Investment Research Associate

Sunflower Bank NA•Irvine, CA

3d•$60,100 - $84,500

About The Position

At Sunflower Bank, N.A., we’re experiencing great growth. Since our founding in 1892, we've been committed to serving our communities and supporting the team members who make it all possible. As a full-service financial institution, we offer a full range of relationship-focused services to meet personal, business, and wealth-management financial objectives. Creating Possibility is not just our mission, it’s what we do every day for clients and associates. Learn more about Sunflower Bank, N.A. at sunflowerbank.com. Sunflower Bank, N.A./First Foundation Advisors is looking for an energetic, highly motivated individual to fill the position of a full-time Investment Research Associate at our Irvine, CA location. The salary range for this position is $60,100 to $84,500 depending on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and location. Summary: The Investment Research Analyst will be primarily responsible for assisting the Investment Committee members in ad hoc efforts including reporting, manager due diligence and streamlining workflow processes for both public and private, as well as proprietary & non-proprietary, investment solutions. The associate will also support the advising team by responding to questions and requests about securities on the firm’s investment platform from client-facing teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Economics, Physical Sciences, Engineering, or Computer Science is preferred.
3-5 Years of investment industry experience preferred.
Knowledge of valuing financial instruments, including those in Equity and Fixed Income.
Bloomberg, FactSet, Argus and/or Morningstar experience preferred.
Possesses a deep quantitative and analytical mindset.
Advanced proficiency with Excel & PowerPoint. VBA and/or financial modeling skills a plus.
A team player with excellent communication skills who exhibits a high level of professionalism.
Strong organizational skills and initiative with systematic follow-up & a focus on accuracy and reliability.
Must be bondable.

Nice To Haves

Willingness to pursue CFA and/or CAIA designation a plus.
Experience with Python/AI workflow automation or demonstrated aptitude and eagerness to learn.
Prior or current involvement in investment-related undergraduate clubs or community involvement a plus.

Responsibilities

Support investment strategists in performing manager due diligence reporting, including those for non-proprietary and proprietary investments, separately managed accounts, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and alternative investments.
Ensure knowledge of entire investment solution suite; recommend investment solutions to Portfolio Strategist and Wealth Advisors for client use based upon clients' needs and constraints.
Strategize with investment team in updating asset class outlook and asset allocation.
Respond to inquiries about the investment platform from business development team members.
Maintain updated fund manager collateral for easy access by Relationship Managers and Wealth Advisors.
Serve as a liaison for communications between Investment Strategists and fund manager partners.
Perform ad hoc analysis on portfolios and investment strategies.
Coordinate duties between Investment Strategists and Operations for investments.
Conduct research and analysis to support the investment sub-committee’s theses or find potential opportunities.
Adheres to compliance programs and completes required training on time.
Understands and complies with requirements of all laws and regulations applicable to position.
Perform the job in accordance with applicable industry laws and regulations as well as the policies and procedures established by the company.
Responsible for upholding Fair and Responsible Banking practices and Code of Ethics and Conduct guidelines.
Understand and participate in the Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act program.
Perform other duties as assigned.