Portfolio Returns Analyst

Career Launch AI Talent Network
Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)
Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $140,000 – $185,000+ total compensation (varies by employer)

About This Role

This Portfolio Returns Analyst description represents the type of early-career, analytics-focused private equity roles featured on the Career Launch AI Private Job Board.
It is not a direct job opening with a specific employer.

Members of our platform gain access to exclusive investment and portfolio analytics roles that may not appear on public job boards. Career Launch AI provides tools and support to help candidates reach hiring managers, prepare for interviews, and pursue high-caliber finance opportunities.

More information is available at careerlaunch.ai .

About the Opportunity

Lower middle-market private equity firms within our network may seek analytically strong Portfolio Returns Analysts to support deal-level and portfolio-wide performance measurement, valuation analysis, and return attribution .

Individuals in roles like this focus on understanding how investments perform over time, how value is created post-close, and how portfolio returns compare to underwriting expectations. The role partners closely with investment teams, portfolio operations, and senior leadership to deliver clear insights into realized and unrealized performance.

The work environment is typically lean and data-driven, offering exposure to fund economics, valuation processes, and portfolio performance reviews .

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Track and analyze deal-level and portfolio-level returns (IRR, MOIC, DPI, TVPI)

Monitor realized vs. unrealized performance across portfolio companies

Perform return attribution analysis to identify drivers of value creation

Support quarterly and ad hoc valuation updates for portfolio companies

Analyze operating performance relative to underwriting assumptions

Update valuation models using comparable companies, precedent transactions, and performance metrics

Support internal performance reviews and investment committee discussions

Prepare portfolio performance summaries for senior leadership and LP reporting

Investment Committee & Stakeholder Support

Assist in preparing materials highlighting portfolio returns, trends, and risks

Communicate performance insights and key takeaways in a clear, data-driven manner

Support post-investment reviews and lessons-learned analyses

Strategic & Transaction Support

Support analysis related to follow-on investments, add-ons, and exit timing

Assist with scenario analysis for refinancing, recapitalizations, and exits

Contribute to performance evaluation for new investments and portfolio optimization initiatives

What Makes This Work Engaging

Deep exposure to how private equity returns are generated and measured

Direct involvement in portfolio performance reviews and valuation processes

High-impact analytical work informing exit strategy and capital decisions

Accelerated learning in fund performance, valuation, and portfolio management

Ideal Candidate Profile

This profile reflects the competencies commonly sought for portfolio returns–focused private equity roles.

Education & Technical Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field

Strong Excel and financial analysis skills; experience with performance dashboards is a plus

Solid understanding of valuation methodologies and return metrics

Experience (Formal or Informal)

Prior internships or experience in private equity, investment banking, asset management, valuation, or corporate finance is beneficial

Exposure to portfolio monitoring, valuation, or fund reporting is a plus

Demonstrated interest in investment performance analysis and returns

Soft Skills & Mindset

Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail

Ability to translate complex performance data into clear insights

Clear written and verbal communication skills

Comfortable working across multiple investments simultaneously

Curious, coachable, and motivated to learn portfolio-level decision-making

How Career Launch AI Helps Candidates Access Roles Like This

Career Launch AI is a career acceleration platform supporting candidates pursuing competitive buy-side and private equity analytics roles.

AI-Powered Job Search Automation

Automated applications to a large volume of relevant roles with tailored resumes

Targeted search across private equity, portfolio analytics, and performance-focused roles

Human-led outreach campaigns to relevant recruiters and decision-makers

Support initiating warm conversations beyond traditional job portals

Execution & Tracking Support

Streamlined systems to manage applications and outreach

End-to-end administrative support during the search process

Interview & Case Preparation

Assistance with portfolio returns, valuation, and performance analysis cases

Support with behavioral and technical interview readiness

Ongoing guidance provided throughout the hiring process

Learn More or Apply

To access roles of this kind through the Career Launch AI platform, visit:
careerlaunch.ai

Career Launch AI offers access to a curated job board, personalized outreach support, automated application tools, interview preparation, and continued assistance until placement.

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