Junior Associate, CARS Inc.

Posted by on June 03, 2013

Job Title:          Junior Associate, CARS Inc.
Supervisor:     Ratings Operations Manager
FLSA Status:   Non-exempt
Location:         Philadelphia, PA

Company Summary

CARS, Inc. is an information service with the primary purpose of facilitating the increased flow of capital through community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to benefit low-income and low-wealth people and communities. Our flagship service—CARS™ Ratings—provides proprietary, comprehensive ratings analyses of CDFIs, covering both mission impact and financial strength and performance. During 2013 CARS will launch an electronic data platform that provides standardized quarterly and annual financial and portfolio performance data on CDFI loan funds. CARS also provides customized analytic and consulting services to CDFI investors.

Since its inception in 2004, CARS has issued almost 400 ratings opinions on a group of CDFI loan funds that collectively manage half of all on-balance sheet assets in this $11-billion industry. CARS™ Ratings Reports are used by nearly 60 investors to augment their due diligence on debt investments in these loan funds.

Position Summary and Essential Functions:

The Junior Associate, CARS Inc. is the main operations production and support person for CARS Inc..  Work is managed and performed in a standard production environment and process, with key measurements being quality, quantity, accuracy, timeliness, and team work.

The Junior Associate, CARS Inc. is required to be self-motivated in the management and performance of scheduled workloads, but should also be flexible to work in a team environment in response to changing business needs and priorities.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1.     Learn to understand and prepare CDFI financial spreads for the CARS Data Platform

a.     Communicate with CDFIs and Analysts regarding clarifications of material submitted and requests for additional data

2.     CARS Data Platform maintenance

a.     Load data and documents into appropriate “garages” on the CARS data platform

b.     Update documents and notices in CDFI, investor, and analyst “garages”

3.     General administrative support

a.     Provide administrative support to the CEO and Director of Ratings

b.     Prepare Board and Advisory Board packages

4.     Provide administrative support for communications and outreach activities

a.     Communicate with CARS™ subscribers, rated CDFIs, and analysts about available CARS™ reports, subscription status, outstanding contracts, payment, and meeting logistics

b.     Prepare and send individual and group mailings as requested

c.     Prepare and send CARS™ html e-mail updates

d.     Maintain CARS mailing databases

e.     Respond to routine e-mail inquiries from CDFIs and investors about the status of CARS™ reports, ratings certificates, sample reports, etc.

5.     CARS management database maintenance

a.     Consistently enter data into various databases used by CARS management to track document progress, analysis related time and expenses, order and subscription status

b.     As appropriate, provide assistance to the CARS team on analysis of data and summary report preparation

c.     Assist in maintenance of CARS™ contracts and permanent records

6.     CARS™ Ratings Committee

a.     Schedule meetings and conference calls by coordinating and confirming attendance, arranging for the meeting dates/equipment/advance materials, etc.

b.     Schedule ratings committee, coordinating analyst selection with the Ratings Operations Manage/Director of Ratings

7.     CARS™ Document preparation

a.     Proof and note corrections on draft CARS™ reports during the layout process

b.     Assist the Associate in preparation and proofing of all contracts and invoices

c.     Proof ratings certificates, ensuring that ratings are correctly represented before they are released to CDFIs

d.     Proof all group e-mails and mailings

e.     Print and mail final CARS reports to CDFIs

8.     CARS Inc. corporate support

a.     Perform occasional administrative functions for the corporation, such as receipt and distribution of mail, interfacing with OFN finance department regarding invoicing and other accounts payable, and other duties as required by CEO

Qualifications:

·         Bachelor’s Degree, preferably business concentration or comparable work experience

·         Strong writing, financial and analytical experience required

·         Advanced Excel and Word skills

·         Ability to work in a timely manner and be self-motivated and take initiative for new projects

·         Ability to work independently or in team environment as required

·         Excellent and professional written and verbal communication skills required

·         Capacity and willingness to learn

·         Ability to work well with diverse constituents is required

·         Experience or volunteer work in financial services, nonprofit or small office environment a plus

·         Knowledge of and commitment to community development is highly beneficial

·         Light travel required (<5%)

·         No extraordinary physical requirements beyond ability to travel

·         Job involves normal physical requirements for an office position EOE/ADA Compliant

To Apply:

Submit a letter of interest, resume and salary requirement to:

Search: Jr. Associate
CARS Inc.
620 Chestnut Street
Suite 572
Philadelphia, PA 19106
FAX: 215-320-4357
Email: HRD@CARSratingsystem.net

Women and minorities encouraged to apply