Research Analyst

Focus Financial Partners; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work schedule

Comprehensive benefits package

Annual cash bonus potential

Job summary

Focus Financial Partners is seeking a Research Analyst to join their Manager Research team. This critical role involves sourcing, evaluating, and monitoring investment managers while providing data-driven insights for investment decisions. The position allows for a hybrid work schedule, balancing office duties and remote work.

The ideal candidate will have over two years of investment research experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in financial databases. Competitive salary package includes benefits and potential bonuses.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant investment research experience focused on active manager due diligence.
• Interest in pursuing CFA Charter (or comparable certifying exam) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and conduct due diligence on investment managers.
• Identify and research emerging investment opportunities.
• Develop and enhance qualitative and quantitative manager research reports.

Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and financial databases

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Coding or data analytics experience

Education

B.S. Accounting, Economics, Engineering, Finance, or Math

Tools

Bloomberg

Morningstar

Bipsync

FactSet

Job description

As a Research Analyst, you will be an integral member of the Manager Research team within the Investment Department, responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and monitoring investment managers, as well as conducting research that informs investment decisions and client communications. This role requires analysis across a broad range of investment strategies, asset classes, and geographies, with a focus on generating actionable insights and supporting portfolio construction and oversight.

Focus provides team members the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule. Our hybrid model is defined as 3 days in office work required per week, while giving team members the option to work remotely 2 days per week, or as assigned by their team leader.

Primary Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and conduct due diligence on investment managers across asset classes
• Identify and research emerging investment opportunities and thematic initiatives to inform investment strategy and client communications
• Develop and enhance qualitative and quantitative manager research reports
• Leverage analytical platforms to monitor portfolio exposures, characteristics, and risks, including scenario and stress‑test analysis
• Perform cross‑asset portfolio analysis to assess performance, monitor risk, and identify optimization opportunities
• Maintain and enhance the investment manager database, ensuring data accuracy and seamless integration across systems
• Improve analytics workflows through automation and process enhancements
• Produce formal research reports and quarterly manager updates
• Communicate investment insights clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to investment committee

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant investment research experience (e.g., endowment & foundation, OCIO, RIA/Family Office or as a principal investor), with a focus on active manager due diligence

Education/Training

• B.S. Accounting, Economics, Engineering, Finance, or Math
• Interest in pursuing CFA Charter (or comparable certifying exam) preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and financial databases (e.g., Bloomberg, Morningstar, Bipsync, FactSet)
• Coding or data analytics experience is a strong plus
• Solid understanding of qualitative and quantitative investment principles
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas clearly

This position is an Exempt position. The annualized base pay range for this role is expected to be between $100,000 - $150,000/year. Actual base pay could vary based on factors including but not limited to experience, subject matter expertise, geographic location where work will be performed, and the applicant's skill set. The base pay is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include an annual cash bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

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About Focus Financial Partners

Focus is a leading financial services firm comprised of integrated wealth management, family office, and business management services. Blending deep expertise and expansive resources with a boutique, client‑first fiduciary philosophy, Focus helps individuals, families, and institutions navigate complex financial situations with highly personalized solutions tailored to their unique needs. To learn more about Focus, visit www.focusfinancialpartners.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.

Focus is an equal opportunity employer and bases its employment decisions on the employee or candidate’s skillset, and without regard to an employee or candidate’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state and/or federal law.

Focus complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].

For California Applicants

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For Indiana Applicants

It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by refusing to employ an applicant on the basis that they are a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component.

For Maryland Applicants

I UNDERSTAND THAT UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAP OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100.

For Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

For Montana Applicants

If hired, the employment relationship is governed by the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act. Mont. Code Ann. Section 39‑2‑901.

For Rhode Island Applicants

Focus is subject to Chapters 29‑38 of Title 28 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state’s workers’ compensation law. If you willfully provide false information about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, you may be barred from filing a claim under the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act of the State of Rhode Island if the false information is directly related to the personal injury that is the basis for the new claim for compensation. The Company complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act.