Analytics and Performance Analyst

Description

The Washington State Investment Board (WSIB) is a dedicated global investment management organization with over $244 billion in assets under management. The WSIB's globally diversified portfolios are comprised of more than 17,000 holdings across 91 countries on 6 continents and in 50 currencies. The WSIB's central mandate is to maximize return at a prudent level of risk.The WSIB manages investments for 18 retirement plans for public employees, teachers, school employees, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and judges. We also manage investments for several other important public funds that benefit Washington’s industrial insurance program, colleges and universities, and developmental disability programs. The WSIB’s excellent investment performance dramatically contributes to the state’s bottom line.

To learn more about our organization and the work we do, please visit our website at sib.wa.gov and follow us on LinkedIn.

The WSIB operates in a hybrid work environment, and this position should anticipate 60% of their time in the office.

This recruitment will remain open until filled, and it is in the candidate’s best interest to apply early.

The WSIB is seeking a qualified candidate to join our Fixed Income team as an Assistant Investment Officer or Investment Officer to assist in the prudent management of the fixed income portfolio in a manner consistent with statutes, regulations, Board policies, and the highest standard of professional conduct, for the exclusive benefit of fund beneficiaries.

We are looking for a curious, motivated, and technically proficient professional who brings a combination of analytical expertise, market awareness, and commitment to excellence. The ideal candidate will have a background in business, finance, computer science, or related technical discipline, with strong proficiency in Excel and experience with programming languages and data tools such as SQL and Python. Familiarity with Bloomberg, financial markets, database management, risk reporting, and ad hoc analysis is highly desirable. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation or progress towards is preferred but not required.

We value a creative thinker and collaborative problem-solver who demonstrates initiative, tenacity, adaptability, and a genuine desire to learn and grow. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who thrives in a structured public-sector environment, embraces opportunities to develop new skills, approaches challenges with curiosity, and contributes to a culture grounded in kindness, collaboration, accountability, and high achievement.

Duties

IF SELECTED FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY, YOU WILL:

• Assists in the management of the Fixed Income unit’s analytics and performance reporting primarily through the management of internal portfolio databases, portfolio analytic tools and team-wide technology innovation.
• Ensures analytics’ database accurately reflects the portfolio assets and corresponding risks.
• Maintains records of portfolio transactions, asset holdings and liquidity management.
• Maintains reports on country and industry concentration, interest rate, liquidity and credit risks.
• Prepares and analyzes performance reporting from the custodian bank for accuracy.
• Prepares data for reports or presentations for the WSIB Board, staff, and the Department of Labor and Industries.
• Verifies the accuracy of the data within the presentations for the Board of Directors and Labor and Industries.
• Maintains congruency between custodial databases, external consultant data, and internal portfolio analytics.
• Collaborates with WSIB Investment Data, Portfolio Administration and the custodian’s accounting and performance staff to resolve issues.
• Assists with oversight of investment policy compliance.
• Provides performance attribution relevant to the portfolio manager decision-making.
• Provides meaningful and timely ad hoc analysis for the portfolio manager.
• Spearhead technological advancement of portfolio analytical solutions.

Qualifications

COMPETITIVE APPLICANTS WILL HAVE:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, business administration or computer/data science, OR a related field. Minimum two years of fixed income investment experience in any of the following categories: portfolio analytics and performance attribution, credit evaluation, portfolio management, economic analysis, and related finance experience. Experience may not include managing your personal portfolio.
• A relevant Master’s degree and/or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation may substitute for a maximum of two years of experience.

THE STRONGEST APPLICANT WILL HAVE:

• SQL coding ability; familiarity with MS SQL Server Management Studio a plus.
• Proficiency in data structures, HTML, Python and/or other programming languages.
• Working knowledge of security structures held across the sectors used in the fixed income asset classes. This includes government, credit, mortgage, and structured product, such as asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations.
• Knowledge of the common Bloomberg fixed income benchmark indices.
• Strong communication skills.
• Working knowledge of fixed income products, markets, and portfolio management.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Self-starter qualities, critical thinking skills, and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Excel, Bloomberg, PowerPoint, and Word.

If your experience or qualifications look different from what we have identified and you think you can be successful in this position, please address this in your cover letter.

Supplemental Information

In addition to a complete profile, please include:

• A cover letter specifying why this position is of interest to you and how you meet the qualifications listed above. This letter should be no more than two pages.
• A current chronological resume.

BACKGROUND CHECK: Prior to a new hire, a background check including reference checks, education verification, credit check, and criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. At the WSIB you’ll experience true work-life balance and talented, passionate co-workers focused on maximizing the investment returns for the exclusive benefit of the beneficiaries.?The WSIB is a respected institutional investor and thought leader in its industry and we value diverse perspectives and life experiences. WSIB is open to candidates who may require employment-based visa sponsorship. Sponsorship decisions are made based on position requirements, business needs, candidate qualifications, and applicable immigration regulations. The WSIB is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color and those representing diverse ethnicities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision for employee & dependents; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS);Vacation, Sick, and other Leave;11 Paid Holidays and 1 Personal Holiday per year; Public Service Loan Forgiveness; Long Term Disability; Life Insurance; Deferred Compensation Programs; Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP);Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA);Employee Assistance Program; Commute Trip Reduction Incentives; professional development opportunities; flexible work schedules; and participation in the Combined Fund Drive; and SmartHealth. An overview of benefits of state employment and WSIB specifically can also be found on our website. The WSIB is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the WSIB will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected].