Investment Analyst

Investment Analyst

The Investment Analyst focuses on vetting market offerings, conducting rigorous due diligence on third-party managers and operators, and assisting in strategy development. Through collaboration with our Co-Chiefs of Investments, financial advisors, and other stakeholders, this role plays a key part in developing and implementing investment strategies that align with our clients' financial goals and objectives. This role is remote, but local to the Santa Monica, CA or San Carlos, CA area is preferred. The starting annual salary range for this position is $79,500 - $90,000.

The organization is a purpose-driven, values-centric, B Corp financial advisory firm focused on creating authentic and measurable impact through values-aligned financial planning and investment advice. We carefully consider the impact our investments have on society and the environment, and work to create change in the financial services industry to build a more diverse and equitable profession and client base. Over the past 20 years, we have developed a platform that manages over $3 billion for more than 1,500 clients. We collaborate with both established leaders in values-aligned investing and emerging money managers to expand what's possible with capital. We are committed to providing hospitality in our client service, placing the needs of our clients and community first, and honoring the trust our clients have placed in us.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manages day-to-day investment projects and data requests from advisors and other departments
• Completes research projects on new managers/processes
• Updates capital market assumptions annually
• Attends all IC meetings and takes note of follow ups
• Coordinates with existing public and private market managers on quarterly/annual updates
• Collects annual due diligence questionnaires from current managers
• Inputs and tracks model portfolios in data and analytics system
• Annual exposure analysis for each model portfolio
• Prepares impact and performance updates and commentary to advisors on a regular basis
• Keeps track of quarterly performance of underlying investments and report back to CIO and IC
• Proactively coordinates with marketing team on investment data requests on a quarterly updates and requests

Keys to Success

• 3+ years of experience in investment research, portfolio management, or trading.
• A background in investment research or a directly related area is key to being successful in this role, as is a quantitative background in financial modeling, and a broad understanding of financial economics, including knowledge of the Efficient Market Hypothesis, the Fama-French model, and material ESG risk factors.
• Working knowledge of IMP, SDG's, ISS vs. Glass Lewis, and SASB materiality.
• Basic knowledge of the ESG and impact investing industry is required. Abacus is a for-profit, purpose-driven, values-aligned B-Corporation and that extends to our investments.
• The ability to communicate clearly and effectively with gravitas; comfort presenting portfolio recommendations to our leadership team and ability to explain complicated impact measurement concepts to staff or clients.
• Proactive and independent self-starter who can prioritize projects, tackle them efficiently, and communicate effectively without being prompted.
• Expertise using Excel to run projects and analyze problems is crucial.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for conferences or office visits will be expected in this role.
• A designation, certification, or degree (or progress toward one) such as the Series 65, CFP, CFA or MBA provides a competitive edge.