Investment Analyst

Job Description:

Investment Analyst

Description

CAREER DESCRIPTION

INVESTMENT ANALYST



Open to the Public

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the needs of OCERS have been met. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

OCERS’ Investments Team is eligible to participate in an annual Incentive Compensation Program upon the successful completion of the program requirements. OCERS offers an additional 5.5% certification pay for staff with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

OCERS offers a competitive benefits package, a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, annual leave, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.

DESCRIPTION

The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) invites you to join our team! We are now accepting on-line applications to fill the position of Investment Analyst.

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability, and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 54,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $25 billion dollar fund. For more information about OCERS, please click here .

Mission
OCERS' mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.

Vision
OCERS' vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.

Values

• Open and Transparent
• Commitment to Superior Service
• Engaged and Dedicated Workforce
• Reliable and Accurate
• Secure and Sustainable

THE OPPORTUNITY

Under the direction of the Director of Investments, this Investment Analyst position provides analytical and technical support for the Investments division in the areas of investment management, investment reporting, performance measurement, risk management, special projects and studies; performs related duties as required.

The Investment Analyst position reports directly to the Director of Investments and is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, professionalism, customer service, excellence, plan sponsor focus, and system efficiency. Assists the Investments Team in the day-to-day operations within the Investments department; tracks investment activities, ensures necessary transactions are completed as required, and identifies potential areas of concern.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Investment Analyst will be expected to perform operational, financial and investment analysis to support OCERS’ system and Investment Team initiatives and to perform other tasks as assigned. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide technical assistance to the members of the Investments Team in administering the long-term investment policy, strategic objectives, portfolio guidelines and manager selection.
• Regularly monitor the investment managers to assess performance, risk and return, and evaluate any strategy modification.
• Review portfolios to assess return and risk attribution and prepare reports, as required.
• Assist in the search process of investment managers, as required.
• Monitor compliance to Board-approved investment policies, strategies and portfolio guidelines.
• Assist the Investments Team in working with pension investment consultants to coordinate asset allocation studies and integrate results into the long-term investment strategy.
• Monitor portfolios of marketable and non-marketable securities to assess and maintain current valuation in custodian statements.
• Research and maintain history of capital calls, distributions, and returns of capital and prepare summary reports.
• Receive and file reconciliation statements and compliance reports from investment managers for assigned portfolios.
• Monitor investment performance relative to expected return and risk, ensure compliance consistent with investment policies, strategies, and guidelines, and report significant changes and/or discrepancies.
• Assist the Investments Team in preparing materials for Investment Committee meetings.
• Assist in the research and data collection required to fulfill information requests.
• Provide timely monthly portfolio reports and verify the accuracy of investment manager invoices.
• Support and monitor the investment manager due diligence CRM database.
• Support internal risk management systems, preparing reports as required.
• Complete various surveys on behalf of the Investments department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications required for entry into the classification:

Education

Graduation from an accredited university or college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.

Special Notes, Licenses or Requirements

• A valid driver's license or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel.
• The use of a personal vehicle may be required.
• A complete background investigation is required; a felony or misdemeanor conviction may be cause for disqualification.

Highly Desirable

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
• Experience with Bloomberg and CRM systems.
• Experience with performance analytics and investment risk management systems.

Please click here for details on this classification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The following lists the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge

• Investment concepts, terminology, styles, models, and strategies, including portfolio theory, asset allocation and performance measurement, and a solid understanding of capital markets.
• Principles and practices of institutional investment management.
• Modern portfolio theory and application.
• Analytical techniques and tools commonly utilized in investment management.
• Knowledge of statistical concepts, methods, and models and their application to investments.
• Computer techniques/programs applicable to financial data in evaluating investment managers and portfolios.
• Telephone, office and online etiquette.

Skills/Ability

• Establish and maintain professional relationships with members of the Investment Committee, OCERS’ management and professional staff, and consultants.
• Isolate critical investment data to assess the financial risk of investment options and operations.
• Evaluate the overall performance of external investment managers and consultants.
• Analyze economic, financial, and market trends to determine the highest overall investment returns consistent with OCERS' long-term goals and risk tolerances.
• Prioritize conflicting timelines to ensure that project deadlines are met.
• Interact with external service providers such as actuarial and investment consultants, money managers, and custodians.
• Utilize and coordinate the delivery of custodial services.
• Communicate in English clearly, concisely, and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Perform job functions with a high degree of independence and in an ethical and objective manner.
• Assist the Investments Team with quantitative research projects and evaluate risk models.
• Utilize computer software to compose spreadsheets, graphs, flowcharts, calculations, and miscellaneous reports, as assigned.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities that are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Ability to communicate clearly and understandably in person and over the telephone, both one-on-one and in small groups.
• Ability to operate a telephone, keyboard, computer, and calculator.
• Ability to interact professionally with members of the Investment Committee, employers, peers, and consultants.
• Ability to access a standard office environment.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.

Environmental Conditions

• The primary workplace is in an office environment, working with standard office equipment.
• Peripheral office equipment generates a quiet to moderate noise level.
• Operates in an environment that includes elected officials, non-elected officials, government agencies, community interest groups, and the general public in the development and coordination of OCERS affairs.
• Out of area travel may be required to attend professional conferences, due diligence, and meetings.

COMPENSATION, INCENTIVE, & CERTIFICATION PAY
Compensation will be determined based on the experience level, credentials, and personal characteristics of the candidate. OCERS’ Investments Team is eligible to participate in an annual Incentive Compensation Program upon the successful completion of the program requirements. OCERS offers an additional 5.5% certification pay for staff with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

For additional information and details about OCERS Incentive Compensation Policy, please click here .

BENEFITS
OCERS offers a competitive benefits package that includes a choice of several health plans, annual leave, and paid holidays. Additionally, OCERS has a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.

RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE
OCERS’ Human Resources Department will screen all applications and supplemental responses to identify qualified candidates. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental information form will be disqualified from further consideration. After screening, the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process and notified of all further procedures applicable to their application status.

Applications Appraisal Panel (AAP) | Application Rating (Refer/Non-Refer)
A panel of job knowledge experts will screen and evaluate all application materials for job knowledge, competencies, and related education and experience as described above. Please be thorough in your responses to supplemental questions as each will be evaluated and rated accordingly. Additionally, please be thorough in aligning your education and work experience to the competencies and qualifications listed in this bulletin. Clarity of expression, grammar, spelling and ability to follow instructions will also be considered in the evaluation. This is a competitive process and only the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step.

Qualifications Appraisal Panel | Oral Interview
Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.

Based on OCERS' needs and the number of applications received, the selection procedures listed above may be modified, and all affected candidates will be notified.

HOW TO APPLY

Only on-line applications with the completed supplemental questions and a resume attached to the application will be accepted.

E-mail is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct e-mail address is on your application and only use one e-mail account.

Your application should highlight all of the areas in which you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific qualifications listed above.

It is recommended that you record or print your confirmation page, as this verifies receipt of your on-line application.

You may apply on-line at OCERS website: https://www.ocers.org/careers-ocers

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment please contact Sarah Abrahamson at (714) 569-4818 or email sabrahamson@ocers.org. Do not submit resumes to this email address as they will not be considered in lieu of the required application process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMAIL NOTIFICATION

Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.

Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

EEO INFORMATION

OCERS, as an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).

Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information

Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$91,246.00 - $132,306.00 Annually