Structured Finance Cash Flow Analytics, Assistant Vice President / Vice President – Chicago

Morningstar DBRS is seeking a highly motivated and experienced structured finance professional to join its Global Structured Finance Cash Flow Analytics team at the Assistant Vice President or Vice President level in Chicago.

The Cash Flow Analytics team supports Structured Finance ratings globally, providing transaction-level cash flow modeling and analytical support across multiple asset classes, including ABS, RMBS, CMBS, Structured Credit and other securitized products. The team works closely with Ratings Analysts to evaluate transaction structures, assess cash flow performance and support credit rating decisions.

The Role:

You will serve as a key cash flow modeling resource, responsible for developing, running and analyzing cash flow models for new-issue, amendment and surveillance transactions. This role requires strong structured finance expertise, hands-on modeling experience and the ability to independently analyze complex securitization structures.

You will work closely with Ratings Analysts and senior team members to interpret transaction documentation, evaluate structural features, reconcile cash flow results and communicate analytical findings. You will also serve as a technical resource on complex transactions and contribute to the development and mentoring of junior team members.

We are considering candidates at both the Assistant Vice President and Vice President levels, with final leveling determined by experience, technical expertise and demonstrated ability to independently manage complex transactions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain and run cash flow models using Intex Dealmaker and other analytical platforms for new-issue, amendment and surveillance transactions.
• Independently model complex and bespoke securitization structures, including transactions involving new asset classes, first-time issuers and nonstandard structural features.
• Review and interpret transaction legal documentation, translating waterfall mechanics, excess spread, triggers, shortfalls, loss allocations and other structural provisions into accurate cash flow models.
• Perform cash flow tie-outs, reconciling issuer-provided assumptions and model outputs with Morningstar DBRS methodologies and analytical expectations.
• Work closely with Ratings Analysts to evaluate transaction cash flow results, identify key structural risks and assess the credit implications of different scenarios.
• Present cash flow analysis and findings to senior team members and rating committees, clearly communicating assumptions, structural considerations and analytical conclusions.
• Leverage available analytical tools, including AI-assisted validation processes, to support model accuracy, consistency and efficiency.
• Serve as a technical resource on complex transactions, providing review, guidance and informal training to junior analysts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the global Cash Flow Analytics and Structured Finance teams to support transaction execution and evolving business needs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Engineering, Mathematics or a related quantitative discipline.
• Approximately 4+ years of structured finance experience, including direct, hands-on cash flow modeling experience.
• Strong understanding of securitization structures, cash flow waterfalls and structured finance credit analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to independently interpret transaction documentation and model complex or bespoke securitization transactions.
• Experience across one or more structured finance asset classes, including ABS, RMBS, CMBS or Structured Credit.
• Proficiency with Intex products, particularly Dealmaker, Calc or other cash flow modeling tools, is strongly preferred.
• Strong quantitative and analytical capabilities, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple transaction deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex analytical findings to senior stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, global team environment.
• Experience reviewing work and providing guidance to junior analysts is preferred.
• Knowledge of advanced Excel, VBA and Python is a plus.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted analytical and validation tools is a plus.
• A Master's degree in a related field or progress toward the CFA designation is a plus.

For consideration at the Vice President level, candidates should demonstrate greater depth of structured finance experience, the ability to independently lead highly complex transactions and a track record of providing technical guidance to other analysts.

Compensation and Benefits

At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That’s why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:

• Financial Health

  • 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary

  • Stock Ownership Potential

  • Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission

• Physical Health 

  • Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages

  • Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual

  • Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance

• Emotional Health 

  • Trust-Based Time Off

  • 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program

  • 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave

  • Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave

  • Adoption Assistance

  • Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities

  • Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses

  • Tuition Reimbursement

• Social Health 

  • Charitable Matching Gifts program

  • Dollars for Doers volunteer program

  • Paid volunteering days

  • 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Total Cash Compensation Range

Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.