Job brief
We are looking for an analytical and detail-oriented Credit Analyst to join our commercial lending division and help us make high-stakes capital allocation decisions. You will conduct deep-dive underwriting assessments for a diverse portfolio of business clients, ensuring every credit facility aligns with our risk appetite and profitability targets. In this role, you will work closely with relationship managers, internal auditors, and legal counsel to structure complex loan agreements that protect our assets. If you are passionate about financial analysis and thrive on investigating the financial stories behind corporate numbers, we want to hear from you.
Key highlights
- Perform comprehensive credit underwriting for new and existing commercial loans by spreading financial statements and analyzing historical performance.
- Draft detailed credit memorandum reports that synthesize quantitative financial data and qualitative market research for the senior credit committee.
- Calculate and monitor key credit metrics including Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), leverage ratios, and liquidity benchmarks for corporate accounts.
- Evaluate collateral valuations and real estate appraisals to ensure loan-to-value (LTV) ratios remain within established institutional risk parameters.
What is a Credit Analyst?
A Credit Analyst is a finance professional who evaluates the creditworthiness of individuals or corporations to minimize risk for lending institutions and investment firms. A Credit Analyst utilizes rigorous quantitative analysis, including spreading financial statements and projecting cash flows, to determine the likelihood of default on debt obligations. By leveraging specialized software and industry-standard methodologies, a Credit Analyst ensures the organizational loan portfolio remains balanced and compliant with regulatory mandates like Basel III or local lending statutes.
What does a Credit Analyst do?
On a daily basis, a Credit Analyst processes loan applications by auditing financial statements, tax returns, and credit bureau reports to verify a borrower's debt-service coverage ratio. They synthesize this data into formal credit memos, presenting findings to loan committees or credit officers to support or decline financing requests. A Credit Analyst also monitors the ongoing health of existing accounts, utilizing platforms like Bloomberg Terminal or Moody’s Analytics to track market trends that may trigger a covenant breach or necessitate a formal risk rating update.
Key responsibilities
- Perform comprehensive credit underwriting for new and existing commercial loans by spreading financial statements and analyzing historical performance.
- Calculate and monitor key credit metrics including Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), leverage ratios, and liquidity benchmarks for corporate accounts.
- Draft detailed credit memorandum reports that synthesize quantitative financial data and qualitative market research for the senior credit committee.
- Conduct ongoing portfolio management by reviewing quarterly financial reports and annual compliance certificates to identify early signs of credit deterioration.
- Evaluate collateral valuations and real estate appraisals to ensure loan-to-value (LTV) ratios remain within established institutional risk parameters.
- Interpret complex tax returns and cash flow statements to assess a borrower’s capacity to support debt obligations under varied economic stress scenarios.
- Coordinate with legal and loan operations teams to ensure all credit terms, covenants, and collateral security interests are properly documented.
- Maintain high levels of data integrity within the internal loan origination system while ensuring strict adherence to internal credit policies.
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field with a strong foundation in corporate financial statement analysis.
- Professional certification such as a CFA, FRM, or completion of a formal bank credit training program is highly preferred.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, specifically building dynamic financial models, sensitivity tables, and cash flow projections.
- Deep understanding of GAAP and IFRS accounting standards, including the ability to interpret balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
- Experience utilizing industry-standard credit research platforms like Moody’s Analytics, S&P Capital IQ, or Bloomberg for market data gathering.
- Ability to clearly articulate complex credit risks and mitigation strategies to senior stakeholders in both written memos and verbal presentations.
- Demonstrated expertise in commercial loan structure, including revolving credit lines, term loans, and equipment financing packages.
- Proactive approach to time management with the ability to handle multiple loan requests simultaneously while meeting firm underwriting deadlines.
FAQs
What does a Credit Analyst do?
A Credit Analyst evaluates the financial history and risk profile of borrowers to determine if they qualify for loans or credit lines. They spend their time auditing tax returns, creating financial projections, and analyzing market trends to assess the probability of loan default. The final output is often a credit memo that guides bank executives in approving or denying capital for businesses or individuals.
What are the core qualifications for a Credit Analyst?
To succeed as a Credit Analyst, you need a strong background in financial accounting, specifically the ability to read and interpret balance sheets and income statements. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential for building underwriting models, and many employers look for certifications like the CFA or formal bank-sponsored credit analyst training. Understanding federal lending regulations and risk management frameworks is also a critical requirement for long-term career growth.
How does a Credit Analyst contribute to organizational profitability?
A Credit Analyst is the primary gatekeeper for an organization's loan portfolio, ensuring that only high-quality borrowers receive funding. By identifying potential defaults early and pricing risk appropriately, they prevent significant financial losses for the institution. Their accurate modeling ensures the business earns a healthy return on assets while maintaining compliance with regulatory capital requirements.
Who does a Credit Analyst work with on a daily basis?
A Credit Analyst acts as a bridge between the customer-facing side of the business and the risk-management side. They collaborate closely with Relationship Managers who bring in new deals, as well as the Credit Committee members who hold final approval authority. Additionally, they often communicate with external auditors and legal counsel to ensure that all credit facilities are documented correctly and comply with governing statutes.