Associate, Alternative Credit

Job description

Over the last 20 years, Ares’ success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values – Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy – and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high-performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry. Job Description Ares is a leading participant in the global asset-based finance markets with approximately $48.7 billion of assets under management (“AUM”) invested across multiple, actively managed funds as of March 31, 2025. The Alt Credit Team today comprises over 80 investment professionals located primarily in three Ares offices: New York City, Atlanta, and London. Ares’ Alt Credit platform employs strategies that are asset-focused, making investments backed by assets and contractual cash flows such as loans, leases and receivables. Alt Credit fills gaps in the capital markets between credit, private equity and real estate, investing across a spectrum of liquid and illiquid opportunities that include various specialty finance sectors, net leases, structured products, cash flow streams (e.g., royalties, licensing, management fees), and other asset types. Alt Credit has a broad range of sub-strategies designed to be client-focused and solutions-based with three main formats: pure play, customized and flagship funds. Ares is currently seeking an Associate to add to our Alternative Credit Group in Atlanta or New York. The qualified candidate will have a credit investor’s mindset and a successful track record of structuring and negotiating corporate credit and asset-oriented financing solutions. The Associate will be directly involved in all facets of the investment analysis process including financial modeling, due diligence, industry research, legal documentation, and portfolio monitoring/management. He or she will interact directly with portfolio company management teams. Finance experience with exposure to asset finance, corporate and / or structure credit, and securitization is critical for success in this role. Primary functions and responsibilities: Financial Modeling & Analysis: Thoroughly analyze and underwrite potential investments including reviews of historical financials, development of cashflow projection models and investment analyses. Apply various qualitative and quantitative methods, including data analysis and scenario analysis, to assess the relative risk and relative value of potential investments. Due Diligence: Support the deal team throughout the transaction due diligence and closing processes. Collect due diligence materials, utilize information and findings to adjust the underwriting of investments, and coordinate with third party diligence providers to facilitate the review and closing of transactions. Research: Support investment team by performing company-specific and industry research for each investment opportunity. Investment Recommendation: Assist in the development of Investment Committee memos and supporting analysis; ensure the quality, completeness and accuracy of the analysis that precedes investment recommendations as well as manage the overall delivery of associated materials required for decision making. Portfolio Management: Work with the asset management team to provide support to and oversight of certain investments in the portfolio Contribute to various Team projects to further strengthen or enhance our investment process. Qualifications: Superior academic achievement at a top tier undergraduate program is required. 3+ years of finance experience with direct exposure to asset finance, corporate credit and structured products. Prior buyside experience or financial institutions group (FIG) / securitization / structured credit investment banking experience is strongly preferred. Sophisticated financial modeling and analytical capabilities. Self-motivated and driven; ability to work effectively in a collegial, fast moving, demanding, and dynamic environment. Strong verbal and written communication skills that demonstrate an ability to articulate a clear, concise analysis of investment risk and relative value. Evidence of intellectual curiosity, creative problem-solving skills, and adaptability. Reporting Relationships Partner, Credit Compensation The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role. $130,000.00 - $175,000.00 The firm also offers robust Benefits offerings. Ares U.S. Core Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans; 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA); Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution; Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance; Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit. Ares offers a number of additional benefits including access to a world-class medical advisory team, a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry, a mindfulness and wellbeing app, financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor, new parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care, matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and much more. There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.