Research Associate - Consumer Sector

William Blair•Chicago, IL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join William Blair, the Premier Global Partnership, as a sell-side Research Associate focused on the Consumer Sector. In this role, you will assemble and validate data on quality growth companies, conduct fundamental research and analyses on industry sectors, companies, and securities under the direction of Senior Research Analysts. You will develop and/or update financial models and other statistical data for security analyses, document findings, and prepare reports, presentation materials, and educational tools for investment teams, clients, and prospects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required; concentration in Finance or Accounting preferred.
2 – 5 years of related investment research experience required.
SIE Exam, Series 7, 63, 86, and 87 required (must be obtained within first 180 days).
Advanced conceptual and critical thinking skills.
Advanced accounting and financial statement analysis skills.
Proficiency in building computer generated financial models.
Strong written and verbal communications skills, and the ability to convey complex financial information in an understandable manner to various audiences.
Client service oriented.
Ability to work independently in support of team goals.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Bloomberg, and other investment industry standard data sources.

Nice To Haves

CFA, CPA, or technical designation preferred.

Responsibilities

Assemble and validate data on quality growth companies using internal and external data sources.
Collect information on industry events, company financials, investment information, and other relevant data to support fundamental research objectives.
Evaluate potential data sources and ensure data complies with firmwide data standards.
Assist senior Research Analysts in defining and documenting objectives and approaches for specific research projects and studies.
Conduct research using predefined parameters.
Build and/or update financial models and other statistical data to conduct security analyses and identify opportunities to achieve significant investment returns.
Communicate findings to the Research team and refine analyses based on team input.
Prepare internal and external written reports, notes, presentations, and other materials to communicate research findings, news events, investment ideas, and opinions resulting from security analyses.
Visit companies, attend conferences, and other relevant events.
Build and maintain relationships with company executives.
Document contact points and information obtained to assist in analysis activities.
Identify and formulate new investment ideas, and issue opinions and recommendations to clients on securities and companies in targeted industry groups in order to generate new business activity.
Respond to inquiries from clients, investment teams, sales and marketing, and the general public regarding individual securities or industry groups.
Ensure all work activities are in compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Additional responsibilities as requested.