Research Analyst Job Description Template

The research analyst supports the investment process with deep work on individual names, industries and themes. The role is close to the investment analyst but usually earlier in career or more focused on supporting a senior investor’s coverage, and it is the standard route into running money. Most of the day goes on models, filings and calls, and the analysts who progress are the ones who form their own opinions rather than waiting to be told what to look at.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Build and update financial models across an assigned coverage list
• Read filings, transcripts and industry publications and summarize what matters
• Support senior analysts and portfolio managers with data and analysis
• Conduct expert network calls and record what was learned
• Maintain databases of industry metrics, pricing and competitor activity
• Prepare materials for investment committee and internal research meetings
• Monitor news flow and earnings across coverage and flag anything material
• Contribute original ideas to the research pipeline
• Perform comparable company and precedent transaction analysis
• Help maintain the team’s research templates and documentation

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting or a related field

Required Skills and Experience

• 1+ years of experience in investment research, investment banking or equity research
• Solid financial modeling and valuation skills
• Careful, accurate work with financial statements
• Ability to summarize a complex situation briefly and correctly
• Proficiency with Excel and a market data terminal
• Genuine interest in markets and the businesses behind them
• Willingness to work the hours earnings season demands
• Good written communication

Preferred Qualifications

• Progress toward the CFA charter
• Experience with alternative data sets