Analyst, Mutual Fund & ETF Research

Job Description Summary

The Analyst utilizes knowledge of finance and investment concepts obtained through education and work experience to provide clients with a platform of traditional investment opportunities. Primary functions include conducting quantitative and qualitative due diligence, investment analysis (e.g., financial modeling, risk analysis, validating investment merits, etc.), and making recommendations on domestic, international, alternative, and global investment strategies. This will encompass authoring product approval memorandums directed at senior management; making presentations to financial advisors and other constituents; maintaining frequent contact with current as well as prospective fund managers; and supporting financial advisors with requests related to mutual funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETF). The Analyst retains some latitude for un-reviewed decision making and as a participant with respect to fund manager interactions in addition to being a key participant in product recommendations.

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrating a commitment to creating an environment that aligns with the firm’s core values, putting clients’ interests first.

• Analyzing the investment merits and risks of traditional investments, including but not limited to domestic, international, global and sector equity funds.

• Preparing product approval memos/presentations for use by the Investment Committee, comprised of senior management.

• Conducting due diligence for existing and prospective investment products.

• Transferring product knowledge and expertise by communicating with and educating other departments within the Global Wealth Solutions Investment Solutions Group, as well as by working directly with financial advisors

• Composing and disseminating due diligence and investment updates for those products on the Recommended Funds and Passive Focus Lists for use by financial advisors.

• Job scope includes performing quantitative and qualitative due diligence as well as investment analysis (e.g., financial modeling, benchmarking, risk analysis, etc.) on funds, preparing detailed product approval memos and recommendations, conducting meetings and conversations with fund managers to determine the investment merits and risk profile of a fund and/or asset class that currently comprises a large amount of client assets. The job scope also includes making product recommendations and presentations when appropriate.

• Analyst will play a role in decisions to relating to the presentation of a fund for inclusion/removal from the Recommended list. As part of the process, the Analyst will conduct quantitative and qualitative assessment of a fund and its corresponding asset class, and determine based on the merits of the research whether or not a fund should be considered for presentation to the Investment Committee.

• Review asset class/industry trends and author topical research reports highlighting potential sources of return and sources of risk.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Quantitative and qualitative understanding of the investment management business and performance measurement.

• Macro and micro economics and their impact on investment strategies.

• Financial markets, products, financial advisory function and investment process.

• Investment concepts, practices, and procedures used in the securities industry.

• MS Office applications.

• Morningstar Direct.

• FactSet IRN (Internal Research Notes).

• Bloomberg.

Skill in

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Detail orientation sufficient to thoroughly complete assignments, and ensure quality standards are met without impairing workflow.

• Presentation skills.

Ability to

• Handle multiple priorities.

• Write in a well-organized, concise yet complete format and use verbal and written communication skills to effectively and professionally communicate with all levels of the organization, including financial advisors.

• Self-motivate.

• Meet multiple critical deadlines.

• Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

• Maintain composure in stressful situations.

• Represent the company in a highly professional manner.

• Prepare and deliver clear, effective, and professional presentations with moderate assistance.

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s D