Research Assistant Japan Equities

Jellola Investments; Singapore; On-site; SGD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A hedge fund focused on Japanese equities is seeking a meticulous Research Assistant in Singapore. The role requires proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N1) and advanced MS Excel skills. You will support the investment team by ensuring the accuracy of financial data, extracting key metrics from Japanese-language reports, and maintaining internal financial models. This position provides an excellent entry point into the asset management industry with growth potential in understanding fundamental analysis and the hedge fund processes.

Qualifications

• Must hold JLPT N1 to interpret financial documents accurately.
• Strong MS Excel skills for data entry and model maintenance required.
• Foundational understanding of accounting principles needed.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and review financial reports from Japan-listed companies.
• Accurately extract key financial data and operating metrics.
• Update and maintain internal financial models in MS Excel.
• Provide administrative support to investment analysts.

Skills

Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1

MS Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Understanding of accounting principles

Time management

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

Job Title: Research Assistant (Japan Equities)

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.