and driven; ability to work effectively in a collegial, fast moving, demanding, and dynamic environment.

• Creative problem solver.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills.

• Impeccable integrity and trustworthiness