Investment Due Diligence Analyst

Job Description Summary

Responsible for the implementation of processes and infrastructure to ensure delivery of high-quality products and timeliness of product operations. May include learning to employ basic technological concepts (e.g., data structures and database design) in order to work with Information Technology professionals in implementing process improvement and risk mitigation projects and due diligence responsibilities such as, gathering information, analyze operational risk performance, identify possible risks and make recommendations for operational improvements to product offerings.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, uses specialized knowledge and skills obtained through experience and formal training to develop and maintain an investment due diligence program. Coverage universe will span the spectrum from publicly registered mutual funds to privately registered products, such as CITs or SMAs. Will communicate regularly with outside fund managers, analyze fund operations, and prepare written reports or slides based on analysis performed. Collaborate with Raymond James Due Diligence teams to obtain information needed from fund sponsors. Provide support and material to IFS Investment Committee and to the Due Diligence manager for review and monitoring of discretionary investment products. Guidance is provided to perform varied, complex functions with the responsibility for making non-routine decisions; however, the incumbent is expected to perform the role with a high degree of independence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development and maintenance of a formal discretionary due diligence platform.
• Will provide reviews and analysis on asset managers within the platform. Prepare written reports and power point presentations based on these reviews.
• Conduct onsite or virtual due diligence meetings on third party managers and service provider operational support, internal controls, trade processing, investment process, etc.
• Analyze funds' adherence to internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Present manager information and reviews to Investment Committee and due diligence team.
• Willingness to embrace technology and employ lessons learned to improve due diligence processes.
• Interact with Raymond James Financial Advisors to answer questions about the performance and analysis of funds on the Raymond James platform.
• Assist in generating and creating quarterly fiduciary reports and assisting sales with analysis and education on investment products.
• Monitor and ensure plans within the program are in compliance. 
• Actively support the product teams’ efforts to ensure platform competitiveness and advisor satisfaction while meeting the firm’s regulatory/oversight responsibilities.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Investment processes and how to properly vet, analyze, and monitor fund managers.
• Equity, fixed-income, commodity, real estate, and other alternative investment markets.
• Advanced investment concepts, practices and procedures used in the securities industry.
• Quantitative and qualitative understanding of the investment management business and performance measurement.
• General understanding of ERISA and applicable Department of Labor requirements for qualified plans

Skill in:

• Performance calculations.
• Analyzing financial information and attribution reports.
• Proficiency in Excel and Morningstar Direct, Power Point and Microsoft Office suite products.

Ability to:

• Produce accurate information on products and projects.
• Exhibit excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, as this position will be a contact point for Financial Advisors who wish to talk in detail about all aspects of IFS and specifics about investment managers and performance reporting.
• Organize, manage and track multiple detailed tasks and assignments with frequently changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
• Attend to detail while maintaining the big picture orientation.
• Read, interpret, analyze and apply information from professional publications.
• Meet many deadlines to provide quarterly and monthly data to internal associates and external Financial Advisors.
• Work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Assist in leading meetings and contribute to team efforts by ensuring all relevant information is included in the outcomes.

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) in economics or finance and a minimum of five (5) years experience at a broker/dealer, registered investment advisor or asset manager.

OR

• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources

Licenses/Certifications:

• SIE required provided that an exemption or grandfathering cannot be applied. 

• Series 7 strongly preferred, if not already registered, will be expected to obtain within 90 days from start date. 

• Prefer CFA Candidate or CFA Charterholder

Education

Bachelor’s: Business Administration, Bachelor’s: Data Processing, Bachelor’s: Finance

Work Experience

General Experience - 6 to 10 years

Certifications

Travel

Less than 25%

Workstyle

Hybrid

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. 
We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs. 

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