North American CMBS Credit Ratings, Senior Analyst – Chicago

Morningstar, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 92,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Stock ownership potential

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid time off & sabbatical

Job summary

Morningstar DBRS in Chicago is seeking a Senior Analyst to join the North American CMBS credit ratings team. The role focuses on evaluating credit risk, analyzing cash flows across property types, and supporting rating committee processes.

The candidate should bring strong analytical skills, experience in real estate finance, and the ability to collaborate with issuers, investors, and intermediaries while adhering to regulatory and internal guidelines.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in a commercial real estate related field.
• Undergraduate degree in accounting, business, finance or other relevant discipline is preferred.
• Strong analytical abilities and knowledge of financial statements.
• Solid research and analytical skills with acute attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

Responsibilities

• Support the lead analysts in evaluating credit risk and adhere to rating methodologies.
• Determine stabilized cash flows for major property types and various loan sizes.
• Prepare and update spreadsheets on rated entities with historical and projection data.
• Search and aggregate market data for credit analysis.
• Track economic indicators and asset class metrics.
• Review third‑party reports and contribute text and analysis for rating materials.
• Assist with rating committee materials and publishing workflow.

Skills

Credit analysis

Financial statement analysis

Communication skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Education

Undergraduate degree in accounting, business, finance

Tools

Bloomberg

SNL

Job description

North American CMBS Credit Ratings, Senior Analyst – Chicago Morningstar DBRS is seeking a highly motivated individual, with an interest in real estate finance and credit analysis, to join its Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) as a Senior Analyst in Chicago.

Job Responsibilities

• Support the lead analysts in evaluating credit risk, while adhering to the relevant rating methodology.
• Determine Morningstar DBRS stabilized cash flows of all major property types (office, retail, multifamily, MHC, hotel, self-storage) and a variety of loan sizes ($1 million to > $100 million).
• Prepare/update spreadsheets on rated entities including historical information and financial projections.
• Search and aggregate market data to be used in the credit analysis.
• Track key economic and industry indicators and various asset class metrics.
• Review third-party reports including appraisals, property condition reports, environmental reports, and other industry specific reports.
• Contribute text and analysis for rating reports, press release, commentaries, presentations and industry reports under supervision of lead analysts.
• Assist with the preparation of rating committee materials and participate in Rating Committee meetings with guidance from the lead analysts.
• Assist with the publishing workflow, including regulatory disclosures.
• Develop a solid understanding of real estate asset classes covered.
• Develop client-communication skills through interacting with issuers, investors, and intermediaries.
• Adhere to compliance, regulatory and company policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in a commercial real estate related field.
• Undergraduate degree in accounting, business, finance or other relevant discipline is preferred.
• Strong analytical abilities and knowledge of financial statements.
• Solid research and analytical skills, with acute attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Self-starter and strong team player, with the ability to meet deadlines while producing high quality work.
• Genuine interest in commercial real estate and structured finance.
• Ability to travel 10-20% domestically/ North America.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and passport.
• Progress towards a CFA designation, advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, and Bloomberg and SNL skills would be a plus.

About Us

Morningstar DBRS is a leading provider of independent rating services and opinions for corporate and sovereign entities, financial institutions, and project and structured finance instruments globally. Rating more than 4,000 issuers and 60,000 securities, it is one of the top four credit rating agencies in the world. Morningstar DBRS empowers investor success by bringing more transparency and a much-needed diversity of opinion in the credit rating industry. Our approach and size allow us to be nimble enough to respond to customers' needs in their local markets, but large enough to provide the necessary expertise and resources they require. Market innovators choose to work with us because of our agility, tech-forward approach, and exceptional customer service. Morningstar DBRS is the next generation of credit ratings.

Compensation and Benefits

• Financial Health
• 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
• Stock Ownership Potential
• Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
• Physical Health
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
• Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
• Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
• Emotional Health Trust-Based Time Off
• 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
• 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
• Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
• Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Social Health Charitable Matching Gifts program
• Dollars for Doers volunteer program
• Paid volunteering days 15+
• Employee Resource & Affinity Groups
• Total Cash Compensation Range $92,000.00-115,816.66 Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.

R06_DBRSInc DBRS, Inc. - US Legal Entity Morningstar DBRS is a leading provider of independent credit rating services and opinions for corporate and sovereign entities, financial institutions, and project and structured finance instruments globally. We are one of the top four credit rating agencies in the world and a market leader in Canada, the U.S., and Europe in multiple asset classes.

Company overview

Morningstar is strongly committed to creating and preserving equal opportunity for all employees and applicants.

We make all employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and other personnel matters—without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, gender identity and expression, parental status, or other legally protected characteristics or conduct.