Research Assistant Opportunity at Standard and Poor’s

Standard and Poor’s is seeking a junior professional to join its Johannesburg office as a Research Assistant. We are seeking a motivated and hard-working candidate who can support our bank and insurance analysts. This position will give the successful candidate, possibly a recent graduate in related discipline, the opportunity to gain exceptional work experience by embracing a fast learning analytical job in an international working environment.Standard & Poor’s, the world’s leading Credit Rating Services Company, is the principal provider of timely, objective credit analysis and information to customers throughout the world. Our Johannesburg office was opened in February 2008 and covers ratings in South Africa and a rapidly growing number of ratings in the main sub-Saharan African financial markets.

Key Tasks

The job entails performing and overseeing ad hoc and ongoing database and research projects or external data requests, which will require knowledge of accountancy and a good level of analytical reasoning. The candidate should assist analysts in updating reports and preparing for meetings and internal committees, which requires good levels of organization and a strong team work ethic. The role also requires an element of helping senior analysts with regulatory and internal compliance. Attention to details and computer skills are therefore also required.

The candidate should have the potential to quickly gain an understanding of  Standard & Poor’s rating methodology, policies and procedures as well as a knowledge of qualitative and quantitative aspects of financial services analysis. The candidate will be supported with strong levels of on the job and university style training, which includes two levels of internal certification per discipline.

This is an exciting role for someone willing to contribute to the development of the company and its operations in Africa. We are looking for dedicated and rigorous individuals with strong analytical capabilities who are able to work in international teams. It also encompasses a strong coordination role with other professionals in other Standard & Poor’s offices.

Requirements

• We are looking for a candidate that is a recent university degree graduate.
• Some working experience in an audit firm, bank, insurance company, or consultancy would be positively valued but not compulsory.

Competencies

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Good knowledge of computer software, in particular excel.
• Good knowledge of accounting principles for bank and insurance companies
• Familiarity with financial models is a plus.