Investment Analyst

INVESTMENT ANALYST
 

Open to the Public

This recruitment is open to the public on a continuous basis until the needs of the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) are met.
 
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time.

DESCRIPTION
The Orange County Employees Retirement System invites you to join our Investments team! We are now accepting on-line applications to fill the position of Investment Analyst. This recruitment will be used to establish an eligible list to fill an immediate vacancy within the Investments Department and will be used to fill current and future vacancies at the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS). The established eligible list may be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications.
 
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 48,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $21 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 Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”), the Investment Analyst provides analytical and technical support for the Investment 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 (DIO) and is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, plan sponsor focus, and system efficiency. Assists the Investments Team in the day-to- day operations within the Investment Department; track investment activities, ensure necessary transactions are completed as required, and identify potential areas of concern.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will possess or attain the knowledge, attributes, and qualities to be successful in an institutional setting. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following areas:

• 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 Investment Department

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum qualifications required for entry into the classification:
 
Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Accounting, Finance, Business or a related field from an accredited university or college

AND

Two years of relevant investment experience in an institutional setting such as a pension plan, foundation, endowment, consultant, or asset management firm
 
Special Notes, Licenses or Requirements

• A valid California Class C driver's license or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel
• May be required to use personal vehicle
• 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 of  

• 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 the management of equity and fixed income portfolios
• 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 to

• Establish and maintain professional relationships with members of the Board of Retirement and 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 time reports, etc.

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 Requirements

• Speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably in person, over the telephone, and in small groups
• Manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a telephone, keyboard, write, and use a calculator
• Mental stamina to interact professionally with members of the Board of Retirement, Plan Sponsors, peers, and consultants
• Vision sufficient to read fine print and a computer monitor
• Independent body mobility, agility, and stamina to stand, walk, stoop, bend, and twist, to access a standard office environment
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Body strength sufficient to lift up to 15 pounds and carry files

Environmental Conditions

• The primary work place 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

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.
 
Application Rating (AAP)
(Refer/Non-Refer) Application materials will be rated by a panel of job knowledge experts for those qualifications most needed to perform the duties of the job. The more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step. All notifications regarding this recruitment will be sent via e-mail.
 
Qualifications Appraisal Panel (QAP)
(Weighted 100%) 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.

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.

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