Private Credit Associate (Hybrid)

The Opportunity:

Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices around the world, Mesirow serves clients through capabilities spanning Global Investment Management, Capital Markets and Investment Banking, and Advisory Services. We are proud that our intentional culture results in strong employee engagement, entrepreneurship and empowerment, with ongoing opportunities for volunteerism and advancement.  Mesirow was recently named one of the Best Places to Work in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business and one of the Top 100 RIA firms by Barron’s.  At Mesirow, we invest in what matters: our clients, our communities, and our culture.

This position is suitable for candidates seeking to develop a career in the debt capital markets, specifically middle market direct lending. The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of relevant experience working on complex securitization and structured finance transactions including CLOs, CMBS and other forms of ABL investments. The candidate will support the Portfolio Management team and will assist with structuring and underwriting new loans, legal documentation, portfolio monitoring, and various ad-hoc projects. Specific responsibilities include conducting due diligence on potential investments, creating and maintaining detailed unit economic and cash flow models, assisting in the creation and presentation of investment memorandums, portfolio monitoring reports and fundraising materials.

Successful candidates will have strong problem solving and analytical skills, proficiency with programs that aid in statistical and financial calculations, and a working knowledge of financial statements and analysis. Strong written and communication skills are also required.

Essential Duties

• Evaluate new investment opportunities through in-depth business analysis, detailed financial modeling, industry research, and meeting with management teams
• Analyze credit/investment characteristics of borrowing entity and underlying asset collateral portfolios
• Develop and review cash flow models to evaluate performance of ABF transactions across various collateral types
• Assist in structuring and underwriting new transactions
• Prepare written analyses and present findings to the group’s investment committee
• Monitor existing portfolio companies through ongoing asset-level and financial review, covenant compliance and management interaction
• Assist with ad-hoc analyses and projects related to the Portfolio Management team

Required Qualifications

• Strong academic credentials
• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field from a top university
• 2-3 years of work experience in investment banking, asset management, debt capital markets, private equity, consulting, corporate lending and wealth management
• Demonstrated experience in financial analysis and modeling
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced computer skills using Microsoft Office, with expertise in Excel and PowerPoint

Professional Skills Qualifications

• Team player – effectively collaborates with others
• Strong work ethic and self-motivated
• Excellent organization skills, with ability to handle a wide variety of responsibilities and meet deadlines
• Detail-oriented, entrepreneurial, and able to multi-task
• Ability to work independently
• Superior analytical and problem-solving skills

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and/or interest in capital markets and corporate finance