Associate, Investment Analyst, Korea Credit

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 Asia Credit team is looking to hire an Investment Analyst to join its Investment team based in Seoul, Korea. As part of the investment team, the individual will help to make direct special situations and credit related investments. The individual will perform in-depth analysis on potential investment opportunities and build up a detailed understanding of the industry, the competitive dynamics therein and the target company and/or situation.

The work will involve both desktop research, such as analysis and modelling of financial accounts, as well as on-the-ground work. The position is Korea‑focused and primarily based in Seoul. The individual will also assist in deal execution, the ongoing management and exit of investments.

We are looking for self-motivated individuals with a strong interest in investing and a desire to gain exposure to a wide variety of industries, special situations and transaction structures. Candidates who thrive in a fast‑paced, analytical environment and demonstrate strong ownership and attention to detail will be well suited for this role.

Primary Functions and Essential Responsibilities

• Work directly with senior investment professionals on new and existing deals

• Interact with investee companies and other industry participants to manage investment positions and gather industry insights

• Research, compile industry data and understand industry trends and competitive dynamics

• Collect company level operational and financial data

• Analyze financial statements

• Build and update detailed financial models for companies

• Perform valuation using different methodologies

• Identify potential investment risks and consider potential mitigants

• Distill the insights of analysis and present investment recommendations

• Prepare Investment Committee (IC) memorandums

• Participate in meetings with investee companies and with the in-house investment committee

• Handle other ad-hoc projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

• Strong academic performance (minimum GPA of 4.1/5.0 or 3.55/4.3 or 3.3/4.0)

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in investment banking, corporate credit analysis, private credit/direct lending, special situations investing, private equity, real estate, or transaction advisory

• Passion for investing and valuation

• Self-motivated, enjoy challenges and willing to continually learn

• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with numbers

• Advanced MS Excel and financial modelling skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Korean; ability to explain facts and findings in a clear and succinct manner (both verbally and in writing)

• Strong editorial and review skills with attention to details

• Initiative and entrepreneurial spirit

• Possess multi-tasking skills and ability to work well under pressure

• Strong team player

Reporting Relationships

Managing Director, Asia Credit

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.