Research Associate - Consumer Sector
About the Role
As a sell-side Research Associate, you will assemble and validate data on quality growth companies and conduct fundamental research and analyses on industry sectors, companies, and securities at the direction of Senior Research Analysts. Develop and/or update financial models and other statistical data for security analyses. Document findings and develop reports, presentation materials, and educational tools for investment teams, clients, and prospects.
Responsibilities
- Assemble and validate data on quality growth companies using internal and external data sources.
- Collect information on industry events, company financials, investment information, and other relevant data to support fundamental research objectives.
- Evaluate potential data sources and ensure data complies with firmwide data standards.
- Assist senior Research Analysts in defining and documenting objectives and approaches for specific research projects and studies.
- Conduct research using predefined parameters.
- Build and/or update financial models and other statistical data to conduct security analyses and identify opportunities to achieve significant investment returns.
- Communicate findings to the Research team and refine analyses based on team input.
- Prepare internal and external written reports, notes, presentations, and other materials to communicate research findings, news events, investment ideas, and opinions resulting from security analyses.
- Visit companies, attend conferences, and other relevant events. Build and maintain relationships with company executives. Document contact points and information obtained to assist in analysis activities.
- Identify and formulate new investment ideas, and issue opinions and recommendations to clients on securities and companies in targeted industry groups to generate new business activity.
- Respond to inquiries from clients, investment teams, sales and marketing, and the general public regarding individual securities or industry groups.
- Ensure all work activities are in compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Additional responsibilities as requested.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree required; concentration in Finance or Accounting preferred.
- CFA, CPA, or technical designation preferred.
- 2 – 5 years of related investment research experience required.
- SIE Exam, Series 7, 63, 86, and 87 required (must be obtained within first 180 days).
Skills
- Advanced conceptual and critical thinking skills.
- Advanced accounting and financial statement analysis skills.
- Proficiency in building computer-generated financial models.
- Strong written and verbal communications skills, and the ability to convey complex financial information in an understandable manner to various audiences.
- Client service oriented.
- Ability to work independently in support of team goals.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Bloomberg, and other investment industry standard data sources.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Employer-paid short & long-term disability and life insurance.
- 401(k) and profit sharing.
- Paid time off.
- Maven family & fertility benefit.
- Parental leave (including adoption, surrogacy, and foster placement).
- Other voluntary benefits.
Pay
Salary Range: $150,000—$160,000 USD. This role is eligible for either a discretionary annual bonus (based on company, business unit, and individual performance) and/or commission-based incentives.
About Our Firm
William Blair strives to attract qualified candidates who specialize in investment banking, investment management, private wealth management, and other strategic resource groups. We are committed to empowering our colleagues to deliver client success and engage in our communities. Our firm has delivered trusted advice for nine decades, continuing to deepen our expertise and relationships across asset classes and markets throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet clients’ evolving needs amid dynamic market conditions and varying industries. What sets us apart is that we are an independent partnership, with colleagues who have unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We empower our people to bring their best thinking so we can deliver the tailored, thoughtful work and problem-solving abilities that our clients expect.