Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fund Analyst

💰 $75,000 - $115,000

FinanceInvestmentAsset ManagementAnalysis

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a numbers-driven professional with a passion for the financial markets? This role requires a meticulous and insightful Fund Analyst to join our dynamic investment team. In this pivotal role, you will be the analytical engine that powers our investment decisions. You will be responsible for conducting in-depth research, performing comprehensive due diligence on investment funds and managers, and monitoring portfolio performance to ensure alignment with our strategic objectives. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, possesses strong quantitative skills, and can transform complex data into clear, actionable investment recommendations. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on our portfolio and grow your career in asset management.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Analyst / Research Associate
  • Financial Analyst (Corporate Finance)
  • Big Four Advisory / Transaction Services
  • Investment Banking Analyst

Advancement To:

  • Senior Fund Analyst
  • Portfolio Manager
  • Investment Strategist
  • Director of Research

Lateral Moves:

  • Equity Research Analyst
  • Credit Analyst
  • Quantitative Analyst
  • Investment Consultant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive quantitative and qualitative due diligence on prospective and existing investment funds across various asset classes, including public equity, fixed income, private equity, and hedge funds.
  • Develop and maintain sophisticated financial models to analyze fund performance, evaluate risk-adjusted returns, and conduct scenario analysis and stress testing.
  • Prepare detailed and compelling investment memorandums, due diligence reports, and presentations for the Investment Committee, articulating clear and concise investment theses and recommendations.
  • Monitor portfolio holdings and underlying fund exposures on an ongoing basis, tracking performance against benchmarks, peer groups, and stated objectives.
  • Perform in-depth performance attribution analysis to identify the key drivers of fund returns and communicate findings to portfolio managers and senior leadership.
  • Evaluate the risk profiles of individual funds and the overall portfolio, utilizing metrics such as VaR, tracking error, Sharpe ratio, and standard deviation.
  • Engage directly with external fund managers through on-site meetings, conference calls, and regular correspondence to assess their strategy, process, team, and organizational stability.
  • Analyze macroeconomic trends, capital market activity, and industry-specific developments to inform investment strategy and identify potential opportunities and risks.
  • Generate and automate customized performance reports, dashboards, and analytical summaries for internal stakeholders, clients, and regulatory bodies.
  • Manage and ensure the integrity of large datasets related to fund performance, holdings, and characteristics using databases and analytical software.
  • Assist portfolio managers in constructing and rebalancing portfolios based on research findings, asset allocation targets, and risk parameters.
  • Screen the universe of investment opportunities to identify potential new funds and strategies that align with the firm's investment philosophy and client needs.
  • Review and analyze legal fund documents, including Private Placement Memorandums (PPMs), Limited Partnership Agreements (LPAs), and offering materials.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of the firm's manager selection framework, due diligence process, and risk management protocols.
  • Stay abreast of regulatory changes and industry best practices that may impact fund structures, reporting requirements, and investment operations.
  • Calculate and verify fund-level and portfolio-level analytics, including internal rates of return (IRRs), multiples on invested capital (MOICs), and fee calculations.
  • Support the client relationship team by providing detailed fund information, performance commentary, and market insights for client reviews and proposals.
  • Collaborate with the operations team to ensure smooth execution of fund subscriptions, redemptions, and capital calls.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with third-party research providers, industry contacts, and investment consultants to enhance market intelligence.
  • Participate in industry conferences, manager meetings, and expert calls to deepen knowledge and expand the firm's network.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis from senior management and portfolio managers.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and the continuous improvement of analytical tools and reporting infrastructure.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements for our data and technology teams.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data and investment technology teams to enhance our analytical capabilities.
  • Mentor junior analysts and interns, providing guidance on financial analysis, modeling techniques, and research methodologies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Financial Modeling: Proven ability to build, maintain, and interpret complex three-statement models, LBO models, and fund performance models from scratch in Excel.
  • Investment Platforms Proficiency: Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools such as Bloomberg Terminal, FactSet, Morningstar Direct, and Refinitiv Eikon for data extraction and analysis.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel: Mastery of advanced functions, including complex formulas, pivot tables, data tables, scenario manager, and VBA for process automation.
  • Data Analysis & Querying: Proficiency with SQL for querying relational databases and experience with a statistical programming language (Python with pandas/NumPy or R) is highly desirable.
  • Risk Analysis Software: Familiarity with risk management systems like BlackRock Aladdin, Axioma, or similar platforms to assess portfolio-level risk.
  • Performance Attribution: Deep understanding of and ability to apply performance attribution models (e.g., Brinson-Fachler) to dissect investment results.
  • Data Visualization: Experience creating compelling charts and dashboards using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Python libraries (Matplotlib, Seaborn) to communicate insights effectively.
  • Statistical Analysis: Strong grasp of statistical concepts and their application in finance, including regression analysis, correlation, and probability distributions.
  • Presentation Skills: Expertise in using PowerPoint to craft clear, concise, and professional presentations for executive-level audiences.
  • CRM/Database Management: Experience working with CRM systems (like Salesforce) and proprietary databases for tracking manager interactions and research.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Analytical & Critical Thinking: The ability to dissect complex problems, identify key issues, and draw logical, evidence-based conclusions.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A commitment to accuracy and precision, especially when dealing with financial data and preparing client-facing materials.
  • Strong Written & Verbal Communication: Capable of articulating complex financial concepts and investment theses clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
  • Intellectual Curiosity: A genuine passion for the financial markets and a proactive desire to learn and stay ahead of industry trends.
  • Time Management & Organization: Ability to prioritize multiple demanding projects, manage deadlines effectively, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Collaborative Team Player: A proven track record of working effectively within a team to achieve shared goals.
  • Problem-Solving Mindset: Proactive in identifying issues, resourceful in finding solutions, and adaptable to changing priorities.
  • High Level of Integrity and Professionalism: Demonstrates sound judgment and upholds the highest ethical standards.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's degree in Finance (MFin), MBA, or a related quantitative field.
  • Progress towards or completion of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is strongly preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Finance
  • Economics
  • Accounting
  • Mathematics / Statistics
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of relevant experience in a role involving investment analysis, such as asset management, investment banking, equity/credit research, or investment consulting.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience conducting due diligence on investment funds (mutual funds, ETFs, hedge funds, or private equity).
  • Experience working on an investment team at a pension plan, endowment, foundation, or family office.
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