Private Credit Associate

The Equus Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Equus Group is seeking a Private Credit Associate in Chicago to join a collaborative investment team. You will support underwriting, financial modeling, due diligence, and portfolio monitoring in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in investment banking or an investment fund with strong analytical skills and a hands-on approach to deal execution. This is an entrepreneurial role with exposure to growth opportunities and senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance or related field.
• 2+ years in investment banking or investment funds.
• Experience in private credit, mezzanine debt, or private equity preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate potential investment opportunities.
• Develop investment theses through quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Perform financial analysis, credit underwriting, and valuation.
• Build detailed financial models to support underwriting.
• Coordinate due diligence with internal and external teams.
• Prepare investment memoranda and presentations.
• Monitor portfolio companies and identify growth opportunities.

Skills

Financial modeling

Credit analysis

Valuation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Portfolio management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance

Tools

Excel

Capital IQ

Job description

Our client, a well-established alternative investment firm, is looking to add an Private Credit Associate to its Chicago team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with an investment banking or investment fund background to join a collaborative, entrepreneurial investment team focused on evaluating new opportunities and managing existing portfolio investments.

In this role, you will work closely with senior investment professionals throughout the investment process, from researching industries and developing investment theses to underwriting transactions, building financial models, conducting due diligence, and monitoring portfolio companies. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, transaction-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Research industries, market segments, and competitive landscapes to identify and evaluate potential investment opportunities
• Develop and refine investment ideas and theses through quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Conduct financial analysis, credit underwriting, and valuation to assess potential investments
• Build and maintain detailed financial models to support deal underwriting, transaction structuring, and investment decisions
• Support senior investment professionals in evaluating new opportunities, including market assessments, competitive positioning, and financial performance
• Coordinate due diligence processes, including business diligence, risk assessment, and collaboration with external advisors
• Perform ad hoc financial and analytical work to support transaction negotiations
• Prepare investment memoranda, presentations, and other materials to communicate investment recommendations to internal stakeholders
• Monitor existing portfolio company investments and evaluate opportunities for growth, including potential acquisitions and new product or market expansion
• Assist with financial planning and ongoing portfolio company analysis
• Participate in board meetings and maintain relationships with portfolio company management teams
• Collaborate with attorneys, accountants, consultants, investment bankers, commercial bankers, financing partners, and other external stakeholders throughout the investment process

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related discipline
• 2+ years of experience in investment banking or at an investment fund
• Experience in private credit, mezzanine debt, or private equity is preferred; experience in leveraged finance, debt capital markets, or restructuring is also valued
• Strong understanding of financial statements, accounting principles, credit analysis, and valuation
• Advanced financial modeling skills and experience analyzing investment opportunities in a transaction-oriented environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex financial and business information
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare investment materials and present analytical findings
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• A proactive, self-motivated approach with a strong work ethic and willingness to take ownership of responsibilities
• Professional demeanor, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders
• High level of integrity, sound judgment, and respect for others

The Equus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.