Investment Associate

Wealth Coast Wealth Management; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Industry licensing support

Paid time off + holidays

Medical, Dental and Vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan with match

Job summary

Wealth Coast Wealth Management offers an Investment Analyst role focused on developing deep investment expertise and advancing toward leadership roles such as Portfolio Manager or CIO. The position combines rigorous analysis with execution across trading, portfolio implementation, and client advisory support.

The firm emphasizes collaboration, continual learning, and a high standard of service to advisors and clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, mathematics, business, or related field.
• 2–5 years in wealth management, investment management, financial planning, portfolio operations, investment research, trading, or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of investment products and portfolio construction concepts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
• Commitment to providing a high level of service to advisors and clients.
• Demonstrated interest in investments, capital markets, and wealth management.

Responsibilities

• Trading: Execute trades and support funding of SMAs with cash and/or securities.
• Support tax loss harvesting, cash replenishment, and RMDs as directed by PM/Director of Investments.
• Facilitate illiquid alternatives subscriptions via iCapital and CAIS.
• Investment Proposals and Advisor Support: Assist in responding to client questions and ad hoc research; collaborate to solve client situations.
• Investment Operations and Implementation: Onboard new clients, ensure efficient plan implementation, and coordinate client communications.
• Investment Analysis & Professional Development: Generate reports on manager performance, market indices, and tax-loss harvesting; stay updated on investments and macro trends.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Excel

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Mathematics, Business, or related field

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Wealth Coast – Wealth Management & Insurance Solutions is a financial planning services firm affiliated with Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group. Our mission “Get the most of out of life” drives how we engage with our clients, and we pride ourselves in providing comprehensive financial planning to clients that begins with a discovery process on what is most important to them. We build clients a comprehensive financial plan that integrates all facets of their financial world including private businesses, real estate, and other assets; liabilities; insurance; taxes; and cash flow. Most importantly, we prioritize implementation, flexibility, and achieving goals with a high probability of success.

Role

A technically curious investment professional who enjoys both analysis and execution, wants to build deep investment expertise, and ultimately sees themselves progressing toward a Portfolio Manager, Director of Investments, or Chief Investment Officer role.

Responsibilities

Trading

• Responsible for executing trades advisory and brokerage accounts and facilitating funding of separately managed accounts (SMAs) with cash and/or securities
• Execute and support proactive trading efforts such as tax loss harvesting, cash replenishment, and Required Minimum Distributions (RMD’s) from the direction of the Portfolio Manager and Director of Investments
• Facilitate and monitor illiquid alternatives subscriptions via the iCapital and CAIS platforms

Investment Proposals and Advisor Support

• Support Director of Investments and Portfolio Manager in responding to questions from clients and advisory team members including any Ad Hoc research needed
• Collaborate with team members to find the best solutions for unique client situations and creatively problem solve issues that may arise for the firm’s clients
• Assist in communicating and applying the firm’s investment philosophy across proposal development and portfolio implementation activities

Investment Operations and Implementation

• Collaborate with operations teammates (e.g. investment operations, service advisor, etc.) to achieve seamless on-boarding of new clients, efficient execution of plan implementation, and coordinated client communication
• Maintain awareness of investment operations procedures, new programs, and compliance requirements to ensure the firm continues to operate at a high standard.
• Support ongoing process improvement efforts within the Investment Department to improve efficiency, scalability, and consistency.

Investment Analysis & Professional Development

• Generate and maintain reporting that supports initiatives for the Investment Department such as manager performance, broad market index performance, economic indicators, household account tracking, and tax-loss harvesting
• Maintain foundational knowledge and understanding of investment vehicles and products, particularly those currently in the Wealth Coast portfolio models
• Develop an understanding of the capital markets and macroeconomics as well as maintain knowledge of current trends related to both

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Mathematics, Business, or a related field
• 2-5 years of experience in wealth management, investment management, financial planning, portfolio operations, investment research, trading, or a related field
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Working knowledge of investment products and portfolio construction concepts
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment
• Commitment to providing a high level of service to advisors and clients
• Demonstrated interest in investments, capital markets, and wealth management

Preferred Qualifications

• CFP®, CFA®, CIMA®, or progress toward obtaining one of these designations
• Series 7 and Series 63 or 66 licenses
• Experience within a wealth management firm, broker-dealer, Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), family office, or institutional investment environment
• Experience using Envestnet, NetX360, Morningstar, BlackRock Aladdin, CAIS, iCapital, or similar industry platforms
• Familiarity with portfolio construction, direct indexing, alternative investments, tax-aware investing, asset location strategies
• Experience analyzing investment statements and developing portfolio recommendations

What We Provide

• Hybrid work environment with remote work on Fridays after successful completion of introductory period
• Company paid industry licensing including exam course material
• Paid Time Off + 9 observed holidays
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% match