Under general supervision, the Research Associate II will be responsible for providing information, data gathering, analysis, modeling, and organization support to the senior level Research Analysts. Has mastered the foundational skills required of an Associate I. At this level, assumes significantly more writing and modeling responsibilities. Is responsible for developing a solid understanding of the assigned sector and can clearly state and defend the investment thesis for all stocks in the assigned sector. Must be able to handle basic question from Sales and Clients and is beginning to represent the associates in internal research presentations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONISIBILITES

• Build and maintain Excel-based financial models, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and discounted cash flow analysis.
• Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
• Analyze information obtained from management in order to conceptualize and define operational problems.
• Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy; reformulate models as necessary.
• Building and updating comp sheets.
• Managing the databases and electronic data services (i.e. Bloomberg, FactSet, etc.).
• Must be able to clearly state and defend the Analyst's investment thesis and outlook for each of the stocks under coverage.
• Respond to basic questions from institutional sales and clients regarding covered companies, and industry questions and data requests.
• Develop written product with modest direction from the senior level Research Analyst.
• Able to evaluate basic valuation methodologies to stocks under coverage and the broader sector.
• Meets the special projects demands of the senior level Research Analysts.
• Uses all resources to determine and locate relevant data.
• Continues to build industry knowledge.
• Continues to develop external sources (management teams, suppliers, and customers). Must be able to integrate these resources in the research product. Will be assigned a small client contact list and will be responsible for meeting the needs of those clients.
• Some travel by car and/or air in conjunction with local, regional and/or national travel, up to 20%.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Inductive Reasoning - the ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.
• Critical Thinking - using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Judgement and Decision Making - considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Time Managment - managing one's own time and priorities to ensure the meeting of deadlines.
• Oral and Written Expression - the ability to communicate information and ideas in spoken or written form so that others will understand.
• Economics, Accounting, Finance, and Securities Analysis - knowledge of economic, accounting, and financial principles and practices, the financial markets, the industry, the analysis and reporting of financial data, and associated terminology.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum required: Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum required: 2 to 4 years of relevant industry experience and/or proven experience at the Associate I level.

LICENSES AND CREDENTIALS

• Minimum required: none.