Investment Associate

The Investment Associate will function as primary support for the investment team, performing multiple investment-related and client service activities in the management of revenue producing portfolios.

Responsible for coordinating the investment management for wealth management clients.

Expected to operate within the framework of the underlying governing trust document or investment objective guidelines and to work closely with portfolio managers and trust administrators to develop strategies designed to achieve specific investment goals.

The Investment Associate will work closely with portfolio managers to deliver a consistently high level of proactive client service and support and perform the following duties:

1.           Coordinate the account administration for investment management clients and ensure the completion of investment related tasks and client inquiries relative to the investment management of portfolio accounts.

2.           Receive investment-oriented project requests from clients and partners; oversees transaction processing, handles inquiry resolution, obtains appropriate documentation, and ensures systems information is up to date.

3.           Monitor investment-related projects and other investment activities, as requested by portfolio managers, where appropriate.

4.           Coordinate preparation and analysis, as appropriate, of investment presentations and financial plans for existing and prospective clients. Attend client meetings with portfolio managers. 

5.           Research assigned sectors and companies for IT Core strategy.  Present findings and recommendations to the investment team.

5.           Coordinate written client approval, as appropriate, for Investment forms, Trade Confirms, No Investment Responsibility Letters, and any other account-related documentation deemed necessary by bank policy or required by regulation.

7.           Research and resolve account / operational investment discrepancies.

8.           Identify service efficiency enhancements, process improvements, and service delivery using creative and proactive measures.

9.         Work diligently toward mitigating losses due to error, being mindful of possible contingencies.

10.         Continue to develop fundamental investment knowledge, through a combination of on-the-job training, formal graduate program or pursuance of the CFA, CFP, or similar designation.

11.         Refinement of knowledge of investment strategies and instruments through continual contact with the InvesTrust investment team and other industry professionals.

Qualifications

1.           Knowledge of investment, economic and financial principles acquired through completion of a formal degree program.

2.           Excellent oral and written communication skills.

3.           Securities / investment industry knowledge.

4.           Analytical skills, problem solving skills, intellectual curiosity, ability to work closely within a team framework, and excellence in execution are essential to be successful in this role, which may lead, over a period of time, to portfolio manager responsibilities.

5.           Analytical and interpretive skills are needed to understand client needs in the context of investment strategies. 

6.           Additional skills which are desirable for this position are the ability to multi-task, adjust to competing priorities as needed, and timely completion of assignments.

7.           Excel proficiency is necessary with experience creating macros, pivot tables, charting, V-lookup, etc.

8.           Technical skills and system knowledge is required.

A College or University degree in Finance, Economics or other business-related focus and relevant financial services industry work experience is required. 

Knowledge of investment, economic and financial principles, usually acquired through completion of a formal degree program, is required to manage investment activities.

Experience in investment services in the financial services industry.  CFA Level I candidate is a plus.