Equity Research Associate Job Description
Equity research associates help individuals and companies make informed investment decisions after performing extensive financial research and building financial models. Pharmaceutical companies, investment firms, securities companies, and financial businesses of all types hire equity research associates to work full-time shifts in office environments, typically during daytime business hours. Equity research associates work within collaborative financial research teams and perform most of their job duties with little supervision. They travel frequently to various industry and networking events, meetings, and companies seeking investment advice.
Equity Research Associate Duties and Responsibilities
Equity research associates perform job tasks that vary based on the number of accounts they manage and their client’s financial interests. However, there are some core duties associated with the job, including:
Conduct Research
Equity research associates research statistical data, industry trends and news, financial reports, and other information that they use to create detailed written research reports.
Perform Security Analysis
Equity research associates use research and financial models to create in-depth security and investment analysis.
Create Financial Models
Equity research associates design financial models showing investment profit projections over time.
Network with Colleagues and Clients
Equity research associates attend conferences and professional events, host meetings, and visit companies to build professional relationships.
Answer Questions
Equity research associates answer questions from customers and companies regarding financial security.
Design Investment Ideas
Equity research associates create new investment ideas and plans and make recommendations to help clients increase their profits and generate new business.
Equity Research Associate Skills and Qualifications
Equity research associates use analytical thinking and financial knowledge to design detailed models, write financial reports, and make investment recommendations to various clients. Employers hire candidates who have the following specific skills:
- Critical thinking – equity research associates use critical thinking skills to analyze and design investment plans for businesses and individuals
- Mathematics – because equity research associates constantly work with numbers and finances, strong math skills are an essential component of this job
- Computer skills – equity research associates use software programs and digital tools to design financial models, which requires strong computer skills
- Communication skills – equity research associates use verbal communication skills to consult with clients and written communication skills to create detailed financial reports
- Attention to detail – equity research associates are detail-oriented professionals who distill large amounts of data into usable pieces of information and spot details that can help them design financial plans
- Time management – equity research associates use time management skills to meet strict deadlines and perform tasks quickly and efficiently
Equity Research Associate Education and Training
A majority of employers seek equity research associates who have a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a similar field. However, many employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in one of these disciplines. In addition to education, many employers want equity research associates who have previous work experience with securities or investment. Employers may also require equity research associates to have a master’s degree in business administration or designation as a chartered financial analyst or certified public accountant.
Little training is provided to equity research associates, who have the necessary skills and education to perform their daily job duties. For the first few cases that equity research associates manage, they are typically closely monitored by a senior member of the investment team.
Equity Research Associate Salary and Outlook
Data from PayScale shows that equity research associates earn a median annual income of $72,840. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), financial analysts earn $84,300 annually. Financial analysts, like equity research associates, advise businesses and individuals on their investment decisions by performing analysis and research. The regular duties for the two job titles are very similar, and in some companies the two titles are interchangeable. The BLS predicts that jobs in this field will increase 11 percent through 2026, a rate that is faster than the national average.
Most employers provide equity research associates with extensive benefits packages that include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Retirement planning, paid vacation days, and paid holidays are also typically offered. In addition to a regular salary, many companies offer various monetary bonuses and profit-sharing agreements.
Helpful Resources
Explore these helpful resources to find jobs, career strategies, work techniques, and other tips for equity research associates:
Association for Financial Professionals – visit the AFP website to find jobs, discover career development resources, conduct research, network with other professionals, learn more about upcoming events, and browse certification programs
Financial Modeling for Equity Research Associates: A Step-by-Step Guide to Earnings Modeling – this step-by-step guide was written to provide equity research associates with tips for creating financial models. The text includes blank templates for various types of models
Association of Financial Analysts – look through financial reports and resources, explore jobs in the finance industry, and find resources and information for all types of financial analysts at this website
Nonprofit Asset Management: Effective Investment Strategies and Oversight – this book is a step-by-step guide to investment management. The text provides tips on asset allocation, creating frameworks, and other financial management tasks
Financial Management Association – find upcoming conference dates, browse publications, and look through other resources for financial professionals at this website
Best Practices for Equity Research Analysts: Essentials for Buy-Side and Sell-Side Analysts – this book, written by a security analyst, provides tips and techniques for equity research associates and analysts. The text explores monitoring financial factors, updating financial forecasts, and making recommendations, among other topics
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