Senior Research Associate - U.S. Growth & Core Equity (Consumer)

William Blair•Chicago, IL

About The Position

We're seeking a passionate, and highly motivated Senior Research Associate (Consumer) to join our U.S. Growth & Core investment team. The individual's primary responsibility will be to prepare and execute industry and company research analyses for use in the formulation of security analyses. Specifically, they will gather, organize, and analyze market, company and financial performance data; create and maintain financial models; prepare reports, notes, presentations and other documents to communicate investment ideas, research, news events and opinions regarding security analyses. The individual will assist Research Analysts in identifying and formulating new investment ideas for Portfolio Managers, and recommending securities and companies in one or more industry groups targeted to follow. Specific responsibilities include but may not be limited to: Develop detailed knowledge of assigned industry and companies and keep abreast of related market developments and news. Gather and analyze research data related to targeted industry and companies, and maintain accurate, current research databases. Conduct research analyses on targeted companies, including analysis of financial performance, competitive industry positioning, quality of company management, etc. Analyze market sectors and trends and conduct financial and accounting statement analyses. Develop and maintain financial models for revenue and income forecasts, cash flow analysis, balance sheet and quarterly projections. Prepare industry and company reports, presentations and exhibits to summarize research findings for Research teams. Host meetings with company executives, sell-side brokers, and third-party research providers. Document and maintain information for analysis activities. Assist Research Analysts in identifying and formulating new investment ideas for Portfolio Managers, and recommending securities and companies in one or more industry groups targeted to follow. Ensure all work activities are in compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required; concentration in Finance or Accounting preferred
3+ years of related work experience in investment research (buy or sell-side) or financial services required
Prior experience covering Consumer companies, or strong interest in the Consumer sector required
Strong financial analysis and accounting statement analysis skills
Knowledge of data gathering and analysis best practices and methodologies
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Knowledge of investment concepts and products
Ability to build relationships and collaborate with investment and research teams
Ability to work independently in support of team goals
Proficient in Microsoft Office and industry standard data sources

Responsibilities

Develop detailed knowledge of assigned industry and companies and keep abreast of related market developments and news.
Gather and analyze research data related to targeted industry and companies, and maintain accurate, current research databases.
Conduct research analyses on targeted companies, including analysis of financial performance, competitive industry positioning, quality of company management, etc.
Analyze market sectors and trends and conduct financial and accounting statement analyses.
Develop and maintain financial models for revenue and income forecasts, cash flow analysis, balance sheet and quarterly projections.
Prepare industry and company reports, presentations and exhibits to summarize research findings for Research teams.
Host meetings with company executives, sell-side brokers, and third-party research providers.
Document and maintain information for analysis activities.
Assist Research Analysts in identifying and formulating new investment ideas for Portfolio Managers, and recommending securities and companies in one or more industry groups targeted to follow.
Ensure all work activities are in compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.