Description

GENERAL SUMMARY: As the research analyst, you will assist the Trust Investment Committee and Managing Director in setting the investment policy, investment guidelines, and appropriate asset allocation framework; working hand in hand with the portfolio administrator to execute trades and maintenance of the firm’s models. You will also be asked to build relationships with traditional and alternative investment firms.

STATEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS:

Community First Bank/HFG Trust expects all employees to comply with the responsibilities of their assigned position to the highest degree of performance by:

• Adhering to the Company’s policies and supporting Management decisions and goals in a positive, professional manner. 
• Representing the Company with an elevated level of integrity and professionalism.
• Maintaining knowledge and understanding of banking rules, regulations, laws, and all policies and procedures including but not limited to, the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Regulation E and Regulation CC.
• Demonstrate a willingness to adapt to changing business needs and deadlines.
• Possessing a work ethic that includes neatness and dependability.
• Exhibiting a professional, business-like appearance and demeanor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Asset Allocation and Fund Research
• Collaborate with the Managing Director on current and future portfolio construction and research initiatives.
• Research strategic asset allocation ideas to assist the firm in making the most informed decision for each of their objective-based asset allocation strategies. 
• Research and assist in the selection process across multiple asset classes (High-Quality Fixed Income, Credit, Global Stocks, Real Assets))
• Develop and maintain relationships with current and prospective third-party money managers (mutual funds and ETFs)
• Review the effectiveness of the approved strategy models and the compliance of the advisory team.
• Conduct ongoing due diligence on current and prospective managers, and actively communicate updates to the Trust Investment Committee and Advisory Team
• Prepare monthly third-party manager tracking dashboards.
• Lead client-specific research projects (fund-specific or strategy-focused questions, etc.)
• Assist the Managing Director and Trust Investment Committee with financial education and communication to internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist advisors in explaining portfolios and investment concepts in client meetings.
• Provide content for the Quarterly Reviews by writing commentary for clients and plan participants.
• Educate Investment Committee and Advisory team members on current events, financial markets, and portfolio construction updates.
• Manage the trading department and develop key KPIs to provide leadership.
• Understand the trading process and HFG’s trading software.
• Make mutual fund, ETF, and stock trades on an individual and model basis, as needed.
• Serve as a backup trader for the portfolio administrator in time of need or occasional vacation period.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Accounting, Finance, or Economics degree from an accredited university.
• Relevant experience in the industry with relevant responsibilities and duties

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Work experience that demonstrates investment acumen as well as people and teamwork skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Excellent communication, listening, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong project management skills – organized, meticulous, and able to multitask and prioritize.
• A passion for caring for clients.
• A team player with values fitting to the organization’s core values.
• Desire/ability to work successfully in a small company environment.
• Proactive, self-motivated personality
• Experience with investment platforms and/or client service

WORK CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Environment:

• Work requires regular attendance, punctuality, and adherence to agreed-upon schedule(s) with a willingness to work a flexible and/or rotating schedule, and/or extended hours, as needed.
• Climate-controlled office environment.
• Work involves being able to concentrate on the matter at hand, under sometimes distracting work conditions and frequent employee and customer contacts and interruptions during the day.

Physical:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to: sit; use hands in repetitive motions to finger, grasp, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to: stand; walk; and lift or reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to operate routine office equipment including computer terminals and keyboards, telephones, copiers, facsimiles, and calculators. Must be able to routinely perform work on a computer for an average of 6-8 hours per day, when necessary. Must be able to work extended hours or travel off-site whenever required or requested by management.  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include good visual acuity to read print and computer screens.