Investment Analyst

Unum Group; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The CFA Institute is seeking a skilled credit analyst to assess corporate bond quality and assign ratings across Investment Grade and High Yield sectors. You will monitor issuer exposures, prepare written research, and contribute to investment recommendations for portfolio managers in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in investments, strong Bloomberg and Excel skills, and excellent communication abilities. MBA or CFA credentials are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA and CFA preferred.
• 2+ years in investments with fixed income knowledge.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess credit quality of corporate bond offerings using research tools.
• Assign/maintain formal ratings on Investment Grade and High Yield credits.
• Monitor exposures and provide written research updates.
• Make investment recommendations to Head of Research and Portfolio Managers.
• Develop company-specific opinions to assist underwriting and renewal processes.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Attention to detail

Independent work

Team orientation

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA

CFA credential

Tools

Bloomberg

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Credit Review and Analysis

• Assess credit quality of various corporate bond offerings and industries using a variety of research tools including but not limited to Bloomberg, rating agencies, third-party research, and SEC filings
• Assign/maintain formal ratings (e.g., outlook, trading, ESG, etc.) on Investment Grade and High Yield credits and their respective industries
• Monitor and make recommendations regarding exposures to respective issuers and industries
• For assigned issuers/industries, provide written research reports and timely updates when appropriate

Credit Management and Trading Recommendations

• Maintain and develop research contacts and resources with a variety of street, and rating agency analysts
• Effectively communicate with and critically analyze comments of CEOs, CFOs and Investor Relations Officers at large domestic and international corporations
• Make investment recommendations on the purchase or sale of corporate bonds to the Head of Research and Portfolio Managers
• Partner with our underwriters and other functional areas of the corporation by providing company specific opinions and industry assessments to assist in new business and renewal processes
• Assume responsibilities for special projects or other duties when required

Job Specifications

• Minimum Bachelor's degree required; MBA and/or CFA credentials preferred
• 2+ years relevant work experience in investments; solid knowledge of fixed income markets, economics and credit research required
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, with the demonstrated ability to quickly and effectively communicate ideas and recommendations
• Proficiency with Bloomberg and Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel; ability to learn new software and utilize external quantitative tools that value corporate credit risk required
• Strong financial research skills, producing and maintaining quantitative financial models
• Excellent problem-solving skills, documentation skills and ability to work independently
• Very strong work ethic, attention to detail, team orientation, and commitment to excellence