Research Associate - U.S. Growth & Core (Technology)

William Blair; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

William Blair in Chicago is seeking a Research Associate to perform fundamental research that informs clients and investment teams about companies and securities. You’ll gather and validate data, build and update financial models, and analyze industry sectors to identify opportunities.

You’ll prepare reports and presentations, visit companies, meet executives, and help identify new investment ideas for Portfolio Managers while ensuring compliance with rules and policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, concentration in Accounting or Finance preferred.
• 1–2 years of work experience within Big 4 or similar public accounting preferred.
• Strong financial analysis and accounting statement analysis skills.
• Knowledge of data gathering and analysis best practices and methodologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of investment concepts and products with strong desire to learn.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with investment and research teams.
• Ability to work independently in support of team goals.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and industry standard data sources.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed knowledge of technology industry and companies and keep abreast of related market developments and news.
• Gather and analyze research data related to targeted industry and companies, and maintain accurate, current research databases.
• Conduct research analyses on targeted companies, including analysis of financial performance and management.
• Analyze market sectors and trends and conduct financial and accounting statement analyses.
• Prepare industry and company reports, presentations and exhibits to summarize research findings.

Skills

Financial analysis

Data gathering

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office

Industry data sources

Job description

Solutions for Today’s Challenges. Vision for Tomorrow’s Opportunities.

Join William Blair, the Premier Global Partnership.

As a Research Associate at William Blair, you’ll conduct the fundamental research that shapes how our clients and investment teams understand companies and securities. Working at the direction of senior research analysts, you’ll assemble and validate data on quality growth companies, build and update financial models, and analyze industry sectors and securities to identify opportunities. You’ll prepare reports, notes, and presentations, visit companies, attend conferences, and build relationships with company executives. Your investment ideas and recommendations reach clients directly and help generate new business for the firm.

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

• Develop detailed knowledge of technology industry and companies and keep abreast of related market developments and news.
• Gather and analyze research data related to targeted industry and companies, and maintain accurate, current research databases. Conduct research analyses on targeted companies, including analysis of financial performance, competitive industry positioning, quality of company management, etc.
• Analyze market sectors and trends and conduct financial and accounting statement analyses. Develop and maintain financial models for revenue and income forecasts, cash flow analysis, balance sheet and quarterly projections.
• Prepare industry and company reports, presentations and exhibits to summarize research findings for Research teams.
• Host meetings with company executives, sell-side brokers, and third-party research providers. Document and maintain information for analysis activities.
• Assist Research Analysts in identifying and formulating new investment ideas for Portfolio Managers, and recommending securities and companies in one or more industry groups targeted to follow.
• Ensure all work activities are in compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; concentration in Accounting or Finance preferred
• 1-2 years of work experience within Big 4 or similar public accounting experience preferred
• Strong financial analysis and accounting statement analysis skills
• Knowledge of data gathering and analysis best practices and methodologies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Basic knowledge of investment concepts and products with strong desire to learn
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with investment and research teams
• Ability to work independently in support of team goals
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and industry standard data sources

#LI-HK1

A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range at time of posting is below. Base salary does not include other forms of compensation or benefits. Actual base salary within the specified range is based on several factors, including but not limited to applicant’s skills, prior relevant experience, specific degrees and certifications, job responsibilities, market considerations and, if applicable, the location of the position.

This role is eligible for either a discretionary annual bonus (based on company, business unit and individual performance) and/or commission-based incentives.

Our featured benefit offerings include medical, dental and vision coverage, employer paid short & long-term disability and life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, Maven family & fertility benefit, parental leave (including adoption, surrogacy, and foster placement), as well as other voluntary benefits.

Salary Range

$120,000—$130,000 USD

About Our Firm

William Blair strives to attract qualified candidates who specialize in investment banking, investment management, private wealth management, and other strategic resource groups. We are committed to empowering our colleagues to deliver client success and engage in our communities. Our firm has delivered trusted advice for nine decades, continuing to deepen our expertise and relationships across asset classes and markets throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet clients’ evolving needs amid dynamic market conditions and varying industries. What sets us apart is that we are an independent partnership, with colleagues who have unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We empower our people to bring their best thinking so we can deliver the tailored, thoughtful work and problem-solving abilities that our clients expect. We invite you to learn more about us by visiting williamblair.com.

William Blair is an equal opportunity employer. It complies with all laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in employment practice because of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, marital status, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from the military service or on the basis of a physical or mental disability that is unrelated to the employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job applied for. EOE m/f/d/v

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