Research Assistant (Japan Equities)

JELLOLA INVESTMENTS PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A hedge fund specializing in Japanese equities is seeking a diligent Research Assistant based in Singapore. This role focuses on supporting the investment team through accurate data extraction and management, particularly from Japanese-language documents. Candidates must have JLPT N1 proficiency, strong Excel skills, and a foundational understanding of financial statements. This position provides a noteworthy entry point into asset management, ideal for someone looking to grow within the industry.

Qualifications

• Must possess JLPT N1 to read and interpret Japanese financial documents.
• 1-2 years of experience supporting an equity research or investment team.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial statements.

Responsibilities

• Support the investment team with accurate financial data.
• Extract key financial data from Japanese reports.
• Maintain internal financial models in MS Excel.

Skills

Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N1)

Proficient in MS Excel

Attention to detail

Understanding of financial statements

Job description

Job Title: Research Assistant (Japan Equities)

Location: Singapore

Working Calendar: Japan Market Hours

We are a long/short hedge fund with a strong focus on Japanese equities and growing exposure across Asia. We are seeking a meticulous and diligent Research Assistant to join our investment team.

This is a critical support role focused on data accuracy and management. You will not be required to generate investment ideas or attend company meetings, but you will be the foundation of the team's data infrastructure.

What You’ll Do

Your primary responsibility will be supporting the investment team by ensuring all financial data is accurate and up-to-date.

• Data Extraction: Systematically monitor and review financial reports (e.g., Kessan Tanshin), corporate filings, and investor relations (IR) presentations from Japan-listed companies.
• Data Entry: Accurately extract key financial data, operating metrics, and guidance from these Japanese-language documents.
• Model Maintenance: Update and maintain the team's internal financial models and databases in MS Excel with the newly extracted data.
• Team Support: Provide general administrative and research support to the investment analysts as needed.

Requirements

We are looking for a candidate who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and reliable.

• Language Proficiency: Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 is essential. This is strictly required to read and accurately interpret financial reports and corporate presentations, many of which are only available in Japanese.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in MS Excel is a must. You should be very comfortable with data entry, formulas, and managing spreadsheets.
• Financial Knowledge: A strong foundational understanding of accounting principles and the three financial statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) is essential. You must understand what the numbers mean and where they belong in a model.
• Experience: 1-2 years of experience in a role directly supporting an equity research or investment team (e.g., as a junior research assistant, research associate, or investment support). Experience from a buy-side or sell-side firm is highly preferred.
• Key Attributes: Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Work Ethic: Must be diligent, highly organized, and capable of managing time-sensitive tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Growth Potential

This role offers an excellent entry point into the asset management industry. It provides a solid foundation in understanding financial data and how it is used in the investment process. For a high-performing individual, there is scope to learn more about fundamental analysis and the hedge fund industry from a highly experienced team.