Associate, Credit, US Direct Lending

Company: Ares Operations
Location: Los Angeles
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

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 is currently seeking candidates for the Associate role within our Direct Lending Group in our Los Angeles office. We are one of the largest self-originating direct lenders to the U.S. middle market. Our direct lending business in the U.S. is conducted through Ares Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: ARCC), a leading specialty finance company. ARCC is the largest business development company in the United States by both market capitalization and total assets. In addition to Ares Capital Corporation (“ARCC”) our public BDC , we have a number of separately managed accounts and commingled funds that brings total AUM for the platform to over $148 billion as of September, 30th 2024. You can learn more about our portfolio companies here . The U.S. Direct Lending team primarily operates out of offices in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. The Los Angeles team has over 25 investment professionals dedicated to U.S. Direct Lending, with most being industry generalists. Strong analytical and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to work well with limited supervision are of critical importance. This position presents candidates with a unique opportunity to join a growing group that offers significant exposure to all phases of the investment process. Primary functions and essential responsibilities : The Associate will provide support for the sourcing, underwriting and credit analysis of potential new investments, assist in deal closings and be involved in post-closing portfolio management and investment monitoring. Key responsibilities include: Performing detailed financial and market analysis that forms the basis for decisions on new debt and/or equity investments of the firm Screening new investment opportunities Preparing various complex excel financial models including cash flow analysis, debt sizing and structuring Preparing investment committee memos Analyzing investment performance including maintaining and updating investment valuations and financial models as well as keeping track of relevant current market activities Preparing quarterly portfolio reports summarizing changes in performance and updating forecasts Assisting in investment closings Meeting with management teams and sponsors when assessing new investment opportunities and monitoring the existing portfolio Additional duties include providing direct support as deemed necessary by senior management Qualifications: ? Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent require Minimum of 1.5 years of relevant investment banking or principal investing experience by the start date Strong intellect with solid quantitative, financial and analytical skills Advanced MS Excel modeling skills (v-lookup, macros, pivot tables) and MS PowerPoint skills Self-motivated and driven; ability to work effectively in a collegial, fast moving, demanding, and dynamic environment. Creative problem solver. Exceptional interpersonal skills. Impeccable integrity and trustworthiness Reporting Relationships Compensation The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role. $130,000.00 - $175,000.00 The firm also offers robust Benefits offerings. Ares U.S. Core Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans; 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA); Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution; Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance; Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit. Ares offers a number of additional benefits including access to a world-class medical advisory team, a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry, a mindfulness and wellbeing app, financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor, new parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care, matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and much more. 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.

Keywords: Ares Operations, Los Angeles , Associate, Credit, US Direct Lending, Accounting, Auditing , Los Angeles, California