Investment Analyst

Kemper • Chicago, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Investment Analyst supports the Investments team by conducting fundamental credit and investment research across a range of asset classes, which may include corporate bonds, municipal bonds, structured securities, private debt, private equity, and alternative investments. This role assists with issuer analysis, portfolio monitoring, market research, valuation support, and the development of written and verbal investment recommendations for portfolio managers. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, financial statement analysis capabilities, and the ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative information within a relative value framework.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of full-time professional experience in credit research, investment research, trading, financial analysis, or a related field required.
• Active CFA Program participation required, defined as having passed CFA Level I, being registered for an upcoming CFA Level I exam, or currently pursuing CFA Level II or Level III; or municipal bond credit research, trading, surveillance, underwriting, or portfolio management experience.
• Basic knowledge of financial statements, credit analysis, and investment concepts.
• Strong analytical, written communication, and Excel skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience analyzing municipal bonds, healthcare issuers, not-for-profit hospitals, or other public finance sectors.
• Experience or coursework related to fixed income, corporate credit, municipal bonds, structured securities, private credit, private equity, or alternative investments.
• Experience with Bloomberg, Aladdin, Python, or other investment research/data tools.
• MBA or MS in Finance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental credit and investment research on issuers across sectors and asset classes, which may include corporate bonds, municipal bonds, structured securities, private debt, private equity, and alternative investments.
• Prepare and maintain written credit memos, including issuer overviews, industry and competitive analysis, financial statement analysis, relative value analysis, key risks, and investment considerations.
• Monitor existing portfolio holdings by reviewing issuer performance, market developments, ratings actions, financial results, covenant compliance, and other relevant credit or investment-related information.
• Maintain investment research files, internal databases, and documentation to support portfolio monitoring, reporting, and investment decision-making.
• Support analysis of primary and secondary market investment opportunities, including review of offering materials, pricing, credit fundamentals, and relative value.
• Assist in developing buy, sell, and hold recommendations for portfolio managers through written research, financial analysis, and verbal discussion.
• Perform quarterly valuation support for private debt, private equity, and other alternative investments under the guidance of senior investment professionals.
• Collaborate with portfolio managers, analysts, and other investment team members to support portfolio objectives and investment strategies.
• Track market, economic, industry, and company-specific trends that may affect current or prospective investments.

Benefits

• Qualify for your choice of health and dental plans within your first month.
• Save for your future with robust 401(k) match, Health Spending Accounts and various retirement plans.
• Learn and Grow with our Tuition Assistance Program, paid certifications and continuing education programs.
• Contribute to your community through United Way and volunteer programs.
• Balance your life with generous paid time off and business casual dress.
• Get employee discounts for shopping, dining and travel through Kemper Perks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level