Credit Analyst Job Description Template

The credit analyst evaluates the debt of companies rather than their equity, which shifts the question from how much a business can grow to how reliably it can service and repay what it owes. Coverage spans high yield, investment grade, loans and sometimes distressed situations, and the work runs deep into covenants, capital structure and recovery analysis. The role suits people who enjoy documents as much as models, since the indenture often decides the outcome.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze the creditworthiness of issuers across an assigned sector or rating band
• Build cash flow models focused on leverage, coverage and liquidity
• Read and interpret credit agreements, indentures and covenant packages
• Assess capital structure, security, seniority and likely recovery in default
• Monitor issuer performance against covenants and flag deterioration early
• Evaluate relative value across a capital structure and against comparable issuers
• Follow ratings agency actions and understand the drivers behind them
• Write credit notes with a clear recommendation and the risks to it
• Support restructuring analysis and creditor committee work where relevant
• Present ideas and portfolio risks to portfolio managers

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting or a related field

Required Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of credit analysis experience on the buy side, sell side or at a ratings agency
• Strong command of leveraged finance metrics and cash flow modeling
• Ability to read and interpret credit documentation accurately
• Understanding of capital structure, security and recovery analysis
• Familiarity with high yield, leveraged loan or distressed markets
• Careful, evidence led written analysis
• Proficiency with Excel and a credit data platform
• Attention to detail, since covenant language decides outcomes

Preferred Qualifications

• CFA charter
• Restructuring or distressed debt experience