Investment Analyst

Position: Investment Analyst: AI and Automation Location: Raleigh, NC Hybrid About the Role A private markets investment firm focused on real assets is hiring an Investment Analyst with a strong investment banking style modeling foundation and a heavy interest in applied AI and automation. This is a production-oriented role for someone who wants to do real underwriting work and also build tools that reduce manual effort and improve decision speed and rigor. You will support transaction analysis, portfolio monitoring, and investment committee materials, while also identifying repeatable workflows that can be automated using AI, Python, and low-code tools. The environment is lean, fast-moving, and high accountability, with direct exposure to senior investment leadership. Role Highlights Hybrid schedule with consistent onsite collaboration three days per week High-output, high-learning role with direct access to senior investment professionals Significant ownership and autonomy, with expectation to execute and improve the process Unique blend of underwriting and tool-building (AI and automation) Opportunity to help modernize reporting, modeling, and data workflows Key Responsibilities - Financial Analysis and Underwriting Build and maintain underwriting models, including IRR and MOIC analysis, cash flow projections, and scenario and sensitivity analysis Support investment committee preparation by organizing data, drafting exhibits, and formatting underwriting packages Conduct market and comparable transaction research to support investment decisions Maintain portfolio performance models each reporting cycle and ensure accuracy of key metrics and asset-level data Assist with due diligence workstreams and summarize findings for senior leadership Key Responsibilities - AI, Automation, and Tool Development Identify recurring manual workflows and design automation solutions that reduce cycle time and improve reliability Build and maintain automated templates for reporting, portfolio summaries, and dashboards Use AI tools as a daily driver (not experimentation) for analysis, drafting, synthesis, and process acceleration, with sound judgment and human review Develop lightweight data pipelines and scripts (Python preferred) to clean, transform, and reconcile data for modeling and reporting Leverage low-code automation tools (Zapier, Make, Notion automations, or similar) where appropriate to connect systems and eliminate repetitive tasks Document tools and workflows, maintain version control, and ensure solutions are transferable across the team Key Responsibilities - Data and Portfolio Monitoring Pull, clean, and validate operational and financial data from internal systems each cycle Maintain performance trackers, portfolio summaries, and valuation schedules Flag anomalies early and elevate before data reaches leadership or external outputs Support asset-level monitoring by tracking key operating metrics and performance drivers Key Responsibilities - Research and Market Intelligence Monitor market conditions and transaction activity and summarize findings for the investments team Build and maintain a comparable transactions database for underwriting benchmarking Conduct targeted research on geographies, operators, and asset characteristics as requested Qualifications Undergraduate degree required; finance, economics, data science, computer science, or other quantitative backgrounds are preferred 1 to 7 years of experience; investment banking, private equity, real assets, or highly analytical roles are strongly preferred Demonstrated financial modeling proficiency: DCF, IRR and MOIC, scenario analysis, sensitivity tables, and clean model hygiene Strong applied AI capability, using tools like Claude, ChatGPT, or similar as a working tool to improve speed and quality Python or scripting ability sufficient to automate reporting workflows and build repeatable data processes Advanced Excel skills, including structured modeling, pivot tables, and strong file organization Strong communication skills and ability to translate analysis into clear takeaways High attention to detail, strong ownership mindset, and ability to work independently Comfortable with fast feedback loops, high expectations, and prioritizing what matters most Nice to Have Experience with planning and reporting tools or dashboards (Power BI or similar) Familiarity with accounting or ERP data and extracting data for analysis (NetSuite or similar) Interest in real assets, agriculture, commodities, or operationally complex investment strategies Exposure to low-code automation tools and basic API concepts Software and Tools Excel and Power BI ERP and finance systems such as NetSuite and similar tools AI tools such as Claude, ChatGPT, or equivalent Optional: Python and low-code automation tools Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will otherwise be assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. #J-18808-Ljbffr Vaco Recruiter Services